Ledger Nano S - setting up a new device

This is a quick guide to set up your Ledger Nano S as a new device. For more information about the Ledger Nano S, read my Beginner’s Guide.

This guide will show you step-by-step how to set up your Ledger Nano S as a new device. If you want to restore your device and recover your wallets using the 24 word recovery phrase, read my Ledger Nano S - Restore your device guide!

Connect your device

Connect your Ledger Nano S to a pc or laptop using the USB cable, and follow the instructions on the device display. To set it up as a new device you can confirm “Configure as new device” by pressing the right button (✓).

When starting the Ledger Nano S for the first time it will ask if its must be configured as a new device.

Set up your PIN

The device will ask you to enter (and re-enter) a PIN code. You can switch trough numbers by using the left (down) and right (up) button.

The first step is to set the PIN of the Ledger Nano S.

Tip: by default every digit starts with 5.
Do not use "5555" as a PIN as that is the easiest guess

Providing a PIN is mandatory and needs to be at least 4 digits long. Once you have entered your PIN, confirm by pressing the both buttons when you select the check (✓) mark.

Backup your recovery phrase

Careful: his the most important part of setting up your device!

The Ledger Nano S will generate a unique combination of 24 words.

The device will now provide you with 24 words, forming your recovery passphrase. Write every word down on the “Recovery Sheet” in the correct order and store it in a place safe from damage fire and/or theft. Without the recovery passphrase you can’t recover your wallets. Ever!

After displaying the 24th word, the Ledger Nano S

Once the device has given you all 24 words it will test you by asking for two randomly chosen words of the consequence.

To confirm your "Recovery Sheet" backup, the Ledger Nano S will verify two randomly chosen words from your recovery passphrase.

If both words match successful, the device is ready to be used!

After successfully confirming two words of the recovery passphrase the Ledger Nano S is ready to be used.

Configure your device using the Ledger Manager

Now you're all set to start using the Ledger Nano S, it's time to update configure the device and/or install new and extra wallets using the Ledger Manager desktop software.

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