Ledger Device Setup

Ledger Device Setup begins the moment you unbox your Ledger Nano S or Nano X. Step one in Ledger Device Setup is to inspect packaging and verify authenticity — this reduces the risk of tampered devices. Ledger.com/start emphasizes purchasing directly from official channels or authorized resellers and verifying physical seals. After physical verification, connect the Ledger device to your computer using the supplied cable or pair via Bluetooth for Nano X. Open Ledger Live, the official app recommended on Ledger.com/start, and choose “Initialize as new device” to start the secure initialization workflow.

During initialization Ledger Live will guide you through creating a PIN on the device and generating your 24-word recovery seed. This recovery seed is central to Ledger Device Setup — it is the master backup for all your crypto accounts. Ledger.com/start instructs you to write the recovery seed on the provided recovery card and store it offline in a secure place (not photographed, not stored digitally). Ledger strongly advises never sharing the recovery seed with anyone: anyone with access to the seed can restore and access your funds. The Ledger Device Setup process includes clear prompts to verify words back on the device to confirm you recorded the seed correctly.

After the seed and PIN are configured, Ledger Device Setup continues in Ledger Live where you install the cryptocurrency apps you need (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) and create accounts. Ledger Live, referenced throughout Ledger.com/start, handles app installs and updates and shows your portfolio and transaction history. A best practice from Ledger.com/start is to always confirm transaction details on the device screen before approving — never rely solely on the computer display. This human verification step is fundamental to Ledger Device Setup security: it prevents malware on the host from tricking you into signing malicious transactions.

Firmware maintenance is another crucial part of Ledger Device Setup. Ledger releases firmware updates via Ledger Live; Ledger.com/start walks through verifying and applying updates safely. Firmware updates often include security patches and new coin support. Always follow Ledger.com/start guidance to ensure you download authentic firmware through the official channel and avoid third-party sources. For advanced workflows, Ledger Device Setup also supports setting an optional passphrase (additional secret) which creates hidden wallets. Ledger.com/start covers the pros and cons of passphrases and how to use them responsibly.

If you ever need to recover your wallet, Ledger Device Setup documentation on Ledger.com/start shows the restore process: initialize a new device and choose “Restore from recovery phrase,” then carefully enter your 24-word seed. Test recovery procedures on a spare device if you’re setting up long-term custody: practicing restoration is a recommended step from Ledger.com/start to ensure your seed works and you understand the workflow. For troubleshooting connection issues, Ledger Device Setup guidance lists common fixes: try different USB cables, reinstall Ledger Live, check drivers on Windows, update mobile OS for Bluetooth pairing, or consult Ledger support resources linked from Ledger.com/start.

In summary, Ledger Device Setup — following Ledger.com/start — is about careful verification, secure seed handling, PIN protection, Ledger Live management, and disciplined transaction verification on-device. Follow the step-by-step instructions found on Ledger.com/start and incorporate best practices like offline seed storage, firmware vigilance, and device-only transaction confirmation to keep your crypto safe.