How to Set Up Your Ledger Nano™ Gen5 Hardware Wallet
The most playful and secure way to manage your digital assets. Follow this official guide to initialize your device and protect your crypto with offline private key storage.
Welcome to Ledger Nano Gen5
Congratulations on choosing the Ledger Nano Gen5 – the latest evolution in hardware wallet security. With its vibrant design, enhanced touchscreen, and support for over 5,500 cryptocurrencies and NFTs, Gen5 combines fun with fortress-level protection.
This guide will walk you through every step to set up your device securely from scratch. Your private keys never leave the secure chip – keeping you safe from online threats.
Step 1: Unbox Your Ledger Nano Gen5
Open the official Ledger packaging and verify the following items are included:
1 x Ledger Nano Gen5 hardware wallet
1 x USB-C to USB-A cable
3 x Recovery sheets
1 x Getting Started guide
1 x Keychain and strap
Security Check: Ensure the packaging is intact and shows no signs of tampering. Ledger devices are sealed with a tamper-evident label. If compromised, contact support immediately.
Download Ledger Live™ – Official App
Ledger Live is your all-in-one companion app to manage assets, install apps, and update firmware.
Install Ledger Live on your computer or mobile device.
Use the included USB-C cable to connect your Nano Gen5 to your computer.
The device will power on and display the Ledger logo followed by the welcome screen.
Tap the screen to begin setup.
Note: Always connect directly to your computer. Avoid using USB hubs or public charging stations.
Step 3: Choose Setup Method
On your Ledger Nano Gen5, you’ll see two options:
Set up as new device – Recommended for first-time users.
Restore from recovery phrase – Use if you’re migrating from another wallet.
Select “Set up as new device” and confirm with both buttons.
Step 4: Create a Secure PIN
Choose a PIN code between 4 and 8 digits. This will be required every time you use your device.
Use a unique PIN (not your phone or ATM PIN)
Confirm the PIN by entering it twice
Do not share your PIN with anyone
Important: If you enter the wrong PIN 3 times, the device will reset and erase all data.
Step 5: Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase
Your device will now display 24 secret words – one at a time. This is your master recovery phrase.
Write down each word in order on the provided recovery sheet.
Double-check spelling and order.
Confirm the words on your device by selecting them in sequence.
CRITICAL SECURITY RULE: Never store your recovery phrase digitally (no photos, screenshots, or cloud storage). Keep it offline in a safe place. Anyone with these 24 words can access your funds.
Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. Beware of phishing scams.
Step 6: Confirm Device is Genuine
Ledger Live will now perform a genuineness check to verify your device is authentic and has not been tampered with.
Follow on-screen instructions in Ledger Live
Allow the app to communicate with your device
Confirm the check passes successfully
Step 7: Install Cryptocurrency Apps
In Ledger Live, go to “Manager” and install apps for the assets you want to manage:
Bitcoin (BTC)
Ethereum (ETH)
Solana (SOL)
And 100+ more
Each app enables your device to manage that specific blockchain.
Step 8: Add Accounts in Ledger Live
After installing apps:
Go to “Accounts” in Ledger Live
Click “Add account”
Select the cryptocurrency
Connect and unlock your Ledger device
Confirm account creation on the device
Your account addresses are now ready to receive funds.
Security Best Practices
Store your recovery phrase in multiple secure locations (e.g., safe deposit box, fireproof safe)
Never enter your recovery phrase on any website or app
Keep your Ledger device updated via Ledger Live
Use a strong password for Ledger Live
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on connected exchanges
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Device not detected? Try a different USB port or cable.
Ledger Live not opening? Reinstall from the official site.
Firmware update failed? Ensure stable internet and retry.
