Ledger® Onboarding™ — Official Setup Hub | Ledger.com/start

Welcome to the official Ledger® onboarding and setup hub! This page is your guide to securely setting up your Ledger hardware wallet to protect your digital assets. Whether you're new to cryptocurrency or an experienced user, this setup guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, ensuring you can manage your crypto safely and efficiently.

What You'll Need

Before you begin the setup process, make sure you have the following items on hand:

Note: Your recovery seed is crucial for the recovery of your wallet in case your device is lost or damaged. Never store it digitally or online.

Step 1: Go to Ledger's Setup Page

The first step is to visit the official Ledger setup page at ledger.com/start. This page will direct you to the specific instructions and software you need to download based on your device model.

On this page, you will be asked to select your device type (Ledger Nano S, Nano X, or Ledger Stax). Choose the correct model to ensure you receive the correct setup instructions.

Step 2: Download Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official software application required to interact with your Ledger hardware wallet. You will need it to manage your cryptocurrency assets, view balances, install apps, and send/receive transactions. To install Ledger Live:

  1. Click the download link for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) on the setup page.
  2. Once the installer file is downloaded, open it and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
  3. After installation is complete, launch Ledger Live from your device.

Tip: Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website to ensure you get the latest and most secure version of the software.

Step 3: Connect Your Ledger Device

With Ledger Live installed, it's time to connect your Ledger hardware wallet:

  1. Take your Ledger device and connect it to your computer or mobile device using the provided USB cable (or Bluetooth if using a Ledger Nano X with mobile).
  2. Power on the device. You should see the Ledger logo appear on the screen.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions on your Ledger device to select your language and begin the setup process.

Note: If you are using a Ledger Nano X with a mobile device, you can connect it via Bluetooth for easy setup and management.

Step 4: Set Up Your PIN Code

Your Ledger device needs to be secured with a PIN code. This PIN will be required every time you access your wallet. Follow these steps to set up your PIN:

  1. On your Ledger device, select the option to set up your PIN code.
  2. Choose a 4-8 digit PIN. Ensure that it’s both secure and memorable.
  3. Confirm your PIN by entering it a second time.

Tip: Avoid simple PINs like "1234" or "0000" to enhance the security of your wallet.

Step 5: Write Down Your Recovery Seed

Your Ledger device will generate a 24-word recovery seed. This recovery seed is critical for recovering your wallet if you lose your device or it becomes damaged. Here's how to record it securely:

  1. Write down the 24 words in the order they appear on the recovery sheet provided with your Ledger device.
  2. Keep your recovery sheet in a safe, offline location. Avoid storing it digitally or online to protect your wallet from theft.

Warning: Anyone with access to your recovery seed can access your cryptocurrency assets. Keep it secure and private at all costs.

Step 6: Verify Your Recovery Seed

Once you've written down your recovery seed, you’ll be asked to verify it by entering the words in the correct order. This ensures that you've correctly recorded your recovery seed:

  1. On your Ledger device, select the recovery seed words in the exact order shown on your recovery sheet.
  2. After you confirm all the words, your device will notify you that your recovery seed is correctly saved.

Tip: Double-check each word and its order to avoid any errors when restoring your wallet in the future.

Step 7: Install Cryptocurrency Apps

Now that your Ledger device is set up and secured, you can install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage. Ledger supports a wide variety of coins and tokens. To install apps:

  1. Open Ledger Live and navigate to the "Manager" tab.
  2. Choose the cryptocurrency apps you wish to install (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.), and click "Install".
  3. Once installed, you can start managing your digital assets securely.

Tip: Only install the apps for cryptocurrencies you plan to actively use. This keeps your device organized and efficient.

Step 8: Start Using Your Ledger Wallet

Your Ledger wallet is now fully set up! You can begin using it to send and receive cryptocurrency. Here’s how:

Important: Always double-check the recipient’s address before confirming any transaction. Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible.