New: Introducing the world's first secure touchscreen hardware wallets

Shop Now

Up your Web3 game

Ledger Academy Quests

  • Test your knowledge
  • Earn POK NFTs
Play now See all quests

How to Set Up Your Nano S

Watch 4 min
Beginner

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to configure your Ledger Nano S, and how to backup your 24 words recovery phrase. Each step is vital to guarantee you can use your wallet safely. Learn more about the Ledger Nano S here: https://bit.ly/3DRfbmP

 

FIRST STEPS

Hi there. Today we’re going to set up your Nano S. But first, if you haven’t done so already, let’s get the Ledger Live app onto your computer.

QUICK RECAP – INSTALL LEDGER LIVE

Just pause the video here and go to the address you see on your screen to download and install it. Once it’s installed, open the app and click “Get started”. All right, read and accept the Terms and Conditions, then click “Enter Ledger app”. Select Nano S, and then click on the top option for a new setup. Have a look through the four educational slides, then click “Let’s do this.” Take one last look around to make sure nobody is reading over your shoulder, then click “OK, I’m ready!”. Click through the reminder, then, when you get to this screen, connect your Nano to the computer using the cable from the Nano box. Once it powers up, scroll through the navigation instructions on the device. Use the top buttons to scroll right until it says “Set up as a new device”, press both buttons simultaneously to make that selection, then, you’ll see it’s time to set a PIN code. Press both buttons to confirm.

PIN CODE

Then, you’ll see “Enter PIN” on the device. Use the buttons to find your desired number and confirm by pressing both buttons. Repeat that process until you set your PIN code, keeping in mind that you don’t need to use all eight digits. Four or more is all you need. Once you’ve chosen your PIN code, press both buttons to finish. You’ll see “Confirm PIN” on your device. Press both buttons again and then enter the complete PIN one more time.

RECORD RECOVERY PHRASE

Your screen will now say “Your device will generate 24 words”. This is your recovery phrase. This is the most important part of the setup. The whole advantage of a cold wallet is that it stores your keys offline and out of reach of hackers and malware. So please, whatever you do, do not use apps, screenshots or password managers to store this phrase, it totally defeats the purpose. We put three recovery cards in your Nano box. Go ahead and use one. Just try to keep the number of cards to a minimum. If you have to make a copy, go for as few as possible. Okay, scroll right, reading the instructions on the screen as you go and press both buttons to create your recovery phrase. Write down each word in order and definitely make sure you spell them correctly. Go ahead and pause while you write down your recovery phrase. Once you write down the final word, scroll back through your words to check for spelling and word order one last time. When you’ve checked them all, scroll right until the device shows “Confirm your recovery phrase” and press both buttons. You’ll then verify each word in order from one through 24. Starting with word one, use the button to scroll until the correct word is shown. Press both buttons to confirm, then, you’ll move on to the next word and then you’ll repeat that process for every word. When you’re finished, you’ll see your recovery phrase is set on your screen. Scroll right for some additional instructions and security reminders and press both buttons to continue. When you see “Processing”, you’ve confirmed your recovery phrase and the device is now storing it. You’ll then see “Your device is now ready”. Scroll right then press both buttons to enter the dashboard. You’re in the right place when you see settings on your device screen. Now it’s back to the app.

COMPLETE GENUINE CHECK

Now, don’t worry, you haven’t fallen behind in the app. It’s just there in case we lose our place during setup. Just click through the steps until you get to the “Hide your recovery phrase” screen and then click “OK, I’m done!” Then, take the short three-question quiz so we can move on to the Genuine Check. After you get your A+ on the quiz, click “Check my Nano” in the app and press both buttons on the device when it says “Allow Ledger Manager”. If the check is successful, continue. If not, please contact Ledger Support. After your successful Genuine Check, click “Continue” and go onto the Ledger Live dashboard. That’s it. Your Ledger Nano S is officially set up. You still have to install apps and create accounts before you can receive and store coins, but we’ll cover that in another video. For now, welcome aboard and congratulations on taking the first steps of your secure crypto journey.


Stay in touch

Announcements can be found in our blog. Press contact:
[email protected]

Subscribe to our
newsletter

New coins supported, blog updates and exclusive offers directly in your inbox


Your email address will only be used to send you our newsletter, as well as updates and offers. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link included in the newsletter.

Learn more about how we manage your data and your rights.