Getting started with your Ledger wallet (ledger.com/start)

If you've just unboxed a Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Nano S), the quickest and safest first step is to go to ledger.com/start — Ledger's official setup hub — to download the companion application and follow the guided onboarding. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

What you'll need before you begin

A computer or smartphone with an internet connection.
Your Ledger device and its USB cable (or Bluetooth-capable device if using Nano X).
A secure pen and the recovery sheets included in the box — you'll need them to write down your recovery phrase.
Time and a quiet place: setting up securely is worth the 10–20 minutes it takes.

Step-by-step setup (summary)

Download Ledger Live: Visit ledger.com/start and download the Ledger Live application for your operating system. Ledger Live is the official app used to manage accounts, install apps, and view your portfolio. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Connect and power on your device: Follow the on-screen prompts in Ledger Live to connect the device. Choose whether to set up as a new device or restore from an existing recovery phrase. (New users will create a new seed.) :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Create a PIN code: Pick a PIN (4–8 digits depending on device). Never share the PIN — it unlocks the physical device. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Write down your recovery phrase: Ledger devices generate a 24-word recovery phrase that is the only backup of your private keys. Write it exactly and store it offline and secure — do not take photos or store it digitally. If you lose both the device and the recovery phrase, your funds cannot be recovered. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Install apps and add accounts: Use Ledger Live to install the crypto-specific apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) on your device and create accounts. Ledger Live acts as the user interface to view balances, send/receive, stake, swap, and interact with supported dApps. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Pro tip: After setup, send a very small test transaction the first time you transfer funds to a newly-created address — this confirms everything is working before moving larger amounts.

Advanced security feature: the passphrase

Ledger supports an optional passphrase (sometimes described as an additional, secret word) that creates a hidden wallet derived from your recovery seed. This is powerful for users who want an extra layer of plausible-deniability or additional compartmentalization, but it is advanced — losing the passphrase means losing access to the hidden accounts. Read Ledger’s guidance on passphrases and follow best practices if you plan to enable one. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Keeping Ledger Live & firmware up to date

Regularly update Ledger Live and your device firmware. Ledger publishes release notes and support articles describing the steps for safe updates; follow those instructions to avoid mistakes. Ledger's support pages are the canonical resource if you encounter issues while updating. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Safety checklist & things to avoid

Only download Ledger Live from ledger.com (or the official app stores) — phishing sites are common.
Never share your 24-word recovery phrase or enter it into any website or app.
Beware of unsolicited support messages or "helpful" strangers — Ledger support will never ask you to reveal your seed.
Consider using a physical safe or bank safe deposit box to store backup copies of your recovery phrase.

Where to get help

If you run into problems, Ledger's official support center and knowledge base contain up-to-date setup tutorials, firmware release notes, and troubleshooting tips. If you suspect your device is compromised, stop and consult support before proceeding. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}