Setting up your Ledger Nano S Plus is the first step to protecting your cryptocurrency with secure, offline storage. This guide will walk you through the process, making sure your device is ready to manage coins, NFTs, and Web3 assets safely.
Ledger Nano S Plus Unboxing
Inspect the seal on the Ledger Nano S Plus box immediately after you receive it to make sure it is intact. If you notice a broken or tampered seal, return the device immediately and do not use it.
Inside the box, you should find:
- Ledger Nano S Plus device with a protective film
- USB-A to USB-C cable for connecting to your computer or Android phone
- Three blank recovery sheets to write down your 24-word recovery phrase
- “Trust Yourself” card with setup reminders
- Quick start guide with instructions
- Ledger-branded stickers for personalization
Before setup, confirm that the recovery sheets are blank. If any words are pre-filled, the device may have been compromised.
Setting up the Ledger Nano S Plus
Here is how to set up the Ledger Nano S Plus
To begin setup:
- Connect the device to your computer using the USB cable.
- The screen will prompt you to press both buttons to start.
- Choose to set up as a new device or restore from recovery phrase.
- Create a PIN code (4–8 digits) using the buttons.
- The device will then display 24 recovery words, one at a time. Write them down in order on the recovery sheet. Never store them digitally or share them.
- Confirm a few of the words to complete setup.
Download the Ledger Live app from the official Ledger website as soon as you initialize your device. Use it to install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage. The Nano S Plus supports up to 100 apps and over 5,500 coins and tokens, including NFTs and DeFi assets2.
Your Ledger Nano S Plus is now ready to use securely.
Setting the PIN Code and Recovery Phrase
After powering on your Ledger Nano S Plus and selecting “Set up as new device,” the screen will prompt you to create a PIN code. Enter this PIN each time you use the device to protect your wallet.
Use the left and right buttons to scroll through digits and press both buttons to confirm each one. You can choose a PIN that is between 4 and 8 digits long. Once you finish entering your PIN, the device will ask you to re-enter it to confirm.
Ledger recommends using an 8-digit PIN for stronger security. Avoid devices with a pre-set PIN, as someone may have tampered with them. Always set your own PIN during setup.
Setting the Recovery Phrase
After you create your PIN code, the Ledger Nano S Plus will display 24 recovery words, one at a time. These words are your only backup for accessing your crypto if the device is lost or damaged.
Use the buttons to scroll through each word and write them down in order on the blank recovery sheet included in the box. Double-check each word and its position. Do not take photos, store them digitally, or share them with anyone—anyone with your recovery phrase can access your funds.
Once all 24 words are written down, the device will ask you to confirm a few of them to make sure you copied everything correctly. After confirmation, your recovery phrase is set, and your device is ready to use.
If you ever receive a device with a recovery phrase already written down or pre-set, do not use it. Contact Ledger support immediately.
Ledger Live Application Setup
To manage your crypto securely, you need to use the Ledger Live app, which connects your Ledger Nano S Plus to your computer or Android phone.
Step-by-Step Setup
- Download Ledger Live: Download Ledger Live for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, or Android). Always verify the URL to avoid phishing scams.
- Connect Your Device: Plug your Ledger Nano S Plus into your computer using the included USB-C cable. Open Ledger Live and select “Initialize as new device.”
- Follow On-Screen Instructions: Ledger Live will guide you through verifying your device, setting a PIN code, and writing down your 24-word recovery phrase. These steps must be completed on the device itself.
- Install Crypto Apps:In Ledger Live, go to “Manager” to install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to use (like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Solana). The Nano S Plus supports up to 100 apps, depending on their size.
- Add Accounts: After installing apps, go to “Accounts” and click “Add account.” This lets you view balances, send and receive crypto, and manage assets directly from Ledger Live.
Compatibility Notes
- Works with Windows 10/11, macOS Big Sur and newer, and Ubuntu LTS 20.04/22.04 (64-bit only).
- For mobile, Android 8.1 or higher is supported. The Nano S Plus does not support iPhones.
Ledger Nano S setup guide: Conclusion
Setting up the Ledger Nano S Plus is quick and secure. After creating a PIN and writing down your 24-word recovery phrase, your device is ready to manage over 5,500 cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and DeFi assets via the Ledger Live app.
Always keep your recovery phrase offline and private. The Nano S Plus connects via USB-C and works with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android, but not iPhones. If your device comes with a pre-set PIN or recovery phrase, do not use it—contact Ledger support.