How to Set Up Ledger Nano X — Step by Step

Quick overview

This is a practical, hands-on guide for how to set up Ledger Nano X (step-by-step). I wrote this after several months of using the device and testing setup flows on both desktop and mobile. The goal: get you from box to receiving crypto safely, without jargon, and without skipping the security checks.

Who this guide is for: people wanting a non-custodial hardware wallet for medium-to-long-term self-custody. Who should look elsewhere: if you need fully air-gapped signing or a different UX, consider models with that design (see our comparison pages for alternatives).

What to have ready

Your new hardware wallet and the supplied USB cable
A computer or mobile phone (desktop preferred for first-time setup)
Ballpoint pen and the recovery card that comes in the box
A metal backup plate if you will store a durable backup (recommended)
A clean, private workspace (no photos, no cloud backups)

And yes, have a small test amount of crypto ready for your first inbound transaction. It helps verify everything.

Unboxing & authenticity checks

Before powering on, inspect the packaging and device for obvious tampering. If seal or packaging looks altered, stop and consult the seller policy (this avoids supply-chain tamper risks). In my testing, an unopened factory seal and clean device are the first signals of authenticity. If the device offers an on-device authenticity check during initial pairing, follow that step.

For more on supply-chain and tamper checks, see supply-chain-tamper and authenticity-supply-chain.

Step-by-step setup: initialize Ledger Nano X

Below are the typical ledger nano x setup screen steps and how to handle each. Screens and wording can vary slightly by firmware version, but the flow is consistent.

Step 1 — power on & choose setup mode

Press the two device buttons (or the power button) to turn it on.
On the device screen you'll be asked to either "Set up as new device" or "Restore from recovery phrase." Choose the option that matches your situation.

If you already have a recovery phrase from another hardware wallet, choose Restore. Otherwise pick Set up as new device.

Step 2 — create and confirm a PIN

Pick a PIN you can remember but that isn't guessable (avoid birthdays and repeated digits). The device will ask you to confirm the PIN you entered. This PIN is required to unlock the hardware wallet on the device itself.

Step 3 — write down your recovery phrase

The device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase (recovery phrase is the technical term; it follows BIP-39). Write each word on the supplied recovery card in order. Do not take photos. Do not copy the phrase into a phone note. Physical paper is vulnerable; a stainless steel backup plate is far more durable.

Note: some wallet ecosystems support Shamir backups (SLIP-39). That’s an alternative approach to splitting backups into shares. See seed-phrase-management for options.

But never store your recovery phrase digitally. Ever.

Step 4 — confirm the recovery phrase

The device will prompt you to confirm a few words from the recovery phrase to ensure you wrote them down correctly. This is a critical step. It prevents setup errors.

Step 5 — pair and install companion app

Install the official companion app on your desktop or phone, then connect the device via USB or pair over Bluetooth when prompted. If you pair over Bluetooth on a mobile device, keep your phone's Bluetooth on only during pairing.

In my testing, desktop pairing felt slightly faster and avoids mobile Bluetooth complexities. But Bluetooth exists for a reason: mobile convenience.

For connectivity security notes, see connectivity-bluetooth-usb.

Step 6 — install coin apps and add accounts

Using the companion app, install the single-coin managers (apps) you need and then add accounts. The device will show address confirmations on its own screen; always verify the receiving address on the hardware wallet display before sending funds.

Security notes during setup

Never enter your recovery phrase into a computer or phone. The phrase belongs only on the device and on your offline backup.
Passphrase (25th word) is an optional extra. It creates a hidden wallet tied to the recovery phrase plus a user-chosen passphrase (not stored anywhere). Use it only if you understand the risk: forget the passphrase and the hidden wallet is irrecoverable. See passphrase-25th-word.
Bluetooth is convenient. But Bluetooth introduces a larger attack surface than a USB-only, air-gapped setup. Use it with awareness (turn it off when not needed).
Consider multisig for high-value holdings — hardware wallets can act as signers in multisig setups (see multisig-setup).

Firmware updates: why they matter and how to verify

Firmware protects the device against bugs and adds security fixes. After initial setup, check for firmware updates through the official companion app. Verify the update's signature when prompted by the device (the device should display a confirmation screen). Do not install firmware files from third-party sources.

See the detailed how-to for updates at how-to-update-firmware-steps and firmware-updates-verification.

Common setup mistakes & troubleshooting links

Buying from unofficial sellers (risk of tampered devices) — see where-to-buy-safely.
Photographing or typing your recovery phrase into a phone.
Skipping firmware checks.
Pairing over public or untrusted Bluetooth.

If the device isn't detected or you hit errors, check troubleshooting-not-detected and troubleshooting-general.

Quick comparison: Nano X vs other models (feature table)

Feature	Nano X	Nano S Plus	Trezor Model T (note)
Bluetooth	Yes	No	No
Built-in battery	Yes	No	No
Secure element	Yes	Yes	No (different design)
Passphrase (optional)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Multisig compatibility	Yes (as signer)	Yes	Yes

(Notes: feature sets can change with firmware. Confirm official specs before purchase.)

FAQ

Q: Can I recover my crypto if the device breaks? A: Yes — as long as you have the recovery phrase you can restore on a compatible hardware wallet or supported recovery tool. See restore-recovery.

Q: What happens if the company behind the wallet goes bankrupt? A: Your private keys are encoded in your recovery phrase. The device vendor going away doesn't stop you from restoring to another compatible device. That is the point of non-custodial self-custody.

Q: Is Bluetooth safe for a hardware wallet? A: Bluetooth adds convenience and some risk. If you only need desktop usage, a USB-only workflow reduces surface area. If you use Bluetooth, keep firmware updated and pair only in private spaces.

Final thoughts & next steps

Setting up a hardware wallet is straightforward if you follow the screen prompts and keep the recovery phrase offline. In my experience, taking the time to do the physical backup well (metal plate, multiple geographically separated copies if needed) pays off later. Try a small test transfer first. Verify addresses on the device screen. And read the related guides: unboxing & first-time setup, firmware updates, and seed phrase best practices.

If you want a full hands-on evaluation that compares UX, security details, and coin support, check our full Nano X review.

Ready to finish setup? Follow the step-by-step section above, and keep your recovery phrase offline and secure.