How to Set Up Ledger Nano S: Complete Hardware Wallet Guide

What Is the Ledger Nano S?

The Ledger Nano S is a hardware wallet that stores cryptocurrency private keys offline on a secure chip, protecting your digital assets from online hacks, malware, and phishing attacks. Unlike software wallets that can be compromised, hardware wallets keep keys isolated from internet-connected devices.

Hardware wallets are considered the gold standard for cryptocurrency security. Your private keys—the cryptographic secrets that control your funds—never leave the device. Even when you connect to a compromised computer, your keys remain safe inside the secure element chip.

The Ledger Nano S supports over 5,500 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and most major altcoins. Its small OLED screen displays transaction details for verification before signing. Physical buttons confirm or reject transactions, preventing remote attacks.

Unlike leaving crypto on exchanges where you don't control the keys, a hardware wallet gives you true ownership. The saying 'not your keys, not your coins' reflects the risk of custodial solutions. With a Ledger, you control your cryptocurrency directly. For more wallet options, see our guide on cryptocurrency wallet types.

What's Included in the Box?

The Ledger Nano S box contains the device itself, a USB cable for computer connection, three recovery phrase sheets for writing your backup words, a keychain lanyard, and getting started instructions. Everything needed for setup is included—you just need a computer with internet access.

The device is compact—about the size of a USB drive—with a small OLED screen and two buttons on top. The screen displays important information during setup and transaction signing. The buttons let you navigate menus and confirm or reject actions.

The recovery phrase sheets are critical. You'll write your 24-word backup phrase on these cards and store them securely. Never photograph these words or type them into any device. Physical, offline storage is essential for security.

Before starting setup, verify your package hasn't been tampered with. Ledger devices should arrive sealed. If anything seems wrong—missing items, pre-configured device, or damaged packaging—contact Ledger support. Never use a device that arrived with a pre-written recovery phrase.

How Do You Install Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is the official companion software for managing your Ledger device. Download it only from ledger.com, verify the download, and install it on your Windows, Mac, or Linux computer. Ledger Live handles device setup, firmware updates, and cryptocurrency app installation.

Visit the official Ledger website (ledger.com) and navigate to the Downloads section. Select Ledger Live for your operating system. Be extremely careful to use only the official site—phishing sites mimicking Ledger are common. Verify the URL carefully.

After downloading, verify the software integrity if possible. Ledger provides checksums on their website. Installation follows standard procedures for your operating system. You may need to approve security permissions for USB device access.

Launch Ledger Live after installation. The software will guide you through device setup with clear on-screen instructions. Keep Ledger Live updated—it provides firmware updates that patch security vulnerabilities and add new features.

How Do You Set Up the Device?

Setting up the Ledger Nano S involves connecting it via USB, selecting 'Set up as new device,' creating a PIN code, and following on-screen prompts. The PIN should be 4-8 digits, memorable but not easily guessed. Three wrong PIN entries wipe the device for security.

Connect your Ledger Nano S to your computer using the included USB cable. The device powers on and displays 'Welcome.' Use the left and right buttons to navigate menus, and press both buttons together to select options.

Choose 'Set up as new device' (not 'Restore from recovery phrase' unless recovering an existing wallet). Then create your PIN code. Choose digits using the buttons—left decreases the number, right increases. Press both to confirm each digit. Your PIN should be secure but memorable.

After setting your PIN, the device generates your recovery phrase. This is the most critical step. The 24 words displayed are your only backup. If you lose the device and don't have these words, your cryptocurrency is lost forever.

How Do You Backup Your Recovery Phrase?

Your 24-word recovery phrase is displayed on the device screen one word at a time. Write each word clearly on the provided recovery sheets, in exact order. After displaying all words, the device asks you to verify specific words to confirm correct recording. Store these sheets in separate secure locations.

As each word appears, write it down carefully on your recovery sheet. Double-check spelling—one wrong letter makes the backup useless. The word order matters exactly. Take your time; this step cannot be rushed or repeated.

After showing all 24 words, the Ledger asks you to confirm specific words (like 'Enter word #7'). Use the buttons to scroll through options and select the correct word. This verification ensures you recorded the phrase accurately.

Storage is crucial. Your recovery phrase IS your cryptocurrency. Anyone who has these words controls your funds. Store copies in separate physical locations—home safe, bank safety deposit box, trusted family member. Never photograph, email, or type these words. Never store them on any computer or cloud service.

How Do You Install Cryptocurrency Apps?

Cryptocurrency apps must be installed on your Ledger for each coin you want to manage. In Ledger Live, go to 'My Ledger' (Manager), find the cryptocurrency app (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.), and click 'Install.' The app downloads to your device. The Nano S has limited storage, so you may need to uninstall apps to make room.

Each cryptocurrency requires its own app on the Ledger. Bitcoin needs the Bitcoin app; Ethereum and ERC-20 tokens need the Ethereum app. Ledger Live shows available apps and handles installation seamlessly.

The Ledger Nano S has limited storage (about 160KB usable), which typically holds 3-5 apps simultaneously depending on their size. If you need more, uninstall unused apps—your funds remain safe on the blockchain. Reinstall anytime without affecting your holdings.

After installing apps, you can add accounts in Ledger Live. Click 'Add account,' select the cryptocurrency, and follow prompts. Your device may ask you to confirm the operation on-screen. Once accounts are added, you can send, receive, and monitor your cryptocurrency holdings.

Last Updated: December 2025