Start with Ledger: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Secure Crypto Management

Meta Description: Welcome to Ledger. Follow our simple guide to unbox your device, install Ledger Live, and set up your Nano X, Nano S Plus, or Nano S. Start your journey to ultimate crypto security today.

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Welcome to True Ownership

Unbox your new Ledger device and follow this simple guide to set up your fortress of security in less than 10 minutes.

[Image: A high-quality photo showing a Ledger Nano X, a smartphone with the Ledger Live app, and a smiling person in the background]

Getting Started is Easy: Your 3-Step Journey

Prepare Your Setup - Get the essentials ready.

Initialize Your Device - Create your unique recovery phrase.

Install Ledger Live & Apps - Manage your crypto assets.

Step 1: Prepare Your Setup

Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need for a smooth setup.

Your new Ledger device (Nano X, Nano S Plus, or Nano S)

A computer (Windows, macOS, Linux) or a smartphone (iOS/Android) with an internet connection.

The USB cable that came with your device.

A pen and our Recovery Sheet (in the box) – This is crucial! Never store your recovery phrase digitally.

Pro Tip: Bookmark this page or keep it open on another screen for easy reference.

Step 2: Initialize Your Ledger Device

This is the most important step, where you create the foundation of your security.

1. Unbox and Connect

Take your Ledger device out of the box and connect it to your computer or phone using the provided USB cable.

2. Follow the On-Screen Instructions

Your device will guide you through choosing a PIN code. This PIN protects your device from physical access.

3. Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase

Your device will generate a unique 24-word recovery phrase.

This phrase is your master key. Anyone with these words can access your crypto.

Write down the words in order on your Recovery Sheet.

Never take a photo of it or store it on a computer/phone.

Why is this so important? Learn more about the critical role of your Recovery Phrase on our Academy page.

✅ Action Check: You have successfully completed this step when your Recovery Sheet is filled out and stored safely offline.

Step 3: Install Ledger Live and Manage Your Crypto

Now, let's get the software that brings your device to life.

1. Download Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live – the official app to manage your crypto. It's available for desktop and mobile.

2. Set Up Ledger Live

Open the application and follow the setup wizard. When prompted, select "Initialize as new device."

3. Install Apps (Blockchains)

You don't store Bitcoin or Ethereum on the device itself. You store the keys. To manage a specific cryptocurrency, you need to install its "app" on your Ledger device via Ledger Live.

Go to the "My Ledger" tab in Ledger Live.

Connect and unlock your device.

Find and install the apps for the cryptocurrencies you own (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Polygon).

4. Add Accounts and Receive Crypto

After installing an app, you can "Add Account" for that cryptocurrency in Ledger Live.

To receive funds, use the "Receive" function. Ledger Live will generate a secure address, and your device will verify it on its screen. Always confirm the address on your device!

New to crypto? Explore our beginner-friendly guides in the Ledger Academy.

What's Next? Explore the Possibilities

Congratulations! Your Ledger device is now your personal vault. Dive deeper into the ecosystem.

Buy, Sell, and Grow: Use Ledger Live's partner services like Coinify to buy crypto directly or Stake your assets to earn rewards.

Discover NFTs Securely: Explore and manage your NFTs with full self-custody using Ledger Market and compatible marketplaces.

Connect to Web3: Use your Ledger to securely interact with DeFi applications like Uniswap and Aave.

Need Help? We're Here for You.

Stuck on a step? Our detailed Help Center has answers to every question.

Watch a visual guide? Check out our YouTube Setup Tutorials.

Device not working? Visit our Support Page to contact us or check warranty status.

Your security journey starts now. Welcome to the Ledger family.