Welcome to the official getting started guide for your Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you've just received your Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax, this step-by-step guide will walk you through setting up your wallet securely using Ledger.com/Start.
Ledger wallets are designed to keep your crypto assets safe from online threats by storing your private keys in a secure, offline device. Unlike software wallets, Ledger’s secure element chip protects against malware, phishing attacks, and computer breaches. With Ledger Live and your device, you maintain full custody of your assets — always.
Make sure the box is sealed and untampered. Ledger devices are never pre-initialized.
Begin by visiting the official start page: https://www.ledger.com/start
. This page will guide you to download Ledger Live and walk you through setup instructions specific to your device model.
Ledger Live is your command center for managing accounts, installing apps, and checking balances. It also updates your device firmware.
Plug your Ledger device into your computer or smartphone (via USB or Bluetooth for Nano X). Follow the prompts on Ledger Live to:
Never share or photograph your recovery phrase. This seed gives full access to your wallet. Write it down on the provided recovery sheet and store it securely.
You’ll be prompted to choose a PIN code (4 to 8 digits). This protects your wallet from unauthorized physical access. After 3 incorrect entries, the device resets.
Write down the 24 words displayed on your device screen in the correct order. This phrase is your only backup. If you lose access to your Ledger, this is how you recover it.
You can now receive crypto safely — just copy your verified public address and send assets from an exchange or another wallet.
Your private keys never leave the device. Even if your computer is compromised, transactions are protected.
Enable a passphrase to create a “hidden” wallet. Each passphrase generates a unique wallet. Only use if you fully understand the risks — losing the passphrase = loss of access.
Ledger Live includes a built-in dashboard that shows real-time balances, price changes, and asset allocations.
You can stake assets like ETH, DOT, and ATOM directly through Ledger Live and earn rewards while keeping your keys offline.