Ledger® Nano™ Setup — Start Managing Crypto with Ledger Live™

A clear, secure, step-by-step guide to initialize your Ledger Nano, install Ledger Live, protect your recovery phrase, and begin managing crypto safely.

Unboxing and First Inspection

When you open the box, verify the package seal and inspect the device for any signs of tampering. The package should contain your Ledger Nano device, a USB cable, a recovery sheet, and quick start materials. Do not use a device if the packaging looks altered or if stickers are missing that should be present on a genuine Ledger product. If anything seems off, contact official Ledger support before proceeding.

Powering Up and Basic Navigation

Connect your Ledger Nano to your computer or mobile device using the supplied cable. The device will power on and show a welcome screen. Use the buttons to navigate: press both buttons to confirm, press the left or right button to scroll. Follow the prompts to begin setup.

Initializing the Device

Choose to set up as a new device when prompted. You will be asked to create a PIN code — choose a PIN you will remember but that is not easily guessed. Enter the PIN using the device buttons; the PIN protects access to the device itself.

Recovery Phrase — The Most Important Step

After setting your PIN, the device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase (some models use 24 words). Write this phrase exactly and in order on the provided recovery sheet. Do not store the phrase digitally, in photos, or on cloud storage. Keep the recovery sheet in a secure, offline location; consider using a fireproof safe or metal backup if available. The recovery phrase is the only way to restore your funds if the device is lost, damaged, or stolen. Anyone with access to your recovery phrase can take access to your funds.

Installing Ledger Live

On your computer or phone, download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Confirm that you are on the genuine Ledger domain and that the download is signed or checksummed according to Ledger’s instructions. Install the application and open it. Ledger Live will guide you through device initialization, firmware updates, and the installation of crypto apps.

Firmware Updates and Device Integrity

If Ledger Live suggests a firmware update, follow the instructions carefully. Updating firmware ensures you have the latest security fixes. Only perform updates while connected to Ledger Live and only when prompted by Ledger. Ledger Live verifies the device’s integrity and authenticates firmware before installation.

Adding Crypto Accounts

Ledger Live uses small applications (apps) installed on the device to manage different blockchains. Through Ledger Live, install the apps you need — for example Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana — and add corresponding accounts. Each account you add in Ledger Live represents addresses derived from the same recovery phrase and kept secure by your device.

Sending and Receiving

Receiving funds: In Ledger Live, select the account, click Receive, and confirm the address on your hardware wallet display. Always verify that the address on your computer matches the address shown on the device. This prevents address substitution attacks.
Sending funds: When sending, Ledger Live will show the transaction details and your device will require you to confirm amounts and recipient addresses. Confirm these details on the device screen — never rely only on the host computer display.

Security Best Practices

Never share your recovery phrase: Ledger staff will never ask for it. Any request for your recovery phrase is a scam.
Verify addresses on the device: Always confirm receiving addresses and transaction details directly on the Ledger device screen.
Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated: Regular updates patch vulnerabilities and improve support.
Use a dedicated computer or mobile device if possible: minimizes exposure to malware.
Beware of phishing: only visit ledger.com and use clearly bookmarked links; check URLs carefully before downloading.

Using Ledger with dApps and Third-Party Wallets

Ledger devices can sign transactions for many decentralized applications and wallets through secure integrations. When connecting to a dApp, confirm the origin and the operations you are approving. Revoke approvals you no longer use through Ledger Live or the dApp’s security settings.

Backup Strategies

Consider multiple offline backups of your recovery phrase stored in separate secure locations. Avoid keeping backups in the same physical place to reduce risk from theft, fire, or natural disaster. Use metal backups if you want protection from fire and water damage.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Device not recognized: Try a different USB cable or port, or connect to a different computer. Ensure Ledger Live is updated.
Firmware update stalled: Do not disconnect. Follow Ledger Live prompts; if necessary, consult official support.
Lost device: Use your recovery phrase to restore accounts on a new Ledger device or compatible recoverable wallet.
Forgotten PIN: Reinitialize the device and restore from your recovery phrase. This will reset the device and require the recovery phrase to recover accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can Ledger recover my funds if I lose my device?
A: Ledger does not hold your private keys. Your funds are recoverable only with your recovery phrase, not by Ledger support.

Q: Is the Ledger recovery phrase compatible with other wallets?
A: Yes, the recovery phrase follows BIP39/BIP44 standards and can often be imported into compatible wallets, although exact compatibility may vary.

Glossary & Quick Checklist

Glossary:

Private key: secret number that allows spending of funds; stored inside your Ledger device.
Recovery phrase: the human-readable representation of your private keys; keep it offline and secret.
Firmware: software on the device that enforces security.

Quick setup checklist:

Verify package integrity and authenticity.
Power on and initialize a new device.
Create a strong PIN and write down the recovery phrase.
Install Ledger Live from ledger.com and update firmware.
Install required crypto apps and add accounts.
Test a small transaction first.
Store recovery phrase safely and consider a metal backup.

Legal, Privacy & Final Reminder

Ledger provides hardware and software tools to manage private keys but does not control blockchain ledgers or funds. Confirm legal obligations in your jurisdiction regarding taxes and reporting. Treat the recovery phrase as you would treat valuable physical assets: write it down precisely, store it offline, and never share it. If you ever feel unsure, double-check official instructions and avoid third-party shortcuts that ask for private keys or recovery phrases.