Welcome to Your Ledger Journey: Let's Get Started

Congratulations on choosing Ledger, the world's leading security platform for cryptocurrencies and blockchain applications. You've taken a crucial step toward true digital sovereignty. This dedicated page, Ledger.com/start, is your official companion to ensure a smooth, secure, and successful setup of your new Ledger hardware wallet.

Whether you have a Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, or the new Ledger Stax, the core principles of security remain the same. Let's transform that box in your hand into an impenetrable vault for your digital assets.

Before You Begin: What You'll Need

To ensure a seamless setup, please have the following ready:

  • Your new Ledger device and the supplied USB cable.
  • A computer or a smartphone with an internet connection.
  • A pen and paper (or a dedicated notebook) for your Recovery Phrase. Never type this on a computer or phone.

Your Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Follow these steps carefully. Do not rush. Security is a process, not a race.

Step 1: Unbox and Connect Your Device

Carefully unbox your Ledger device. You should find the device itself, a USB cable, and a keychain strap. For Nano X users, you will also find a charging cable.

  1. Connect your Ledger device to your computer or phone using the USB cable.
  2. Your device will display "Welcome". Press both buttons to begin.
  3. Follow the on-screen prompts to choose "Configure as new device".

Step 2: The Most Critical Step: Your Recovery Phrase

This is the heart of your wallet's security. Your Recovery Phrase (also known as a seed phrase) is a unique list of 24 words generated by your device. Anyone with these words has complete control over your assets.

  1. Your device will begin generating your unique 24-word list. Write down each word in the exact order it appears on the device screen onto your paper.
  2. Crucial Security Checks:
    • Ledger-Generated: Only trust the words displayed on your Ledger screen. Never accept a pre-printed card with words already on it.
    • Offline Only: The words never leave your device. Never digitize them—no photos, no cloud storage, no text files.
    • Double-Check: Review your list for spelling and order errors. This is your lifeline.

Step 3: Confirm Your Recovery Phrase

To ensure you've written it down correctly, your device will now ask you to re-enter a selection of the words. This step verifies your backup and proves you have a correct record. Select the correct words from the list on the device to proceed.

Step 4: Set a Secure PIN Code

Your PIN code is the first line of defense for your physical device.

  1. Choose a PIN code that is at least 4 digits long (8 is recommended for stronger security).
  2. Confirm your PIN by entering it a second time.
  3. Remember: This PIN protects your device if it's ever lost or stolen. After three incorrect attempts, the device will reset itself, wiping all data. Your funds remain safe and can be restored using your 24-word Recovery Phrase on a new Ledger device.

Installing Ledger Live: Your Command Center

Your Ledger device is the secure vault; Ledger Live is the application you use to manage it.

  1. Download Ledger Live: Go to the official Ledger Live website and download the application for your desktop or mobile. Always download software directly from the official Ledger website to avoid phishing scams.
  2. Install and Open: Run the installer and open the Ledger Live application.
  3. Initialize Setup: Select your Ledger device model and follow the in-app instructions. It will guide you to "Connect and unlock your device".

Step 5: Connect and Verify

  1. In Ledger Live, when prompted, connect and unlock your device with your PIN.
  2. A crucial security step: Ledger Live will ask you to "Allow Ledger Manager." This grants the app permission to install apps on your device. Confirm this on your device's screen.
  3. Your device will display "Genuine Check". This verification confirms your Ledger is authentic and has not been tampered with. Once it passes, you are ready to proceed.

You're All Set! What's Next?

Congratulations! Your Ledger hardware wallet is now securely set up. The dashboard of Ledger Live is your new command center. Here’s what you can do now:

  • Add Crypto Accounts: Click on "Add Account" to create a secure account for each cryptocurrency you wish to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Polygon). Your device will be required to verify and complete each addition.
  • Receive Crypto: To receive funds, select the account, click "Receive," and follow the prompts. Your device will verify the receiving address, ensuring it is correct and has not been altered by malware on your computer.
  • Explore the Discover Tab: Use Ledger Live's built-in services to safely buy crypto, stake assets to earn rewards, or connect to Web3 applications through the "Discover" section.

Your Security Responsibility

Your Ledger provides world-class security, but you are the guardian of your Recovery Phrase and PIN.

  • Guard Your Recovery Phrase: Store your 24 words in a safe, permanent, and offline location. Consider a fireproof and waterproof safe.
  • Beware of Scams: Ledger will never ask for your 24 words. Ignore any DM, email, or website that requests them. They are for your eyes only.

Thank you for trusting Ledger. You have now successfully fortified your digital wealth. Welcome to a more secure future.