Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start®

Nelson F Burnell

— 3 min read

Welcome to the world of secure self-custody! Your new Ledger device is the key to managing your crypto assets with unparalleled security. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to set up your device and start your journey with confidence.

What's in the Box?

Before you begin, ensure you have all the components from your Ledger box:

  • Your Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax)
  • A USB-C cable
  • A recovery sheet for writing down your 24-word recovery phrase
  • Keychain strap (for some models)
⚠️ IMPORTANT SECURITY WARNING: Your Ledger device is the only authentic source for your recovery phrase. Never share your 24-word phrase with anyone, and never enter it into any website, app, or software other than your Ledger device itself.

Step 1: Download & Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official companion app for your Ledger device. It allows you to manage your crypto portfolio, buy, sell, and swap assets, and install apps on your device.

  1. Go to Ledger.com/Start on your computer or smartphone.
  2. Download the correct version of Ledger Live for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or mobile device (iOS, Android).
  3. Install the application by following the on-screen instructions.

Step 2: Initialize Your Ledger Device

  1. Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the provided USB cable.
  2. Follow the on-screen prompts on your device to choose a PIN code. This PIN protects your device from physical unauthorized access.
  3. Your device will then generate your 24-word recovery phrase. This is the single most important piece of information in your crypto journey.

How to Safely Write Down Your Recovery Phrase:

  • Use the provided recovery sheet and a pen with permanent ink.
  • Write the words in the exact order they appear on the device's screen.
  • Double-check each word for spelling and sequence.
  • Never take a digital photo or store it in a cloud service.
💡 Pro Tip: Store your recovery sheet in a safe, secure, and private place, like a fireproof safe or a safety deposit box. Consider a metal backup solution for added protection against fire and water damage.

Step 3: Set Up Ledger Live

  1. Open the Ledger Live application on your computer or phone.
  2. Select "Initialize as new device."
  3. Follow the in-app guide to:
    • Verify your recovery phrase: Ledger Live will ask you to confirm several words from your list. This ensures you have written it down correctly.
    • Install device apps: Crypto assets (like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Solana) are managed through individual apps on your Ledger device. Ledger Live will guide you to install the apps for the cryptocurrencies you wish to manage.
    • Add accounts: For each crypto app installed on your device, you need to add a corresponding account in Ledger Live. This generates your secure public addresses for receiving funds.

Step 4: Receive Your First Crypto

You're all set! To receive crypto:

  1. In Ledger Live, go to the account you want to receive to (e.g., your Bitcoin account).
  2. Click "Receive."
  3. Ledger Live will ask you to connect your Ledger device and open the corresponding app (e.g., the Bitcoin app).
  4. A genuine check will be performed on your device's screen. Always verify the address on your device screen matches the one in Ledger Live.
  5. Once verified, use the address provided to receive funds from an exchange or another wallet.

Next Steps & Best Practices

  • Explore the Marketplace: Use Ledger Live to buy crypto directly with a card, swap between assets, or even stake your coins to earn rewards.
  • Stay Secure: Bookmark our official website and blog to stay updated on security best practices and new features.
  • Need Help? Visit our extensive Help Center for detailed articles and troubleshooting guides.

Welcome to True Ownership

By completing these steps, you have taken full control of your cryptographic keys and, therefore, your digital assets. Your Ledger device empowers you to explore the world of Web3 with the highest level of security.

Welcome to the Ledger family.

Ledger Official Team

Ledger, Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, and Ledger Stax are registered trademarks of Ledger SAS.

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