How to Set up Ledger Portfolio & Wallet App: A Complete Guide

Step-by-step instructions for securing your Ledger device, installing Ledger Live (Portfolio & Wallet) app, and managing crypto safely.

Quick overview

Ledger hardware wallets (like Ledger Nano S Plus and Nano X) protect your crypto by keeping private keys offline. Ledger Live—often called the Portfolio or Wallet app—lets you manage accounts, install apps, send/receive crypto, and check your portfolio.

Before you start — checklist

  • Genuine Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.) — buy from the official store or an authorized partner.
  • USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X) and a computer or phone.
  • Secure, private place for your 24-word recovery phrase (never store digitally).
  • Latest Ledger Live app (desktop or mobile) downloaded from ledger.com.

Step 1 — Install Ledger Live (Portfolio & Wallet)

  1. Go to the official Ledger website (ledger.com) and download Ledger Live for your platform (Windows / macOS / Linux) or install the mobile app from the official stores.
  2. Open the installer and follow on-screen instructions. On mobile, install and open the app.
  3. Create or restore a wallet when prompted by Ledger Live — but note that initial device setup is done on the Ledger hardware, not directly through Ledger Live.
Security tip: Always verify the website URL and checksum when downloading Ledger Live. Never install apps from unknown sources.

Step 2 — Initialize your Ledger device

  1. Connect your Ledger device to your computer or phone and power it on.
  2. Choose Set up as new device on the device screen (or Restore from recovery phrase if recovering).
  3. Create a PIN code on the device (4 to 8 digits). Keep it secret.
  4. Write down the 24-word recovery phrase exactly as shown, in order. Confirm the words on the device to complete setup.

Important: Ledger (or support) will never ask for your 24 words. If anyone asks, it's a scam.

Step 3 — Pairing Ledger with Ledger Live (Portfolio & Wallet)

  1. Open Ledger Live and choose Get started. Follow prompts to add an existing device.
  2. Choose your device model and allow Ledger Live to access the device. Approve any prompts on the physical device.
  3. Ledger Live will detect installed apps and let you add accounts.

Step 4 — Install coin apps & add accounts

Each cryptocurrency requires its own app on the Ledger device (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Use the Manager in Ledger Live:

  1. Open Manager in Ledger Live and connect your device.
  2. Find the cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin) and click Install. The app installs directly on the device.
  3. After installation, go to Accounts → Add account and follow the steps to add the new account to Ledger Live.

Step 5 — Receiving and sending funds

  1. To receive: In Ledger Live choose Receive, select the account, and verify address on the device. Use that address to receive funds.
  2. To send: Choose Send, enter recipient address and amount, then approve the transaction on the Ledger device.
Always verify the full receiving address on the device screen — malware can alter clipboard addresses.

Troubleshooting & common issues

  • Device not detected: Try another USB cable, use the official cable, update Ledger Live, and ensure your OS drivers are current.
  • App won't install: Free up space on the device (remove unused apps) then retry.
  • Forget PIN: If you lose or forget your PIN, reset the device and restore with your 24-word recovery phrase.

Advanced: Using with dApps and browser integrations

Ledger works with many Web3 dApps using WalletConnect or the official Ledger Connect integrations. When connecting to a dApp, always:

  1. Confirm the dApp origin is correct.
  2. Check transaction details on the Ledger device before approving.

Final security checklist

  • Never share your 24-word phrase.
  • Store recovery phrase physically, in multiple secure locations if needed (e.g., safe deposit box).
  • Use a strong PIN and never use obvious digits (1234, 0000).
  • Keep Ledger Live updated and verify downloads from the official Ledger site.

Need a printable quick reference? Save this page or print to PDF for offline access. If you get stuck, consult Ledger's official support or community resources—but never share your recovery phrase.