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Ledger Live 10 Ledger.com/start Warning Before You Begin Before setting up your device, you must verify that it is genuine. When you unbox your Ledger, the Recovery Sheet must be completely blank. Ledger will never supply a device with a pre-written recovery phrase or a pre-set PIN. If your device arrives with a PIN already set or words already written on the sheet, do not use it—contact Ledger Support immediately, as the device may have been tampered with . Furthermore, during the entire setup process, the official Ledger Wallet app will never ask you to type your 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase into your computer or phone. Only enter your PIN on the device itself. Step 1: Download the Official Ledger Wallet App The application formerly known as Ledger Live is now called Ledger Wallet. You must download it only from the official Ledger website. Avoid searching for it in app stores or clicking on sponsored links, as phishing scams are common. Go to the official Ledger website and download the correct version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) or mobile device (iOS or Android) . The desktop version is required for the initial setup of most devices, while the mobile version is convenient for managing your accounts on the go. Note that the Ledger Nano X can connect to mobile via Bluetooth, but desktop connections require a USB cable . Step 2: Connect and Power On Your Device Using the USB cable provided in the box, connect your Ledger device to your computer. For the Nano X or Nano S Plus, press the button next to the USB port to turn it on. For touchscreen models like the Ledger Flex or Stax, press and hold the right-side button for about one second until the welcome message appears . Once the device is on, open the Ledger Wallet app you just installed. The app should automatically detect your connected device. If it does not, ensure the USB cable is securely connected and try a different port. Step 3: Choose “Set Up as New Device” On your Ledger device screen, you will be prompted to either set up a new device or restore from a recovery phrase. Since this is a new setup, select the option to Set up as new device. This action tells the device to generate a brand-new set of private keys and a new Secret Recovery Phrase. Press both buttons simultaneously (on button-based models) or tap the screen (on touchscreen models) to confirm your selection . Step 4: Create a Strong PIN Code You will now be asked to choose a PIN code. This code is crucial because it is required every time you turn on and unlock your device. Choose a PIN that is 4 to 8 digits long. Ledger strongly recommends using the full 8 digits for optimal security, as it makes brute-force attacks significantly harder . Use the left and right buttons to scroll through numbers, and press both buttons to select a digit. You will need to enter the PIN twice to confirm it. Never share this PIN with anyone, and do not write it down in a place that is easily accessible. Step 5: Write Down Your 24-Word Secret Recovery Phrase This is the most critical step of the entire process. Your device will now display a series of 24 words, one by one, on its secure screen. These words are your Secret Recovery Phrase—the only backup of your private keys. If your device is lost, stolen, or damaged, this phrase is the only way to recover your assets. Take the blank Recovery Sheet included in the box and write down each word carefully and legibly, in the exact order displayed. Double-check your spelling as you go . Once you have written all 24 words, the device will ask you to confirm the phrase by selecting the words in order. This verification step ensures you have copied them correctly. After confirmation, your device will display a message indicating that it is ready. Store your Recovery Sheet in a secure, offline location, such as a safe or a safety deposit box. Never take a photo of it, store it in a cloud service, or enter it into any website or app, as these actions expose your phrase to potential theft. Step 6: Verify Your Device’s Authenticity After the initial setup, the Ledger Wallet app will prompt you to verify the authenticity of your device. This process, called the “genuine check,” confirms that your device is a genuine Ledger product and has not been tampered with. The app uses cryptographic proofs to verify the device’s secure element chip. Follow the on-screen instructions in the app to complete this check. You will need to press buttons on your device to approve the connection . Once verified, the app will display a success message. Step 7: Install Apps and Add Accounts Your device is now secure, but it is empty. Use the Ledger Wallet app to install “apps” for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage. For example, if you want to store Bitcoin, install the Bitcoin app; for Ethereum, install the Ethereum app. After installing the apps, you can add accounts in the app by clicking “Add account” and following the prompts. The app will ask you to connect and unlock your device to derive the public address for that account . You can now send crypto to the addresses generated by the app, knowing that the private keys remain securely offline on your Ledger device. Step 8: Consider Optional Services (Like Ledger Recover) During the setup or in the app settings, you may be offered an optional subscription service called Ledger Recover. This service, provided in partnership with Coincover, allows you to back up an encrypted version of your Secret Recovery Phrase with a trusted third party. If you ever lose your Recovery Sheet, you can use an identity verification process to restore access to your wallet . This service is entirely optional and requires an additional subscription fee and identity verification (ID and facial recognition). It is designed for users who are concerned about losing their physical Recovery Sheet, but it does introduce a different security model that some users prefer to avoid. Review the details carefully before deciding if it is right for you.