Your secure journey into the world of crypto starts here. Set up your **Ledger Nano hardware wallet** and gain true ownership of your assets.
A **Ledger Nano** device is the industry standard for **crypto security**. Unlike software wallets or keeping assets on an exchange, a hardware wallet keeps your private keys **offline** in a certified secure chip (a Secure Element). This makes it virtually impossible for hackers to steal your funds, even if your computer is compromised.
Follow this step-by-step guide to set up your **Ledger Nano X** or **Ledger Nano S Plus** and start securing your digital wealth immediately. This initial setup is critical for your **crypto security**.
The **Ledger Live** application is your all-in-one gateway to managing your assets. It’s essential for initiating your **hardware wallet setup**. Download the official version only from **Ledger.com/Start** or the verified app stores. Do not use links from emails or third-party sites.
Download Ledger LiveConnect your **Ledger Nano** to your computer using the supplied USB cable. Open the **Ledger Live** app and select "Initialize a new device." Follow the on-screen instructions in the app and on your device's screen. The device will prompt you to choose a **PIN code**. Select a strong, unique PIN that only you know.
Your **Ledger Nano** screen will display 24 words one by one. Write them down **manually** on the provided Recovery Sheet. **NEVER** digitize this phrase (no photos, no cloud storage, no typing). Store this physical paper in a secure, fireproof location. Ledger Live will guide you through a verification process to ensure you wrote it down correctly.
Once your **Ledger device** is set up and your **recovery phrase** is verified, use the "Manager" section in **Ledger Live** to install the specific applications for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage (e.g., **Bitcoin** app, **Ethereum** app). After installation, click "Add account" for each coin to generate your public addresses. You are now ready to receive and securely manage your assets!
Setting up your **Ledger Nano** is just the beginning. Maintaining a strong security posture is essential for long-term protection of your assets.
Your **24-word recovery phrase** is the single most important piece of information. **Ledger** will never ask you for it. **Ledger Live** will never ask you for it. A support agent will never ask you for it. **ANY** website, application, or person asking for your 24 words is a scammer. Your phrase should **only** be entered into a **genuine Ledger hardware device** during initial setup or recovery.
Regularly check for and apply official **firmware updates** via the **Ledger Live** Manager section. These updates improve security, add new features, and ensure compatibility. Always perform updates with your **Ledger device** connected and PIN entered.
The **Ledger Live** app performs an automatic **genuine check** every time you connect your device. This verifies that your device is a genuine **Ledger hardware wallet** and has not been tampered with. Only a genuine **Ledger** can pass this check.
Don't panic! Your crypto is not on the device; it's on the blockchain. Your device holds the private keys. As long as you have your **24-word recovery phrase**, you can restore (recover) access to all your funds on a new **Ledger hardware wallet** or any compatible wallet.
Yes. The **Ledger Nano S Plus** and **Ledger Nano X** have enough storage to hold multiple crypto applications simultaneously, allowing you to manage different assets like **Bitcoin** and **Ethereum** all from the same device and within **Ledger Live**.
You are viewing a comprehensive guide based on the official steps. The best place to start is to download the **Ledger Live** app directly from the main **Ledger** website or verified app stores, as linked above.
No. Software wallets are "hot" (connected to the internet), making them vulnerable to malware and online attacks. A **Ledger** is a "cold storage" device, keeping your keys offline and secure, which is the superior method for serious **crypto security**.
Join the millions of users who trust **Ledger** to protect their digital assets.
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© 2025 Ledger SAS. All rights reserved. Ledger, Ledger Nano X, Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Live, and the Ledger logo are registered trademarks. The information provided is for educational and guidance purposes only. Always follow the official setup procedures on your **Ledger hardware wallet**.