Welcome to the world's most secure way to manage your crypto and NFTs. Follow this definitive guide to set up your Ledger hardware wallet and take absolute control of your digital future.
Always use the official Ledger website for downloads and support.
The setup process is simple, guided, and designed to ensure maximum security. It involves both the physical Ledger device and the essential companion software, Ledger Live.
Ledger Live is the essential companion app for your device. Download it directly from the official Ledger website. Avoid third-party links to protect yourself against malicious software.
Plug your Ledger Nano device into your computer using the supplied USB cable. Follow the on-screen instructions that appear on the device's screen.
Set a unique, 4 to 8-digit PIN code. This code is needed for daily access and should be memorized—do not write it down near your device.
This is the most critical step. Your device will display 24 words one by one. Write them down *only* on the provided physical Recovery Sheet. This is your master backup.
The device will ask you to confirm several words in the correct order. This is a crucial validation check to ensure you have recorded the phrase accurately. Take your time.
Once the device confirms 'Your device is ready,' open Ledger Live. The app will perform a final 'Genuine Check' to ensure your Ledger hardware is legitimate and tamper-proof.
**CRITICAL SECURITY NOTE: The 24-Word Recovery Phrase**
Your 24-word recovery phrase is the only backup of your private keys. Lose it, and you lose access to your crypto forever. Write it down **accurately** on the Recovery Sheet, store it in a secure, fireproof location, and **never** take a digital photo, store it in the cloud, or type it into any computer. Ledger will *never* ask you for this phrase.
Ledger Live is your essential software interface, allowing you to manage multiple crypto assets, install applications on your Nano device, and perform transactions safely. After installation, the application will run a **Genuine Check**—a cryptographic verification process that ensures your device is an authentic Ledger product and has not been tampered with. This is a crucial security step that no other wallet provider can offer.
Firmware is the operating system of your Ledger device. Updating it is mandatory for security and access to new features. You can only update the firmware through the official Ledger Live application.
**Safety Tip:** Your crypto assets remain safe on the blockchain during a firmware update. The update affects only the device's operating system.
If Ledger Live doesn't recognize your device, first try a different USB port or a different cable. Ensure Ledger Live is the *only* cryptocurrency-related application open (close MetaMask, etc.). Rebooting your computer can also resolve driver issues.
If you enter the wrong PIN three times in a row, the device will wipe itself clean as a security measure. This means all data on the device is erased, but your crypto is safe. You must then use your 24-word Recovery Phrase to restore your wallet on the device.
If your device appears frozen or stuck during the setup or firmware update, ensure your USB connection is stable and try force-closing and reopening Ledger Live. Your Ledger is designed to be highly resilient; connection problems are usually PC-related.
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