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Ledger Nano Setup Guide: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Ledger is the world's most popular hardware wallet brand, with over 7 million devices sold. The Ledger ecosystem provides strong key protection through its proprietary BOLOS operating system running on a certified secure element chip, combined with the Ledger Live companion app for portfolio management. Whether you are setting up a Nano S Plus, Nano X, Stax, or Flex, this guide walks you through every step from unboxing to sending your first transaction.

Before You Begin​

Choosing Your Ledger Device​

DevicePriceScreenConnectionBatteryBest For
Nano S Plus$79Small OLEDUSB-CNoneBudget hardware wallet
Nano X$149Small OLEDUSB-C + BluetoothYesMobile users
Stax$399Curved E Ink touchUSB-C + BluetoothYesPremium experience
Flex$249E Ink touchscreenUSB-C + BluetoothYesTouchscreen at moderate price

All devices use the same secure element technology and support the same cryptocurrencies. The differences are in form factor, connectivity, and user interface.

Purchase Guidelines​

Buy only from:

  • ledger.com (official store)
  • Authorized resellers listed on Ledger's website

Never buy from:

  • Amazon third-party sellers
  • eBay or secondary marketplaces
  • Craigslist or local classified ads
  • Anyone offering "pre-configured" devices

When your device arrives:

  • Check that the packaging is factory sealed
  • Verify the holographic tamper-evident sticker is intact
  • The device should be in factory-reset state with no pre-configured seed phrase
  • If a seed phrase card is included already filled out — the device has been compromised. Return it immediately.

Setting Up Ledger Live​

Ledger Live is the companion application that manages your Ledger hardware wallet. It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Step 1: Download and Install Ledger Live​

  1. Navigate to ledger.com/ledger-live
  2. Download the version for your operating system
  3. Verify the download: Ledger publishes SHA-512 checksums for each download. Compare the checksum of your downloaded file against the published value.
  4. Install the application

Step 2: Launch and Select Your Device​

  1. Open Ledger Live
  2. Select "Get Started"
  3. Choose your Ledger device model from the list
  4. Select "Set up a new Ledger" (or "Restore" if you have an existing seed phrase)

Initializing Your Ledger Device​

Step 1: Connect and Power On​

Nano S Plus / Nano X:

  • Connect via USB-C cable to your computer
  • The device powers on and displays a welcome message
  • Navigate using the two physical buttons (left and right)
  • Press both buttons simultaneously to select/confirm

Stax / Flex:

  • Connect via USB-C cable
  • The touchscreen activates with a welcome message
  • Navigate using touch gestures (tap, swipe)

Step 2: Set Your PIN Code​

The PIN protects your device from unauthorized physical access.

PIN requirements:

  • 4 to 8 digits
  • Choose a unique PIN not used elsewhere
  • Do not use obvious combinations (1234, 0000, your birthday)

Setting the PIN:

  1. The device prompts you to choose a PIN
  2. Select each digit using the device buttons or touchscreen
  3. Confirm the PIN by entering it again
  4. Remember: three incorrect PIN attempts will wipe the device

Important: The device PIN is NOT your seed phrase or wallet password. It is solely a physical access control for the device.

Step 3: Generate Your Recovery Phrase​

The device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase (seed phrase). This is the most critical step in the entire setup process.

What happens:

  1. The device generates a random 24-word BIP-39 seed phrase using its hardware random number generator
  2. Words are displayed one at a time on the device screen
  3. You must write down each word in order

How to record your recovery phrase:

  1. Use the recovery sheet included in the box (or a clean piece of paper)
  2. Write clearly with a pen (not pencil — pencil can smear over time)
  3. Write the words in exact order, numbered 1-24
  4. Double-check each word as you write it
  5. The device will ask you to confirm specific words to verify accuracy

Critical rules:

  • Never type the recovery phrase on any computer or phone
  • Never take a photo or screenshot
  • Never store it in a cloud service, email, notes app, or password manager
  • Never share it with anyone (Ledger support will NEVER ask for it)
  • Write at least two copies for redundancy

Step 4: Confirm Your Recovery Phrase​

The device will quiz you on your recovery phrase:

  • It presents words and asks you to confirm the correct word for a given position
  • This verification ensures you wrote the phrase down correctly
  • Take your time — accuracy is more important than speed

Step 5: Device Ready​

After verification, your Ledger device is initialized and ready to use. The device screen will show a dashboard.

Configuring Ledger Live​

Step 1: Pair Device with Ledger Live​

  1. In Ledger Live, complete the setup wizard
  2. The app will verify your device's authenticity (genuine check)
  3. This process confirms the device has not been tampered with and runs legitimate Ledger firmware

Step 2: Set Up Ledger Live Password​

Create a password for the Ledger Live application:

  • This encrypts the app data on your computer
  • It is separate from your device PIN
  • Use a strong, unique password
  • Your Ledger Live password does NOT protect your cryptocurrency directly — it only protects the app's local data

Step 3: Install Cryptocurrency Apps​

Ledger uses separate apps for different cryptocurrencies, each running in isolation on the secure element.

Installing apps:

  1. Navigate to "Manager" in Ledger Live
  2. Search for the cryptocurrency you want to use
  3. Click "Install"
  4. Confirm installation on the device

Essential apps to install:

  • Bitcoin (for BTC)
  • Ethereum (for ETH, ERC-20 tokens, and most DeFi)
  • Any other specific blockchain apps you need

Storage limitation: The Nano S Plus has 1.5 MB of storage (approximately 5-6 apps simultaneously). The Nano X has 2 MB. You can install and uninstall apps freely without affecting your funds — your keys are derived from the seed phrase, not stored in the app.

Step 4: Create Accounts​

For each cryptocurrency you want to manage:

  1. Navigate to "Accounts" > "Add Account"
  2. Select the cryptocurrency
  3. Open the corresponding app on your Ledger device when prompted
  4. Ledger Live will detect and add accounts associated with your seed phrase
  5. Click "Add Account"

Your First Ledger Transaction​

Receiving Cryptocurrency​

  1. In Ledger Live, go to your account and click "Receive"
  2. Select the account to receive to
  3. Critical step: Verify the address displayed on your Ledger device's screen matches the address shown in Ledger Live
  4. Only after verifying on the device should you share the address with the sender
  5. Copy the address or display the QR code

Why device verification matters: Malware on your computer could modify the address displayed in Ledger Live. The device screen is your trusted display. If the addresses do not match, do not proceed — your computer may be compromised.

Sending Cryptocurrency​

  1. In Ledger Live, go to your account and click "Send"
  2. Enter the recipient address
  3. Enter the amount
  4. Review the transaction fee
  5. Click "Continue"
  6. On your Ledger device: Verify the recipient address and amount displayed
  7. Confirm the transaction by pressing both buttons (Nano) or tapping "Confirm" (Stax/Flex)
  8. The transaction is signed and broadcast

Security best practices:

  • Always verify the address on the device screen — compare multiple characters, not just the first and last few
  • For large transactions, send a small test amount first
  • Check that the network fee is reasonable for current conditions

Advanced Ledger Features​

Passphrase (25th Word)​

Ledger supports an optional passphrase that creates a hidden set of accounts:

Setting up a passphrase:

  1. On the device: Settings > Security > Passphrase
  2. Choose "Attached to PIN" (creates a second PIN that opens passphrase-protected accounts) or "Temporary" (enter each time)
  3. Enter your passphrase
  4. The device generates entirely new accounts based on your 24 words + passphrase

Use cases:

  • Plausible deniability: Your regular PIN opens a decoy wallet with a small balance. The passphrase PIN opens your main holdings.
  • Additional security: Even if someone finds your 24-word seed phrase, they cannot access passphrase-protected accounts without the passphrase.

Warnings:

  • The passphrase is case-sensitive and space-sensitive
  • There is no "wrong" passphrase — any passphrase generates a valid (empty) wallet, making typo detection impossible
  • Losing the passphrase means permanent loss of funds in those accounts
  • Back up the passphrase separately from the seed phrase

Ledger Live Staking​

Ledger Live supports staking for several cryptocurrencies:

  • Ethereum (via Lido, Kiln, or Rocket Pool)
  • Solana
  • Polkadot
  • Cosmos
  • Tezos
  • And others

Staking through Ledger Live keeps your keys on the hardware wallet while earning staking rewards. Navigate to the "Discover" section in Ledger Live to explore staking options.

Using Ledger with MetaMask​

Connect your Ledger to MetaMask for DeFi interaction with hardware-level security:

  1. Connect your Ledger via USB
  2. Open the Ethereum app on the Ledger
  3. In MetaMask: Account menu > "Add account or hardware wallet" > "Add Hardware Wallet" > "Ledger"
  4. Select the accounts you want to use
  5. Every transaction now requires Ledger confirmation

This combines MetaMask's dApp connectivity with Ledger's secure signing.

For MetaMask setup details, see our MetaMask Setup Tutorial.

Using Ledger with Other Wallets​

Ledger is compatible with many third-party wallet interfaces:

  • Sparrow Wallet — Advanced Bitcoin management
  • Rabby — EVM wallet with transaction simulation
  • Keplr — Cosmos ecosystem
  • Frame — Privacy-focused Ethereum wallet
  • Solflare — Solana ecosystem

Firmware Updates​

Keep your Ledger firmware updated for security patches and new features:

  1. Open Ledger Live
  2. If an update is available, you will see a notification
  3. Click "Update" and follow the instructions
  4. The device will update its firmware
  5. Your seed phrase and accounts are preserved through updates
  6. Always verify you have your seed phrase backup before updating (as a precaution)
SafeSeed Tool

After setting up your Ledger, use SafeSeed's Key Derivation Tool to verify that your device correctly derives the expected addresses from your seed phrase. This independent verification ensures your Ledger's firmware is functioning correctly and your backup will work if you ever need to restore.

Ledger Security Best Practices​

Recovery Phrase Protection​

  1. Metal backup: Transfer your 24 words to a stainless steel or titanium plate
  2. Geographic separation: Store the metal backup in a different location from the device
  3. Multiple copies: Consider 2-3 backups in different secure locations
  4. No digital copies: Never type, photograph, or digitally store the recovery phrase

PIN Security​

  • Use a unique PIN not shared with any other device or account
  • Do not write the PIN on the same paper as your recovery phrase
  • Change the PIN if you suspect it has been observed

Physical Security​

  • Store the device in a secure location when not in use
  • Do not leave the device connected to your computer unattended
  • Consider using a tamper-evident bag for storage
  • Be discreet about owning a hardware wallet

Operational Security​

  • Always verify addresses and amounts on the device screen
  • Keep Ledger Live and firmware updated
  • Do not install unnecessary cryptocurrency apps (minimal attack surface)
  • Be wary of prompts to enter your recovery phrase — Ledger Live will never request it

Troubleshooting Common Ledger Issues​

Ledger Not Detected by Computer​

  1. Try a different USB cable (some cables are charge-only without data)
  2. Try a different USB port
  3. Unlock the device and navigate to the dashboard
  4. On Windows: check Device Manager for driver issues
  5. Close and reopen Ledger Live
  6. Try restarting your computer

"Please open the app" Error​

  1. Ensure the correct cryptocurrency app is open on the device
  2. If the app is not installed, go to Manager in Ledger Live and install it
  3. Navigate to the app on the device and open it

Transaction Confirmation Freezes​

  1. Ensure you are reviewing the transaction on the device (it waits for your confirmation)
  2. Check that the device has sufficient battery (Nano X) or is connected via USB
  3. Try disconnecting and reconnecting the device

Bluetooth Issues (Nano X, Stax, Flex)​

  1. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both the device and your phone
  2. Remove the Ledger from your phone's Bluetooth paired devices list and re-pair
  3. Update the device firmware to the latest version
  4. Try pairing in a location without many Bluetooth devices

Recovery Phrase Restore​

If you need to restore from your recovery phrase:

  1. Reset the device: Settings > Security > Reset Device
  2. Set up as "Restore from Recovery Phrase"
  3. Set a new PIN
  4. Enter your 24 words in order using the device buttons
  5. The device will regenerate all the same private keys

FAQ​

How many cryptocurrencies can Ledger hold?​

Ledger supports over 5,500 tokens. However, the device can only hold a limited number of apps at once (5-6 for Nano S Plus, slightly more for Nano X). You can freely install and uninstall apps — your funds remain safe because they are derived from your seed phrase, not stored in individual apps.

Is Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X better?​

The Nano S Plus ($79) is sufficient for most users who primarily use their Ledger with a computer. The Nano X ($149) adds Bluetooth connectivity and a battery, which is essential if you want to use the Ledger with your mobile phone. For computer-only use, the Nano S Plus offers the same security at a lower price.

Can I share my Ledger device with family members?​

Sharing a Ledger device means sharing a seed phrase, which means sharing all funds. This is generally not recommended. Each person should have their own Ledger with their own seed phrase. For shared funds, consider a multi-signature setup. See our Multi-Signature Wallets Guide.

What happens if Ledger the company goes bankrupt?​

Your funds are safe. They exist on the blockchain, secured by your seed phrase. Your 24-word recovery phrase follows the BIP-39 standard, which is supported by virtually all hardware and software wallets. You could restore your accounts on a Trezor, Coldcard, or even a software wallet using the same seed phrase.

How often should I update Ledger firmware?​

Update whenever a new firmware version is available, especially if it addresses security vulnerabilities. Ledger Live will notify you of available updates. Always verify you have your seed phrase backup before updating, though updates do not normally affect your keys.

Can I use Ledger without Ledger Live?​

Yes. Ledger devices are compatible with many third-party wallets including MetaMask, Sparrow Wallet, Electrum, and Rabby. Ledger Live is not required for the hardware wallet to function — it is one of many possible companion interfaces.

Is Ledger open source?​

Partially. Ledger Live (the companion app) is open source. However, the BOLOS operating system that runs on the secure element is not fully open source, which has been a point of criticism from some in the community. The firmware is audited by third-party security firms. If fully open-source firmware is important to you, Trezor offers a fully open-source alternative.

How do I check if my Ledger is genuine?​

Ledger Live performs a "Genuine Check" during setup, which verifies the device's secure element has an authentic Ledger attestation certificate. If this check passes, your device is genuine and running legitimate firmware.