Skip to main content

​
Ledger.com/start Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Legr60 / / Step 1: Download the Official Ledger Wallet App The application formerly known as Ledger Live is now called Ledger Wallet. Download it exclusively from the official Ledger website. Avoid searching for it in app stores or clicking on sponsored links, as phishing scams are common. The desktop version is generally required for the initial setup of most devices, while the mobile version is convenient for managing accounts on the go . Note that the Ledger Nano X can connect to mobile via Bluetooth, but desktop connections require a USB cable . Step 2: Connect and Power On Your Device Using the USB cable provided in the box, connect your Ledger device to your computer. For button-based models like the Nano X or Nano S Plus, press the button next to the USB port to turn it on. For touchscreen models like the Ledger Flex or Stax, press and hold the right-side button for about one second until the welcome message appears . Once the device is on, open the Ledger Wallet app you just installed. The app should automatically detect your connected device. Step 3: Choose “Set Up as New Device” On your Ledger device screen, you will be prompted to either set up a new device or restore from a recovery phrase. Since this is a new setup, select the option to Set up as new device. This action tells the device to generate a brand-new set of private keys and a new Secret Recovery Phrase. Press both buttons simultaneously (on button-based models) or tap the screen (on touchscreen models) to confirm your selection . Step 4: Create a Strong PIN Code You will now be asked to choose a PIN code. This code is required every time you turn on and unlock your device. Choose a PIN that is 4 to 8 digits long. Ledger strongly recommends using the full 8 digits for optimal security, as it makes brute-force attacks significantly harder . Use the left and right buttons to scroll through numbers, and press both buttons to select a digit. You will need to enter the PIN twice to confirm it. Never share this PIN with anyone. Step 5: Write Down Your 24-Word Secret Recovery Phrase This is the most critical step of the entire process. Your device will now display a series of 24 words, one by one, on its secure screen. These words are your Secret Recovery Phrase—the only backup of your private keys. If your device is lost, stolen, or damaged, this phrase is the only way to recover your assets. Take the blank Recovery Sheet included in the box and write down each word carefully and legibly, in the exact order displayed. Double-check your spelling as you go . Once you have written all 24 words, the device will ask you to confirm the phrase by selecting the words in order. This verification step ensures you have copied them correctly. After confirmation, your device will display a message indicating that it is ready. Store your Recovery Sheet in a secure, offline location, such as a safe or a safety deposit box. Never take a photo of it, store it in a cloud service, or enter it into any website or app, as these actions expose your phrase to potential theft . Step 6: Verify Your Device’s Authenticity After the initial setup, the Ledger Wallet app will prompt you to verify the authenticity of your device. This process, called the “genuine check,” confirms that your device is a genuine Ledger product and has not been tampered with. The app uses cryptographic proofs to verify the device’s secure element chip. Follow the on-screen instructions in the app to complete this check. You will need to press buttons on your device to approve the connection . Once verified, the app will display a success message.