Introduction
Starting a Ledger hardware wallet is more than powering on a device — it is the foundation of your non-custodial custody model. Ledger devices (such as Ledger Nano S Plus and Nano X) store private keys inside a tamper-resistant secure element. The device, combined with Ledger Live, provides a robust security posture: the host computer builds transactions, but the device performs final verification and cryptographic signing. This guide explains each step so you understand both the practical actions and the security reasoning behind them.
Unboxing & initial checks
Begin by inspecting packaging and device condition. Ledger strongly recommends purchasing only from official channels or trusted resellers to minimize supply chain tampering. If packaging appears opened, resealed, or tampered with, contact the seller and Ledger support before powering the device.
What should be in the box
- The Ledger hardware device (Nano X or Nano S Plus)
- USB cable (type varies by model)
- Recovery sheet(s) for writing down your recovery phrase
- Quick start guide and safety information
Initial safety checklist
- Verify packaging seals and holograms where provided.
- Do not use pre-filled recovery sheets; generate and record the recovery phrase via the device during initialization.
- Use a dedicated, trusted host machine for initial setup if possible.
Download Ledger Live & verify installers
Ledger Live is the companion app that helps manage apps, firmware, and accounts. Never download Ledger Live from unofficial sources. Ledger publishes checksums and signature information—use them to verify the downloaded binary where possible.
Steps
- Visit ledger.com/start and select the appropriate platform.
- Download the installer and, if available, the associated checksum/signature files.
- Verify the checksum locally (for example, using
shasum -a 256 on macOS/Linux or cert utilities on Windows).
- Install Ledger Live and launch the app.
Verification reduces risk of running tampered software, particularly on machines that may not be fully trusted.
Initializing your Ledger device
During initialization, the device will generate a recovery phrase and let you set a PIN. Follow these steps exactly, and never share your recovery phrase with anyone.
Step-by-step
- Connect the device to your host via the supplied USB cable and power it on.
- Follow on-device prompts to choose Create new device (or choose Restore device if you have an existing recovery phrase).
- Set a device PIN using the physical buttons; choose a PIN that is not guessable yet memorable.
- The device will display your recovery phrase word by word. Write each word on the supplied recovery sheet or a metal backup plate. Do not use a phone photo or store the phrase digitally.
- Confirm the recovery phrase when asked by selecting the words in the correct order on-device.
- Once confirmed, the device will allow you to install Ledger apps (currency-specific apps) via Ledger Live and add accounts.
Your recovery phrase is the only backup of your private keys. If lost, funds cannot be recovered. If you suspect the recovery phrase was exposed, create a new wallet and transfer funds immediately.
Restoring a device from a recovery phrase
If you already have a recovery phrase (for example, you are migrating from another hardware wallet), you can restore it during device initialization. Ensure the recovery words are spelled correctly and in the right order. For long-term resilience, consider moving recovered funds to a freshly generated seed after confirming everything works.
Restore steps
- Power on the Ledger device and select the Restore device option.
- Enter your recovery phrase using the device interface. This may be slower than typing, but it prevents exposure on the host machine.
- After the device confirms the seed, connect to Ledger Live to add accounts and resynchronize transaction history.
Optional: Passphrase and hidden wallets
Ledger devices support an optional passphrase feature that creates deterministic hidden wallets in addition to the standard seed. A passphrase acts as an additional word to your recovery phrase and can be used to create multiple wallets from the same seed. Use passphrases with caution: if you forget the passphrase, the hidden wallet cannot be recovered even with the seed.
Guidelines
- Do not store passphrases in plain text on devices or online.
- Consider physical memorization techniques or secure offline records for passphrases.
- Use passphrases only if you understand the recovery implications and have tested retrieval procedures.
Installing currency apps & adding accounts
Ledger devices use small currency-specific apps (not to be confused with mobile apps) which enable interaction with particular blockchains. Use Ledger Live to install these apps and add corresponding accounts in your dashboard.
Procedure
- Open Ledger Live and connect your device.
- Open the Manager in Ledger Live, find the currency app (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum), and install it to the device.
- Once installed, return to Accounts, choose Add account, select the currency, and follow prompts to add the account and synchronize history.
Firmware updates — safe procedures
Firmware updates often patch vulnerabilities or add improvements. Ledger signs firmware updates; only apply updates from official channels. Before updating firmware, ensure you have a verified backup of your recovery phrase and follow the update instructions in Ledger Live.
Update checklist
- Back up your recovery phrase before starting.
- Verify release notes and known issues.
- Use a stable power source and avoid interrupting the device during the firmware write process.
- For organizations, stage updates on test devices and document rollback procedures.
Daily operations: sending, receiving, and swapping
Once your accounts are set up, everyday flows are straightforward. Ledger Live builds transactions and the device displays transaction details for explicit verification. For swaps and staking, review provider terms and fees before confirming on-device.
Receive
- Select the account in Ledger Live and click Receive.
- Connect your device to display the address on-device.
- Verify the on-device address matches Ledger Live before sharing it.
Send
- Create the transaction in Ledger Live, specifying recipient and fees.
- Review the summary in Ledger Live and the exact details shown on the device screen.
- Only sign if the device shows the expected address and amount.
Secure backup storage
Backing up the recovery phrase is the most critical step. Consider durable, fireproof options (metal plates), multiple geographically separated copies, and a secure storage policy. For high-value holdings, use a hardware backup strategy that includes multi-site storage and custodial agreements for heirs or organizations.
Best practices
- Never store recovery phrases digitally, including photos or cloud drives.
- Rotate backup locations and test ability to recover from backups periodically.
- Keep a minimal number of people with access to backups; document access policies clearly.
Troubleshooting & common issues
If the device does not enumerate or Ledger Live shows errors, try the following: use a different USB cable or port, ensure the device firmware is not mid-update, restart Ledger Live, and check host OS drivers (particularly on Windows). Collect diagnostic logs and consult official support if problems persist.
Lost or compromised recovery phrase
If you lose your recovery phrase but still have device access, generate a new seed on a new device and transfer funds. If you suspect compromise, act quickly: create a new wallet and move funds once the new device is ready.
Advanced workflows: passphrases, multisig, and air-gapped signing
Advanced users may combine Ledger devices with multisig schemes or use air-gapped signing workflows. Multisig increases security by requiring multiple signers for high-value transactions. Air-gapped signing—transferring unsigned transactions via QR or file—reduces exposure of signing inputs but requires disciplined operational procedures.
Developer notes
Developers integrating Ledger support should consult the official SDKs and APDU documentation. Avoid storing sensitive material on servers and adopt standards for request logging and policy enforcement.
Organizational deployment & policy
Enterprises using Ledger devices should define custody policies, approval workflows, and inventory management. Employ staged rollouts for firmware updates, maintain incident response playbooks, and consider third-party custody or MPC integrations for scaling multi-operator signing models.
Operational checklist
- Document device procurement and acceptance tests.
- Track device assignments and backup locations in a secure ledger (physical or encrypted digital system).
- Conduct regular audits and reconcile on-chain holdings with internal records.
Legal, tax & compliance considerations
Ledger devices enable non-custodial ownership—users are responsible for compliance and reporting. Ledger Live provides export tools to assist tax preparation. Organizations should consult counsel to understand reporting thresholds, AML obligations, and custody regulations relevant to their jurisdictions.