Welcome to **Secure Crypto**: **Get Started** with Your **Ledger Wallet**
This is your essential guide to the **initial setup** of your new **Ledger Nano X** or **Ledger Nano S Plus**. Follow these critical steps to secure your assets, understand the core principles of the **Recovery Phrase**, and fully activate your **Hardware Wallet Setup**—the safest way to manage your digital wealth.
Phase 1: Unboxing, Preparation, and Security Check
Before you power on your device, a few physical checks and preparations are vital to ensure the integrity of your **Hardware Wallet Setup**.
1.1 Verify Packaging and Integrity
The very first step in your **Ledger Wallet** journey is ensuring physical safety. Carefully inspect the packaging for any signs of tampering, resealing, or unauthorized opening. Look for the security seals or holographic elements, depending on your model (**Ledger Nano X** or **Nano S Plus**). Any anomaly should be reported immediately. Your device must arrive in a state that guarantees no prior party could have accessed or initialized it. This non-compromised state is the first layer of your **Secure Crypto** foundation.
Never accept a device if the packaging seal is broken. The device is useless if the trust chain is compromised.
1.2 Locate and Prepare the Recovery Sheets
Inside the box, you will find blank sheets of paper designed specifically for recording your **Recovery Phrase**. Get a non-erasable pen and choose a private location where you will not be interrupted. The physical act of writing down the 24 words is critical. **Do not take pictures, store the phrase digitally, or use an existing, pre-filled sheet.** The safety of your entire **Ledger Wallet** hinges on the secure, offline storage of this sheet. This preparatory step is arguably the most important action in your **Hardware Wallet Setup**.
The security of your crypto assets relies on two things: your Ledger device and your written **Recovery Phrase**.
Phase 2: Generating Your **Recovery Phrase** (The Core of **Secure Crypto**)
This is the only moment your **Recovery Phrase** will be displayed. This offline process ensures maximal **Ledger Wallet** security.
2.1 Choose Your PIN Code
Power on your **Ledger Nano X** or **Nano S Plus** and select the option to "Set up as a new device." The device will prompt you to choose a PIN code, which can be between 4 and 8 digits. Use the buttons to select and confirm your digits on the device's small screen. This PIN is your daily security measure, protecting access to the device itself. Even though the device is physically protected by the PIN, the **Recovery Phrase** remains the master key to your **Secure Crypto** funds. Choose a PIN you will remember, but never write it on the recovery sheet.
The PIN protects the device from physical theft; the **Recovery Phrase** protects your funds from permanent loss.
2.2 Write Down the 24-Word **Recovery Phrase**
After setting your PIN, your **Ledger Wallet** will begin generating and displaying your unique 24-word **Recovery Phrase** one word at a time. This phrase is the cryptographic backup of your private keys and the single most vital component of your **Hardware Wallet Setup**. As each word appears, **write it down meticulously** on your physical recovery sheet, ensuring correct spelling and word order. Remember, this phrase is never generated online, nor does it ever leave the secure element chip—you are the only one who records it. Losing this phrase means losing access forever if your device breaks.
Meticulous transcription of the 24 words is non-negotiable for **secure crypto** management. Double-check every single word.
2.3 Verification: Confirming Your Backup
Once all 24 words have been written, your **Ledger Wallet** will immediately ask you to confirm a random selection of the words (e.g., word #4, word #12, word #20). This verification step is crucial. It forces you to check your notes and confirms that you have correctly transcribed the **Recovery Phrase** before the device finalizes the **Hardware Wallet Setup**. You must use the buttons on the device to scroll through the words and select the correct one for each prompt. If you fail this step, the device will restart the process, forcing you to generate a new phrase and start over. This rigorous verification process is a key feature of the **Ledger Wallet** security protocol.
Only proceed to the next phase after your Ledger device confirms the phrase is correct and displays the message "Your device is ready."
Phase 3: Connecting with Ledger Live and Device Verification
The software interface that lets you interact with your **Secure Crypto** assets.
3.1 Download the Official Ledger Live App
Navigate to the official Ledger website to download the **Ledger Live Desktop** application. This is the **All-in-One Crypto App** interface for your **Ledger Wallet**. Never use third-party links or search engine results to download the software, as this poses a phishing risk. Install the software and prepare to connect your hardware device via USB (or Bluetooth for the **Ledger Nano X**).
3.2 Run the Genuine Check
Once Ledger Live is launched, you will be guided through a check that cryptographically verifies the authenticity of your Ledger device. This process uses the Secure Element chip to ensure your device is genuine and running official Ledger firmware, reinforcing your **Hardware Wallet Setup** trust model. This essential check protects against counterfeit devices and is mandatory before moving any **Secure Crypto** funds.
3.3 Install Coin Apps and Add Accounts
Use the Manager section within Ledger Live to install the specific blockchain applications (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana) you plan to use onto your Ledger device. Next, use the Accounts tab to add an account for each coin app installed. This action generates the public address that you will use to receive your **Secure Crypto** assets. Your initial **crypto management** is now ready to begin.
Phase 4: Your First Transaction and Long-Term **Secure Crypto** Management
A few best practices to solidify your **Ledger Wallet** protection.
4.1 Send a Small Test Transaction
Before sending any significant amount of funds, perform a small test transaction. Send a minimal amount of cryptocurrency to the public address generated by your **Hardware Wallet Setup**. Once the funds arrive, immediately send them *back* out to another address (like an exchange or a different wallet you own). This ensures two things: first, that you know how to receive funds, and second, that you know how to successfully sign and broadcast a transaction using your **Ledger Wallet**. This simple test is the best way to confirm your setup for **Secure Crypto** is operational.
4.2 Finalize **Recovery Phrase** Safe Storage
Now that your **Hardware Wallet Setup** is complete, focus on the physical security of your **Recovery Phrase**. Store the sheet in a secure, fireproof, and waterproof location, completely disconnected from the internet. Remember, anyone who gains access to this 24-word phrase can access your funds, regardless of whether they have your physical **Ledger Wallet** device. The phrase is the backup—treat it with the highest level of respect and security. For absolute **Secure Crypto** protection, consider storing copies in geographically separate locations.
Top 5 Questions on **Ledger Wallet** Initial Setup
1. How is the PIN code different from the **Recovery Phrase**?
The PIN code is a local, short security barrier (4-8 digits) that unlocks your physical **Ledger Wallet** device for daily use. The **Recovery Phrase** (24 words) is the cryptographic master key that backs up and restores access to your **Secure Crypto** assets on any new device. The PIN protects the device; the phrase protects the funds.
2. What should I do if my **Recovery Phrase** sheet is pre-filled?
If your **Recovery Phrase** sheet came pre-filled, **do not proceed** with the **Hardware Wallet Setup**. This indicates the device may have been compromised. Contact Ledger support immediately and do not send any **Secure Crypto** funds to the addresses generated by that device. Your device must generate the phrase itself.
3. What happens if I forget my PIN code?
If you enter the incorrect PIN three times, your **Ledger Wallet** will wipe itself clean for security. This doesn't mean you lose your funds! You can use your 24-word **Recovery Phrase** to restore your accounts onto the wiped device or a new one, proving the ultimate importance of securing your phrase for asset recovery.
4. Does the Ledger Live software or my computer hold my crypto keys?
Absolutely not. The **Ledger Wallet** device, specifically its Secure Element chip, is the only place your private keys are ever stored. The Ledger Live software simply acts as a display and transmission interface. It broadcasts transactions to the network but requires the physical device to sign them, ensuring your **Hardware Wallet Setup** is a true **Secure Crypto** solution.
5. Is it safe to use Bluetooth with the **Ledger Nano X**?
Yes, the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connection on the **Ledger Nano X** is end-to-end encrypted. More importantly, the critical signing process still takes place solely within the secure chip of the device. No private keys are ever transmitted over Bluetooth, maintaining the highest standard of **Secure Crypto** protection.
You're Now Ready for **Secure Crypto** Management
Complete your **Hardware Wallet Setup** now and join the millions who trust Ledger for the ultimate **Ledger Wallet** security experience.