How to Set Up Ledger Nano X: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
What’s in the Box
When you open a genuine Ledger Nano X, you should find:
- Ledger Nano X device
- USB-C to USB-A cable
- Getting Started card
- Three recovery sheet cards (for writing your seed phrase)
- Keychain accessories
Important: If you bought your Ledger second-hand, from a marketplace, or if the box appears tampered with — do not use it. Ledger devices should only be purchased from ledger.com or authorised retailers. A compromised device could expose your funds.
The recovery sheets come blank — Ledger never pre-fills them. If yours arrived with words already written on them, it’s a scam. Return it immediately.
Step 1: Charge the Device
Connect the Nano X to your computer or a USB power adapter using the included cable. A battery icon will appear on screen. You don’t need to wait for a full charge — it can be set up while charging.
The Nano X has a built-in battery for Bluetooth use. The Nano S Plus (a cheaper alternative) does not have a battery and must be plugged in during use.
Step 2: Install Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official companion app — you need it to manage the device, install apps, and view your balances.
- Go to ledger.com/ledger-live
- Download the version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android)
- Install and open the app
On macOS: macOS may warn that the app is from an unidentified developer. Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → click “Open Anyway”.
On Windows: If Windows Defender flags it, click “More info” → “Run anyway”. This is normal for less-common apps.
Step 3: Power On the Device
Press and hold the single button on the top-right of the Nano X until the Ledger logo appears. Use the two buttons on the sides to navigate:
- Left button = scroll left / go back
- Right button = scroll right / next
- Both buttons together = select / confirm
The screen is small but readable. You’ll navigate menus using these three button combinations throughout setup.
Step 4: Select “Set Up as New Device”
On first boot, you’ll see two options:
- Set up as new device — choose this if you’re starting fresh
- Restore from recovery phrase — choose this if you’re importing an existing wallet
Select Set up as new device by pressing both buttons.
Step 5: Choose a PIN
The PIN protects physical access to your device. If someone steals your Nano X, they can’t access it without the PIN.
- Select a PIN of 4–8 digits (8 digits recommended for better security)
- Scroll through the digits using left/right, press both buttons to select each digit
- Confirm your PIN by entering it a second time
- A padlock icon confirms the PIN is set
Choosing a PIN:
- Don’t use your birthday, 1234, or any obvious sequence
- Don’t use the same PIN as your phone
- Write it down somewhere safe — but separately from your seed phrase
If you enter the wrong PIN 3 times, the device resets and wipes itself. This is a security feature. Your funds can still be recovered using your seed phrase.
Step 6: Write Down Your Recovery Phrase
This is the most critical step in the entire process. Read this section carefully before proceeding.
Your recovery phrase (also called a seed phrase or mnemonic) is 24 words generated randomly by the device. These 24 words are the master key to all funds stored on the device. Anyone with these words can access your crypto from any compatible wallet, anywhere in the world.
The Nano X will display the 24 words one at a time on screen.
How to record it correctly:
- Use the recovery sheets provided — write clearly in capital letters or print block letters
- Write the words in order — number them 1–24
- Write every word exactly as shown — spelling matters
- Do not photograph it — a photo on your phone or cloud backup is a major security risk
- Do not type it anywhere — no computer, no phone, no password manager
- Do not speak it aloud — especially near smart speakers or microphones
After writing all 24 words, the device will ask you to verify a few of them by pressing both buttons to confirm. This ensures you wrote them down correctly.
Storing your recovery phrase:
- Store in a dry, secure location — a fireproof safe is ideal
- Some users engrave words on steel plates (products like Cryptosteel) for fire/water resistance
- Consider storing copies in two separate locations for disaster recovery
- Never store it digitally — not in email drafts, notes apps, screenshots, or cloud storage
If you lose your seed phrase and your device is damaged or lost, your funds are gone permanently. No one — not Ledger, not exchanges, no one — can recover them. This is by design.
Step 7: Confirm Your Recovery Phrase
Ledger will ask you to confirm several of the 24 words in random order. Navigate to the correct word and press both buttons to confirm each one.
This verification step proves you wrote the phrase down correctly. The device won’t proceed unless you confirm the right words.
Once complete, your device is set up and you’ll see the Ledger dashboard.
Step 8: Connect to Ledger Live
Back in the Ledger Live app on your computer:
- Click “Get started”
- Select “Ledger Nano X”
- Choose to connect via USB (recommended for setup) or Bluetooth
- Follow the on-screen pairing instructions
- Ledger Live will run a Genuine Check — verifying the device is authentic and hasn’t been tampered with
The Genuine Check connects to Ledger’s servers to confirm the device’s cryptographic certificate. If it passes (it will on a genuine device), you’re good to proceed.
Step 9: Install the Firmware Update (if prompted)
Ledger Live will notify you if a firmware update is available. It’s best to install it now before doing anything else.
- Click “Update firmware”
- The device will restart and show a progress bar
- Re-enter your PIN when prompted after the update
- Your accounts and settings are preserved through firmware updates
Step 10: Install Coin Apps
The Nano X doesn’t come pre-loaded with all coin apps — you install only the ones you need. Each app uses a small amount of the device’s storage, and you can install/uninstall freely without affecting your funds.
To install the Bitcoin app:
- In Ledger Live, go to My Ledger
- Connect and unlock your device
- Find Bitcoin in the App catalog
- Click Install
The app will install in seconds. Repeat for Ethereum, Solana, or any other coin you want to use.
How many apps can fit? The Nano X can hold around 100 apps simultaneously. You’ll never run out of space in practice.
Step 11: Add Your First Account
- In Ledger Live, click “+ Add account” in the left sidebar
- Select the coin (e.g., Bitcoin or Ethereum)
- Connect and unlock your Nano X, open the relevant app on the device
- Ledger Live will detect the device and scan for existing accounts
- Name your account and click “Add account”
Your account is now visible in Ledger Live with a receiving address.
Step 12: Receive Crypto
To receive funds to your Ledger:
- Select the account in Ledger Live
- Click “Receive”
- Ledger Live will show a receiving address — verify it also appears on your device screen
- Always verify the address on the device screen before sharing it — this protects against clipboard malware that swaps addresses
- Share the verified address with the sender
Step 13: Send a Test Transaction
Before moving significant funds, send a small test amount:
- Click “Send” in your account
- Enter the recipient address and amount
- Review the transaction details on your computer
- Check the amount and address on your Ledger device screen — this is where hardware wallets prove their worth
- Press both buttons on the device to confirm
- The signed transaction broadcasts to the network
The physical confirmation on the device means no software hack on your computer can steal funds without you physically approving each transaction.
Security Best Practices
Never share your seed phrase
Ledger will never ask for it. Customer support will never ask for it. Any message, email, or pop-up asking for your 24 words is a scam.
Use a passphrase for extra security (optional)
A passphrase (25th word) adds a second layer of protection — even if someone finds your seed phrase, they’d also need the passphrase. Enable it in Settings → Security on the device. It’s an advanced feature; understand it before using it.
Keep firmware updated
Updates patch security vulnerabilities. Check Ledger Live periodically.
Be careful with phishing sites
Bookmark ledger.com — many fake sites exist. Always check the URL before entering anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Nano X without a computer?
Yes. With Bluetooth, the Nano X works with the Ledger Live mobile app on iOS and Android. You don’t need a computer for day-to-day use — only for firmware updates and initial setup.
What happens if I lose my Ledger Nano X?
Your funds are not on the device — they’re on the blockchain. Your seed phrase is the key. Buy a new Ledger, select “Restore from recovery phrase,” enter your 24 words, and your accounts reappear. This works with any BIP39-compatible wallet.
Can I have multiple accounts on one device?
Yes. One seed phrase generates unlimited accounts for each coin. You can add as many as you need in Ledger Live.
What’s the difference between Nano X and Nano S Plus?
The Nano X has Bluetooth (works wirelessly with mobile), a larger screen, and more storage. The Nano S Plus is cheaper, USB-only, but otherwise similar in security. For most people, the Nano X is worth the extra cost.
Can I recover my wallet with a different brand’s device (e.g., Trezor)?
Yes — as long as both devices use BIP39 (which Ledger, Trezor, and most hardware wallets do), you can restore a Ledger seed phrase on a Trezor and vice versa. The seed phrase is universal.
Is Ledger Live required for everyday use?
No. You can connect your Ledger to MetaMask, Rabby, or other wallets directly. Ledger Live is useful for portfolio overview, staking, and buying crypto, but it’s not mandatory.
Related guides:
- Complete Guide to Ledger Hardware Wallets 2026
- Ledger Nano X vs Nano S Plus — Which Should You Buy?
- How to Use Ledger with MetaMask
- Ledger Not Recognised by Computer — Fix
- Ledger vs Trezor 2026
Leave a Reply