Ledger.com/Start – Complete Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Open the official Ledger packaging. Inside, you will find:

• Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X hardware wallet
• USB-C cable (for Nano X) or USB-A to Micro-USB (for Nano S Plus)
• Recovery sheet (3 blank cards)
• Getting started guide
• Keychain and stickers

Verify the packaging seal is intact. Any tampering indicates potential compromise.

Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the provided USB cable.

The screen will display: Welcome to Ledger Nano

Press both buttons simultaneously when prompted to begin setup.

Use the right button to navigate to Set up as new device and press both buttons to confirm.

Avoid "Restore from recovery phrase" unless recovering an existing wallet.

The device will prompt you to set a PIN:

1. Press both buttons to start
2. Use left/right buttons to select each digit
3. Press both buttons to confirm each digit
4. Re-enter the PIN to verify

Choose a strong, memorable PIN. This protects physical access.

The device now displays your secret recovery phrase – 24 words in order.

Write each word exactly in sequence on the provided recovery sheet.

Use a metal backup like Cryptosteel for fire/water protection.

Press both buttons to reveal the next word. Confirm all 24 words are recorded.

The device will quiz you on random words:

• It shows "Word #X" – use buttons to select the correct word
• Confirm with both buttons
• Repeat for 3–5 random words

Upon success: PIN code set. Recovery phrase confirmed.

Open your browser and go to: https://ledger.com/start

Select your device model (Nano S Plus or Nano X).

Click Continue to proceed.

Ledger.com/start redirects you to download Ledger Live – the official companion app.

Choose your OS:

• Windows (64-bit)
• macOS (Intel or Apple Silicon)
• Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)
• iOS / Android (mobile)

Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions.

Open Ledger Live. You’ll see:

"Get Started" → "Initialize your device"

Ensure your Ledger is unlocked (enter PIN).

Allow USB access if prompted by your OS.

In Ledger Live → Manager tab:

1. Connect and unlock your Ledger
2. Enter PIN on the device
3. Allow Ledger Manager on device screen
4. Search and install apps: Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.

Each app uses isolated secure chip space.

Go to Portfolio → + Add account

Select cryptocurrency → Ledger Live scans your device

Confirm account creation on your Ledger device

Receive addresses now appear in Ledger Live

In Ledger Live:

• Select account → Receive
• Verify address on Ledger screen matches Ledger Live
• Copy address or show QR code
• Send a small test transaction first

To send:

• Go to Send
• Enter recipient address and amount
• Review transaction details on Ledger screen
• Press both buttons to sign and broadcast

Always double-check addresses and amounts on the device.

For hidden wallets:

• Attach device → Enter PIN
• Go to Settings → Security → Passphrase
• Choose "Set passphrase" → Enter 25th word

Creates a completely separate wallet. Backup this passphrase separately.

• Update Ledger Live and firmware regularly
• Never enter your 24-word phrase on any website or app
• Store recovery sheet in a safe or safety deposit box
• Use multiple backups in different locations
• Enable 2FA on associated accounts (exchanges)