Unboxing and physical checks
Quick physical checks I use every time:
- Package sealed and intact.
- Accessories match what's listed in the quick start sheet.
- No pre-set PIN or pre-filled recovery card present.
The device contains a secure element to keep private keys isolated. It is not a magical air-gapped solution; it connects to your computer to sign transactions (but private keys never leave the secure element).
Step-by-step setup screens (how to start)
This section maps the typical screens you'll see. These are the nano ledger setup screen steps I encounter on new devices (wording may differ slightly by firmware).
to begin connect your ledger wallet to your computer using the supplied USB cable. (Wait for the screen to light up.)
Welcome / Start. The device shows a welcome screen. Press both buttons to continue.
Set up as new device or restore from recovery phrase. Choose the option that matches you. If you want to configure from an existing seed phrase, choose restore. Otherwise choose to create a new wallet (see next section).
Choose a PIN code. Enter and then confirm the PIN on-device. The companion desktop app will not see your PIN.
Write down your seed phrase. The device will display 12 or 24 words (the screen shows the exact count). Write each word down in order and keep that paper in a safe place.
Confirm the seed phrase. The device will ask you to confirm random words to ensure you wrote them correctly.
Install companion app and device manager. On your computer, follow [/ledger-live-download-install] to install the app used to add accounts and apps.
Firmware prompt. If the device asks for a firmware update, follow the guided steps and verify signatures as described in [/firmware-update-verify].
Add accounts and install coin apps via the companion app. Each coin may require a small app installed on the device to manage that crypto.
How long does this take? Expect 10–20 minutes for first-time setup, longer if you choose to read every security prompt slowly (recommended).
Setup quick-reference table
| Screen / Prompt |
Action you take |
Why it matters |
| Connect / Welcome |
Plug in and press buttons |
Powers and unlocks the device |
| Create or Restore |
Choose create new wallet OR restore |
Establishes new private keys or restores them |
| PIN setup |
Enter and confirm PIN on-device |
Local access control (not a recovery) |
| Seed phrase display |
Write words in order, confirm |
Only copy of your private-key recovery |
| Firmware update |
Update via companion app, verify |
Keeps the secure element and bootloader current |
(These are general steps. Follow on-screen instructions verbatim.)
Create new wallet vs. restore an existing wallet
Choosing to create a new wallet (ledger nano s create new wallet) will generate a fresh seed phrase on-device. Restoring pulls your private keys back from an existing seed phrase.
Which to choose? If you have funds already on another device or a paper backup, restore. If this is new, create a new wallet and back up the seed phrase. I noticed that many users rush through confirmation steps — don't.
For restore tips and recovery troubleshooting see [/restore-recover-failure].
Seed phrase management & backups
Your seed phrase (BIP-39) is the master key to your crypto. Treat it like the combination to a safe deposit box.
- Paper is easy but vulnerable to fire and water.
- Steel or metal plates survive physical hazards; see [/backup-metal-slip39].
- Consider geographic distribution (split backups) or SLIP-39 (Shamir backup) for advanced redundancy.
What I've found: one well-executed metal backup plus one off-site paper copy is a reasonable balance for many users.
Passphrase (the 25th word): use and risk
A passphrase is an optional extra word (sometimes called the 25th word) that creates a hidden wallet derived from your seed phrase. It can dramatically improve security, but with additional complexity.
Pros: adds another authentication layer. Cons: if you forget it, funds are unrecoverable (there is no central reset).
If you plan to use a passphrase, document the passphrase location and recovery plan carefully. See [/passphrase-risks] for fuller guidance.
But don't treat the passphrase as a substitute for good backup hygiene.
Firmware updates and verifying authenticity
Firmware updates patch bugs and improve device stability (and occasionally add coin support). Always update when prompted, but do so via the official companion app and verify the process.
In my testing, the companion app will show a signed firmware request; compare the fingerprints shown on-device against what the app displays (where the app offers verification). For step-by-step firmware procedures see [/firmware-updates-and-verification].
Do not accept firmware prompts from unknown websites or unofficial tools.
Daily usage, apps, and connectivity
Once set up, you will add account apps for the blockchains you use (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.). The device manages private keys inside the secure element while the companion app or third-party wallets build and broadcast transactions.
The Nano S is primarily USB-connected (so use a trusted cable). If you plan to use third-party web wallets like MetaMask, see [/connect-metamask-web3] and [/third-party-compatibility] for integration notes.
Bluetooth and NFC raise different threat models (if you own a model with those features, read [/connections-usb-bluetooth-nfc]).
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
- Buying from unofficial sellers. (Return and report anything suspicious.) See [/where-to-buy-and-seller-safety].
- Photographing or storing a seed phrase on a phone.
- Skipping firmware verification.
- Using public or compromised computers for setup.
If the device won't connect or appears unresponsive, consult [/troubleshoot-cannot-connect] or [/firmware-update-verify] for recovery steps.
Who this wallet is for (and who should look elsewhere)
Best for: users who want non-custodial, self-custody hardware with solid ecosystem support and are comfortable following a few security procedures.
Not ideal for: people who need a mobile-first Bluetooth solution (consider other models) or those who refuse to manage any backups themselves. This comes down to personal preference and threat model.
FAQ
Q: Can I recover my crypto if the device breaks?
A: Yes — if you have the seed phrase you can restore to another compatible hardware wallet or compatible software wallet (follow [/restore-recover-failure]).
Q: What happens if the company goes bankrupt?
A: Your funds are non-custodial. As long as you control the seed phrase and private keys, you can restore on compatible wallets. (Company insolvency complicates updates and support, but not your private keys.) See [/company-bankruptcy-and-business-risk].
Q: Is Bluetooth safe for a hardware wallet?
A: Bluetooth expands attack surface versus USB. Some models include it; if you’re unsure, prefer USB or read [/connections-usb-bluetooth-nfc] to decide for your threat model.
Conclusion & next steps
Follow the step-by-step screens methodically: to begin connect your ledger wallet, set a PIN, record the seed phrase securely, and verify firmware through the companion app. I believe most users will be safer if they slow down and double-check each prompt.
Next steps:
- Install the companion app: [/ledger-live-download-install]
- Review firmware verification: [/firmware-update-verify]
- Read about seed phrase basics: [/seed-phrase-basics]
- If you plan multisig or advanced setups, see [/multisig-setup-ledger]
But don't rush the backup. Your seed phrase is the key.
If you want a deeper walkthrough specific to Bitcoin or Ethereum accounts after setup, check [/bitcoin-setup] and [/ethereum-erc20-setup].
