A Comprehensive, Step-by-Step Onboarding Experience
Click here to immediately start the physical setup and learn how to safely handle your 24-word recovery seed. This is the single most vital piece of information you will ever possess.
Your journey begins the moment you unbox your Ledger Nano. Verify the tamper-proof seal and ensure all components are present. Power on the device and follow the on-screen instructions to select "Set up as a new device." The screen will then prompt you to choose a strong PIN code. This PIN acts as a local key to unlock your device. It should be unique, memorable to you, and not easily guessable—avoid simple sequences like 1234 or your birth year. Write it down temporarily in a secure place, but memorize it as quickly as possible. The next critical stage is the Recovery Phrase generation. The device will generate 24 unique words. You must write these words down, **in order**, on the provided Recovery Sheet. **Do not photograph them. Do not type them onto a computer. Do not store them in the cloud.** This phrase is the master key to your funds; losing it means losing access, and sharing it means giving control to someone else. Treat this sheet as if it were cash, gold, and every asset you own combined. After writing it, the device will ask you to confirm a random selection of the words to verify your accuracy. Complete this verification before proceeding.
⚠️ The 'Mirror' of Security: Your Recovery Phrase is a **Mirrored Backup** of your private keys.
This phrase is the mathematical representation of your private keys. It is your only backup. If your Ledger Nano is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can use this 24-word sequence to restore access to all your cryptocurrencies on a new Ledger device or any compatible hardware/software wallet. The term 'mirror' here refers to its capability to perfectly reflect the state of your asset ownership. Secure it physically, preferably in a fireproof or water-resistant location, and always keep it offline. Never create a digital copy of this phrase. Understanding this single security concept is the core of hardware wallet ownership.
Proceed to download the official Ledger Live application for desktop or mobile and connect your device. Learn about Manager, Accounts, and firmware updates.
The Ledger Live application is your central portal for managing your assets, installing applications, and performing critical firmware updates. **Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger.com website.** Phishing sites often mimic the official page to distribute malicious software. Once installed, open the application and follow the prompts to connect your authenticated Ledger device. The 'Manager' section within Ledger Live is where you will install the specific cryptocurrency applications (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana) onto your device's limited storage space. You only need to install the apps for the assets you plan to hold. These applications do not store your coins; they merely provide the cryptographic mechanism for your device to sign transactions for that specific blockchain. You can install, uninstall, and reinstall these applications at any time without affecting your funds, as your funds are secured by the 24-word phrase, not the apps themselves. **Crucially, regularly check for and install firmware updates** using Ledger Live. Firmware updates provide necessary security enhancements and compatibility improvements for new blockchain protocols. Always follow the on-screen instructions precisely during a firmware update, as a disruption can temporarily render the device unusable. Before performing any update, ensure your 24-word Recovery Phrase is safe and accessible as a precaution, although it is rarely needed for a routine update.
Master the safe practices for transferring crypto to and from your hardware wallet. Always verify the address on the physical screen.
The fundamental use of your Ledger device is to securely sign transactions. When you want to receive assets, you will generate a receiving address within Ledger Live. **Always verify this address on your physical Ledger screen.** Malicious software could potentially swap the address displayed on your computer screen with a hacker's address. By comparing the address shown in Ledger Live with the one on the trustworthy, isolated Ledger screen, you guarantee that the funds will be sent to your wallet. You must confirm this practice for **every single transaction**. Do not become complacent. After verification, you can copy the address and provide it to the sender or the exchange. When sending assets, the process is reversed. You initiate the transaction in Ledger Live, specifying the amount and destination address. The final and most critical step is when the Ledger Live application communicates the transaction details—the recipient address and the amount—to your connected hardware device. Your device screen will display the transaction summary. You must manually review every detail on the device screen before using the physical buttons to authorize the signing of the transaction. This physical, human intervention—the double-checking of the address and the final button-press—is the essence of hardware wallet security. Once signed, the transaction is broadcast to the network. **A best practice is to always perform a small test transaction first** with a minimal amount of cryptocurrency before transferring your entire portfolio. This adds an extra layer of assurance that the setup is correct and the receiving address is valid. Never rush this process, especially during periods of market volatility. Understanding the immutability of blockchain transactions—once sent, they cannot be reversed—will underscore the importance of these security checks. Furthermore, be mindful of network fees (gas). These fees are necessary for the transaction to be processed by the blockchain miners or validators. Ledger Live will usually provide an estimate, and the fee is included in the final transaction confirmation on your device.
Explore features like Passphrase (Hidden Wallet), two-factor authentication for exchanges, and tips for protecting your digital environment.
For users who require an even higher level of security, Ledger offers the **Passphrase** feature, often referred to as the 'Hidden Wallet' or '25th word'. This is an additional word or phrase that you choose, which is combined with your 24-word Recovery Phrase to create an entirely separate set of private keys. Essentially, the 24-word phrase (without the passphrase) leads to one wallet (the standard wallet), while the 24-word phrase *plus* the chosen passphrase leads to a *second, completely distinct* wallet (the hidden wallet). The standard wallet can be used as a 'decoy' or 'honey-pot' wallet, holding a small amount of funds to deter a physical attacker. The bulk of your funds can be kept in the hidden wallet, which requires both the device PIN and the separate passphrase to access. **Implementing a Passphrase requires extreme caution.** If you forget the passphrase, there is no recovery mechanism—the funds in that hidden wallet are permanently lost. If you write the passphrase down, it must be stored in a different, highly secure location, entirely separate from your 24-word seed phrase. Never store them together. The security of this method lies in plausible deniability; under duress, you can unlock the standard wallet, while the hidden wallet remains inaccessible to the attacker because they do not know the 25th word. Beyond the device itself, your digital security hygiene is paramount. **Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on all your cryptocurrency exchange accounts.** Use an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator or Authy) rather than SMS-based 2FA, as SIM-swapping attacks are a major vector for hacking. Ensure your computer's operating system and antivirus software are always up-to-date. Phishing attacks remain the most common threat. **Be hyper-vigilant about emails, text messages, or social media messages claiming to be from Ledger.** Ledger will *never* ask for your 24-word Recovery Phrase, PIN, or Passphrase. Any communication that asks for these details is a scam. If you receive a link, type the official Ledger.com URL directly into your browser instead of clicking the link. Furthermore, be aware of supply chain attacks. When purchasing a new device, only buy directly from Ledger or an authorized retailer; never buy a pre-owned or used device, as it may have been compromised. Regularly check your accounts in Ledger Live, even if you are not transacting, to ensure everything is as it should be. The safety of your assets is a function of both the cutting-edge cryptography in your device and your disciplined adherence to these security protocols. The complexity of these threats necessitates a methodical and rigorous approach to your ongoing security. The freedom and control offered by a hardware wallet come with the responsibility of being your own bank, and vigilance is the ultimate tool in that role. This ongoing education and proactive defense mechanism ensures your digital wealth remains impervious to external threats. Your mastery of these advanced steps is the final layer of armor.