Step 1: Unbox and Connect Your Ledger Device
Begin by unboxing your Ledger device, which typically includes:
The Ledger hardware wallet (e.g., Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax)
A USB cable for connection
A recovery sheet for writing down your 24-word recovery phrase
Connect your Ledger device to your computer or mobile device using the provided USB cable. The device will power on automatically. If you're using a mobile device, ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on your phone.
๐ ๏ธ Step 2: Install Ledger Live Application
Ledger Live is the official application that allows you to manage your Ledger device and cryptocurrencies. It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Download Ledger Live from the official website: ledger.com/start
Install the application following the on-screen instructions.
Open Ledger Live and select "Get Started."
Choose your device model and follow the prompts to begin the setup process.
๐ Step 3: Initialize Your Ledger Device
For Ledger Nano X and Nano S Plus:
Press both buttons on your device simultaneously to start the setup.
Select "Set up as new device" and press both buttons to confirm.
Choose a 4โ8 digit PIN code.
Write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the provided recovery sheet.
Confirm each word of your recovery phrase by selecting it on the device.
Once confirmed, your device will display "Your device is ready."
For Ledger Stax:
Press and hold the right-side button for 1 second to power on.
Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your device.
Choose a PIN code and write down your 24-word recovery phrase.
Confirm each word of your recovery phrase.
Once confirmed, your device will be ready for use.
๐ฑ Step 4: Install Cryptocurrency Applications
After initializing your device, you can install applications for the cryptocurrencies you wish to manage.
Open Ledger Live and navigate to the "Manager" section.
Connect your Ledger device to Ledger Live.
Browse the available applications and click "Install" next to the desired application.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Supported applications include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, XRP, Monero, and USDT, among others.
๐ Step 5: Add Cryptocurrency Accounts
Once applications are installed, you can add accounts to manage your cryptocurrencies.
In Ledger Live, go to the "Accounts" section.
Click "Add account" and select the cryptocurrency application you installed.
Follow the prompts to add the account.
Repeat this process for each cryptocurrency you wish to manage.
๐ Step 6: Transfer Cryptocurrency to Your Ledger Device
To transfer cryptocurrency to your Ledger device:
Open the corresponding application on your Ledger device.
In Ledger Live, navigate to the "Receive" section.
Select the account and click "Continue."
Verify the address displayed on your Ledger device.
Use this address to transfer cryptocurrency from your exchange or another wallet.
๐ง Important Security Tips
Never share your 24-word recovery phrase: Anyone with access to this phrase can control your assets.
Store your recovery phrase securely: Use a fireproof and waterproof safe or a metal backup solution.
Verify addresses on your Ledger device: Always confirm transaction details directly on your device to prevent malware attacks.
Regularly update your device's firmware: Keep your device's firmware up to date to benefit from the latest security enhancements.
๐งพ Additional Resources
For more detailed information and support:
Ledger Support Center
Ledger Academy
Ledger Live Download Page