A complete, step-by-step tutorial to securely initialize your Ledger Nano device and set up the Ledger Live software.
Welcome to self-custody! Your journey starts with two core components: the **Ledger Nano** (the physical hardware device) and **Ledger Live** (the software interface). Unlike traditional logins, setting up a Ledger is about initiating a secure, physical connection to the decentralized blockchain world. Your Ledger Nano holds your private keys offline—this is known as **cold storage**. Ledger Live is simply the user-friendly window that lets you view balances and manage transactions, but it never holds your keys.
For a true beginner, the most critical step isn't connecting to the computer, but securing the physical master key generated by the device itself: the 24-word Recovery Phrase.
🚨 CRITICAL WARNING: Securing Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase
The **24-word Recovery Phrase** (or Seed Phrase) is the single key that controls all your crypto funds. If you lose your Ledger device, this phrase is used to restore your wallet. If a hacker gets this phrase, they can steal everything instantly.
This section guides you through preparing your computer and securely initializing your brand-new Ledger Nano device.
Navigate directly to the official download page: ledger.com/ledger-live/download. It is crucial to bookmark this official page and avoid searching for the download link, as malicious search ads often lead to phishing sites. Download the application for your operating system (desktop or mobile) and install it.
Before proceeding, inspect your Ledger device’s packaging for any signs of tampering. A genuine Ledger device must arrive sealed, with no pre-written Recovery Phrase inside the box.
Plug your Ledger Nano into your computer using the supplied USB cable. The device will power on and display a welcome message. Use the physical buttons on the device to navigate and select **"Set up as new device"**. The device will prompt you to set a **PIN code** (4 to 8 digits). Use a unique PIN you can easily memorize—this is required every time you unlock your device. Enter the PIN twice to confirm. This PIN is processed entirely by the device's Secure Element and is never seen by Ledger Live.
Your Ledger Nano will now generate and display the 24 words one by one. This is the only time these words will ever be displayed. Write them down carefully on the provided recovery sheets, ensuring accurate spelling and sequence for each word. After you finish writing, the device will prompt you to **verify** the phrase by asking you to select specific words (e.g., "Confirm word #15") from an on-screen dictionary. This mandatory verification step confirms you have recorded the phrase correctly and completely.
Once verification is complete, immediately store the paper copy in a secure, private location. This phrase is now your ultimate backup.
With your device initialized and secured, you can now safely connect it to the Ledger Live application.
Open the Ledger Live application. You will see an introductory screen. Select **"Set up a new Ledger device"** and choose your specific model (e.g., Nano S Plus, Nano X). The application will then walk you through a series of on-screen checks, confirming you have completed the PIN and Recovery Phrase steps on the physical device. This guides you towards the most crucial security step performed by the software.
Ledger Live will prompt you to connect and unlock your device with your PIN. It then initiates the **Genuine Check**. This check is a cryptographic challenge-response mechanism that verifies that your Ledger Nano’s Secure Element chip is authentic and has not been compromised or tampered with by a malicious third party. This check is performed every time you connect the device and acts as an immediate security barrier. **Only proceed if Ledger Live confirms your device is genuine.** If the check fails, contact Ledger Support immediately and do not use the device.
After the Genuine Check, Ledger Live will ask you to set an optional **Ledger Live Password**. This password is **not** the same as your device PIN, and it is **not** required for sending crypto. Its purpose is purely to lock the Ledger Live application on your computer. It prevents others who use your computer from viewing your balances or transaction history. It's highly recommended to set a strong, unique password for this layer of privacy. This is the closest thing to a "login" you'll use regularly.
Now that Ledger Live is configured, you need to install the necessary software components (apps) onto the Ledger device and then create a corresponding account in Ledger Live.
Navigate to the **Manager** tab (often represented by a settings icon or device image). Unlock your Ledger device and allow the manager on the device screen. In Ledger Live, find and install the applications for the cryptocurrencies you want to hold (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano). The Ledger device has limited space, but remember: **Uninstalling an app does NOT delete your funds**; it only removes the software interface, and the keys remain secure.
Go to the **Accounts** tab and click **+ Add Account**. Select the crypto you just installed the app for (e.g., Bitcoin). Ledger Live will instruct you to open the corresponding app on your physical device. The device then securely generates and sends **Extended Public Keys (xPubs)** to Ledger Live. Ledger Live uses these keys to scan the blockchain and create a view-only record of your wallet. Give the new account a clear name (e.g., "My Main Bitcoin Wallet").
Before sending any funds to your new wallet, click the **Receive** button and select your new account. Ledger Live will ask you to connect and open the app on your device. The application will show a receiving address, and **simultaneously**, the Ledger device's screen will display the same address. **You must verify that the address shown on your computer screen EXACTLY matches the address on the device’s trusted screen.** If they match, you can copy the address from Ledger Live and safely transfer funds to it. This step protects you from address-swapping malware.
When you initiate a **Send** transaction, Ledger Live prepares the transaction details (recipient address, amount, fee) and sends this unsigned packet to your Ledger Nano. The device requires your manual confirmation, solidifying the hardware's role as the final gatekeeper.
After filling out the details in Ledger Live, the transaction proposal is sent to the Nano. The device displays all the details on its screen. You must use the physical buttons to scroll through and confirm the recipient address, the exact amount, and the transaction fee. Only when you press the final confirmation button(s) on the device will the private key securely sign the transaction. The signed transaction is sent back to Ledger Live for broadcasting to the network. **The private key never leaves the device.** This physical action replaces a traditional, vulnerable software "login" confirmation.
You have successfully completed the secure initialization of your Ledger hardware wallet and integrated it with Ledger Live. This process, while more involved than a simple software login, grants you unparalleled security over your digital assets. Your crypto is now protected by the most resilient barrier available: an isolated secure chip that demands physical interaction for every sensitive action.
Always remember the separation of powers: Ledger Live is for viewing and initiating, and your Ledger Nano is for verifying and signing. User error—especially involving the 24-word seed—is the primary vulnerability.
By mastering this secure integration, you are truly the sole guardian of your crypto wealth.