ledger.com/start Ledger.com/Start - Set Up Your Ledger Wallet

Introduction

Congratulations on choosing a Ledger wallet to secure your cryptocurrency! Whether you're using a Ledger Nano S or Ledger Nano X, these devices are designed to protect your digital assets by keeping your private keys offline. Follow this simple guide to set up your Ledger wallet securely and start managing your cryptocurrencies with peace of mind.

Step 1: Unbox Your Ledger Wallet

Upon receiving your Ledger device, carefully open the box and verify the contents. The packaging should be sealed to ensure that the device has not been tampered with.

Inside the box, you will find:

Step 2: Initialize Your Ledger Wallet

After unboxing your device, it’s time to set it up. To do so:

  1. Plug your Ledger device into your computer or mobile device using the provided USB cable.
  2. When you first power on the device, it will prompt you to select a language.
  3. Next, you will be asked to choose a PIN code. This PIN is used to unlock your device and access your accounts. Make sure to choose a PIN that is secure and easy for you to remember.

Step 3: Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

Your recovery phrase is a crucial part of securing your wallet. It is a 24-word phrase that acts as a backup to restore your wallet in case the device is lost, stolen, or damaged.

During the setup process, your Ledger device will display each word of the recovery phrase one by one. Write them down on the provided recovery sheet in the exact order. Keep the sheet in a secure location, separate from your device.

Step 4: Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the companion software that helps you manage your Ledger wallet. It allows you to check your balances, send and receive cryptocurrencies, and install apps for different cryptocurrencies on your Ledger device.

To install Ledger Live:

  1. Download Ledger Live from the official website based on your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
  2. Follow the installation instructions to complete the setup process.
  3. Open Ledger Live and connect your Ledger device using the USB cable.

Ledger Live will guide you through the process of adding accounts, checking balances, and managing your assets.

Step 5: Add Cryptocurrency Accounts

Now that you have Ledger Live installed and your device set up, it's time to add your cryptocurrency accounts. Ledger supports a wide range of digital assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many others.

To add accounts:

  1. In Ledger Live, select “Add Account” and choose the cryptocurrency you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
  2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the corresponding app on your Ledger device.
  3. Once the app is installed, you will be able to generate an address to send and receive cryptocurrencies.

Repeat this process for any additional cryptocurrencies you wish to manage on your Ledger wallet.

Step 6: Back Up Your Wallet and Keep It Secure

As a final step, ensure that your recovery phrase is stored securely and never shared with anyone. Your recovery phrase is the key to recovering your wallet if something goes wrong.

If you lose your Ledger device or it gets stolen, the recovery phrase will allow you to restore your accounts and assets on a new device. Always store your recovery phrase offline and in a secure location.

Conclusion

Congratulations! Your Ledger wallet is now set up and secure. You can now manage your cryptocurrency holdings with peace of mind, knowing that your private keys are safely stored offline. Remember to always follow best practices for securing your wallet and recovery phrase, and you'll be well on your way to protecting your digital assets.