This official guide provides the definitive, secure path to initialize your Ledger Nano device (X or S Plus), install the essential **Ledger Live** application, and securely back up your **24-word recovery phrase**.
Start Secure Initialization NowSecurity begins before you even connect your device. The first critical stage is the **physical verification** of your Ledger package. Ledger utilizes tamper-proof seals to assure the integrity of the hardware supply chain. For both the **Ledger Nano X** and the **Nano S Plus**, carefully inspect the box. The shrink wrap must be intact, and for the Nano S Plus, the plastic sleeve covering the box should show no signs of previous opening or distress.
More importantly, Ledger devices are designed to detect unauthorized software installation. The device itself performs an **integrity check** every time it connects. When you first plug in your Ledger, it will prompt you to download the **Ledger Live** application. This is the only official software that will allow you to initialize the device. If your device displays a pre-existing PIN or a pre-written recovery phrase, immediately stop and contact Ledger Support—your device may be compromised. Always ensure your device is brand new and uninitialized upon first use.
Critical Warning:
A genuine Ledger Nano will never ship with a pre-printed 24-word recovery phrase. If a card with a written phrase is included, DO NOT USE IT. Only trust the phrase generated on the device screen during the setup process.
**Ledger Live** is the indispensable companion application for your hardware wallet. It serves as your primary interface for installing crypto applications on your Ledger, checking balances, sending, and receiving assets. You must download it directly from the official Ledger website or trusted app stores. This avoids phishing scams that mimic the software interface.
Once installed, Ledger Live will guide you through the initial connection. It uses a proprietary, encrypted channel to communicate with your device. A crucial feature of Ledger Live is its ability to check the **genuine status** of your hardware wallet. During this step, Ledger Live verifies the cryptographic signature of the device’s secure element, ensuring that the hardware itself has not been tampered with or replaced. This digital integrity check is performed routinely and is a fundamental security guarantee.
Ledger Live will automatically check if your device needs a firmware update. Always install the latest official firmware for maximum security and access to new coins/features.
The application facilitates the process of setting your PIN and generating your recovery phrase, keeping all sensitive inputs isolated and confirmed on the device screen.
The successful completion of the Ledger Live integrity check provides strong assurance that you are interacting with authentic Ledger hardware and software, creating a foundation of trust necessary for cold storage security.
This step involves two critical actions that define your security model: setting your **PIN code** and recording your **24-word recovery phrase**. The PIN is a local security measure; it protects your device from unauthorized physical access. It must be set directly on the Ledger device screen using the buttons (or touchscreen on the Nano X). Choose a robust PIN (4-8 digits) and never share it or write it down near your device.
The **24-word recovery phrase (BIP39 standard)** is the master key to your crypto assets. It is generated by the device itself and shown sequentially on the small screen. This phrase is the only way to recover your funds if your Ledger device is lost, stolen, or damaged. You must use the official recovery sheets provided in the box to record this phrase. **Never** photograph, digitize, email, or type this phrase into any computer, phone, or cloud storage. It must remain an offline, physical record.
Ledger Live will guide you through a **mandatory verification process** where you confirm specific words of the phrase back to the device. Take this step seriously. Errors here mean the backup is useless. After successful confirmation, your device is initialized, and your private keys are permanently secured within the device’s certified secure element chip. This process solidifies your status as the sole custodian of your digital wealth.
With initialization complete, use Ledger Live to install the specific cryptocurrency applications (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana) onto your Nano device. Each app allows your device to manage the corresponding blockchain. Since the hardware has limited storage, you can manage these apps directly through the Ledger Live interface, installing and uninstalling them as needed without affecting your funds.
To fully confirm the integrity of your setup, perform a **small test transaction**:
This exercise confirms the complete trust chain: from the physical device and its secure element to the Ledger Live software and your recovery phrase backup. Congratulations, your assets are now protected by industry-leading cold storage security. Remember to keep your recovery phrase secure and your firmware up to date.
If all setup steps are complete, proceed to the Ledger Live application to manage your portfolio and assets securely.
Download Ledger Live