Secure Setup Checklist

Set up your Ledger the right way

Follow this guided, security-first process for Ledger Nano X and Nano S Plus. We cover unboxing, PIN creation, recovery phrase backup, Ledger Live installation, genuine checks, and safe first transactions.

Time: ~15 minutesNo recovery phrase ever sharedWorks for Nano X & Nano S Plus

Never share the 24 words

Support will never ask. Any request for your recovery phrase is a scam.

Verify every address on-device

Screen malware can swap clipboard addresses. Trust only what you confirm on Ledger.

Download only from ledger.com

Avoid search ads, third-party mirrors, or emailed installers.

Avoid photos or cloud storage

Do not store recovery words in notes, screenshots, or email drafts.

10-step guided setup

Work through each step in order. Confirm every action on the device screen—never trust only the computer display.

Need help? Visit Help Center
1

Unbox and inspect

Check the outer box for tamper-evident seals. Ensure shrink-wrap is intact, no extra stickers, and no pre-written recovery cards. Contents: device, USB cable, keychain/strap, recovery sheets, quick start.
2

Power on and choose device language

Hold the power button until the Ledger logo appears. Use the buttons to navigate. Confirm language if prompted.
3

Create a strong PIN (never reuse)

Set a 6-8 digit PIN directly on the device. Avoid birthdays and patterns. Write it down separately from your recovery phrase.
4

Generate and confirm 24-word recovery phrase

Write each word in order on the included sheets. Confirm each word on-device. Never photo, type, email, or store it digitally. Do not share it with anyone.
5

Install Ledger Live from ledger.com

Navigate manually to ledger.com, download Ledger Live for your OS, verify the checksum/signature, and install. Avoid search ads or third-party mirrors.
6

Pair device and run genuine check

Open Ledger Live, choose “Set up new device,” connect via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X), and run the secure element attestation. If authenticity fails, stop and contact support.
7

Enable firmware updates safely

Only update firmware through Ledger Live when battery is charged (Nano X) or device is USB-connected. Verify prompts on-device before confirming.
8

Add accounts and receive addresses

In Ledger Live, add accounts (BTC, ETH, USDC, etc.). When receiving, always verify the address on-device; it must match exactly what Ledger Live shows.
9

Send a test transaction first

Before moving larger funds, send a small test transaction. Confirm the amount and address on-device. Wait for network confirmations.
10

Secure storage and ongoing hygiene

Store the device and recovery phrase separately. Consider two written copies in different locations. Rotate PIN if exposed. Review addresses carefully before every send.
Before your first send

Pre-flight checklist

  • •Verify device passed the genuine check in Ledger Live.
  • •Confirm your 24 words twice from the physical card; store in two separate secure places.
  • •Update firmware to the latest version through Ledger Live.
  • •Turn off screenshots and screen sharing while handling addresses.
  • •Send a small test transaction and wait for confirmations before moving larger funds.
Security reminders

Never type your recovery phrase into a computer or phone. If anyone asks for it, stop immediately.

Only trust what appears on the Ledger screen. If the on-device address differs from Ledger Live, cancel.

Keep the device firmware and Ledger Live updated; updates include critical security fixes.

Separate storage: keep the device and recovery sheets in different secure locations.

Common issues and fixes

Fast troubleshooting for the most frequent setup blockers.

View full Help Center

Device not detected (USB)

  1. Try a different USB cable (data-capable) and port; avoid hubs.
  2. Reinstall Ledger Live and reboot your computer.
  3. Disable other wallet apps that may lock the USB channel.
  4. If still failing, test on another computer to isolate hardware.

Bluetooth pairing issues (Nano X)

  1. Ensure Bluetooth is on and the device is unlocked with PIN.
  2. Forget the device in OS settings, then retry pairing from Ledger Live.
  3. Keep the device within 1–2 meters, avoid other active pairings.
  4. Update device firmware via USB first, then pair again.

Genuine check failed

  1. Ensure Ledger Live is the latest version from ledger.com.
  2. Reconnect via USB and retry; avoid hubs and low-quality cables.
  3. If it still fails, stop using the device and contact support immediately.

Ledger Live stuck syncing

  1. Quit and reopen Ledger Live; clear cache in Settings → Help.
  2. Check network connectivity and VPN/firewall rules.
  3. Update Ledger Live; resync the specific account.
  4. For persistent issues, remove and re-add the account (balances remain on-chain).

Ready to transact safely?

Complete the checklist, verify on-device, and start with a test transaction. If something feels off, stop and reach out—security first, always.

Explore more guidesTalk to support