URL: https://exchangesteps.com/how-to-set-up-ledger
Updated: 2026-10-13
Sources: https://support.ledger.com/article/8166861096349-zd , https://support.ledger.com/article/360018784134-zd , https://support.ledger.com/article/360007223753-zd , https://support.ledger.com/article/8950985607325-zd , https://support.ledger.com/article/6516823445533-zd , https://support.ledger.com/article/4404324652177-zd , https://support.ledger.com/article/115005195945-zd , https://support.ledger.com/article/360035343054-zd

# How to Set Up a Ledger: PIN, 24 Words and Your First USDT

> **Quick answer**
> Download **Ledger Wallet** (formerly Ledger Live) from ledger.com/start, turn the device on and choose **Set up as a new device**. Pick a **PIN of 4 to 8 digits**, write the **24 recovery words** on the paper sheet in the box, and confirm them on the device. Then, in the app, install the **Tron** app to receive USDT on TRC20 (send **0.1 TRX** to activate the account), or the **Ethereum** app for USDT on ERC20 and BEP20. Always check the receive address on the Ledger's own screen.
>
> **[Ledger official shop →]**

| | |
|---|---|
| **App** | Ledger Wallet (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android) |
| **PIN** | 4 to 8 digits (8 is safest) |
| **Recovery phrase** | 24 words, shown only once |
| **USDT on TRC20** | Tron app + 0.1 TRX to activate |
| **USDT on BEP20 / ERC20** | Ethereum app |

Don't have a Ledger yet? Compare the models first: [Ledger vs Trezor](https://exchangesteps.com/hardware-wallet-ledger-vs-trezor).

## Before you start

- Check that the **Recovery Sheet** in the box is **blank**. If words are already written on it, or the device asks for a PIN you didn't choose, don't use it and contact the seller. Ledger never ships a PIN or recovery words.
- Download the app only from **ledger.com/start**. Fake Ledger apps exist in app stores and ads.
- Have a pen ready, and about 20 quiet minutes.

## Step 1: Install Ledger Wallet

Download **Ledger Wallet** on your computer or phone from ledger.com/start. Ledger strongly recommends setting up through the app, because it checks that the device is genuine, updates its system and installs the coin apps.

- **Nano S Plus:** use a computer or an Android phone with the USB-C cable. It doesn't work with iPhone.
- **Nano X:** on a computer use the cable; Bluetooth works with phones only.
- **Stax, Flex, Nano Gen5:** choose "Set up with Ledger Wallet mobile" (scan the QR code and pair over Bluetooth, checking that the pairing codes match) or "Set up with Ledger Wallet desktop". On Android, location must be on for Bluetooth.

## Step 2: Turn it on and choose "new device"

- **Touchscreen models:** hold the right-side button for 1 second, give the device a name, then follow the screen.
- **Nano X / Nano S Plus:** press both buttons on **Set up as new device**.

## Step 3: Choose your PIN

Pick a PIN of **4 to 8 digits** and enter it twice. Ledger says an 8-digit PIN gives the best security. You'll type it every time you unlock the device.

## Step 4: Write down the 24 words

The device shows your **24-word Secret Recovery Phrase**, one word at a time (or in groups on touchscreens). Write each word, in order and with its number, on the blank Recovery Sheet.

> ⚠️ **The words are shown only once, and Ledger keeps no copy.** Don't photograph them, type them into your phone, or save them in a password manager or cloud note. Keep the sheet somewhere safe offline; Ledger suggests two secure places.

## Step 5: Confirm the words

On **Confirm your recovery phrase** (or **Start confirmation**), select each requested word in order. When all 24 are confirmed, the device shows that it's ready.

## Step 6 (recommended): Run a Recovery Check

Before you put real money on the device, check that your paper copy is correct:

1. In Ledger Wallet, open **My Ledger** (profile icon, top right) and install **Recovery Check**.
2. Open it on the device and enter your 24 words. It should say **Phrase is correct**.
3. Uninstall the app afterwards to free space.

## Step 7: Add an account to receive USDT

Each network is a separate account in Ledger Wallet. **The network you'll pick on the exchange must match the account you receive into.**

| You want to receive | Install on the Ledger (My Ledger) | Add account in Ledger Wallet |
|---|---|---|
| **USDT on TRC20** | Tron (TRX) | Tron (TRX) |
| **USDT on ERC20** | Ethereum (ETH) | Ethereum |
| **USDT on BEP20** | Ethereum (ETH) | BNB Chain (BNB) |
| **Bitcoin (BTC)** | Bitcoin (BTC) | Bitcoin |

**For USDT on TRC20:**

1. **My Ledger** → install **Tron (TRX)** → close it.
2. **Accounts** → **+ Add account** → **Tron (TRX)**.
3. **Receive** → choose the Tron account → **verify the address on the device** and confirm. This address starts with **T**.
4. **Send at least 0.1 TRX** to the same address. Ledger needs this to activate a new Tron account before your USDT shows. You can send it before or after the USDT; USDT that arrives first is safe and appears once the TRX lands.

**For USDT on BEP20:** open the Ethereum app on the device, then **Accounts** → **Add account** → **BNB Chain (BNB)**. The address starts with **0x** and looks the same as your Ethereum address, but it's a different network: never send ETH or ERC20 tokens to the BNB account, or the reverse.

> 💡 **Only trust the Ledger's screen.** The app can show an address without the device connected, but that address isn't verified. Compare the address on your computer or phone with the one on the device, character by character.

## Step 8: Send a small test first

Copy the verified address, withdraw a small amount from your exchange on the **same network**, and wait until it shows in Ledger Wallet. Then send the rest. Full steps per exchange: [Transfer USDT from an exchange to Ledger or Trezor](https://exchangesteps.com/move-usdt-to-hardware-wallet).

## Sending USDT out later

To send USDT from your Ledger (for example back to Binance to sell on P2P), the account needs a little of the network's own coin for the fee: **TRX** for TRC20, **ETH** for ERC20, **BNB** for BEP20. Keep a small amount there.

## Rules that keep your coins safe

- **Ledger will never ask for your 24 words**, by email, phone, chat or in the app. Anyone who asks is a scammer.
- **Never type your words into a computer, phone or website.** The only place they're ever entered is the Ledger device itself, when restoring.
- Ledger staff don't make unsolicited phone calls.
- Check the full address before sending, not just the first and last characters: some scams plant a look-alike address in your history.

**[Ledger official shop →]**

## Frequently asked questions

**Can I set up a Ledger without a computer?**
Yes, with Ledger Wallet on a phone. The Nano S Plus needs an Android phone with a USB-C cable; Bluetooth models also work with iPhone.

**Is Ledger Live still available?**
It's the same app, renamed **Ledger Wallet**. Download it from ledger.com/start.

**Why can't I see the USDT I sent to my Ledger Tron address?**
The new Tron account isn't activated yet. Send at least 0.1 TRX to the same address and the USDT will show. Your funds are safe in the meantime.

**Can I receive USDT on BEP20 on my Ethereum address?**
Use the **BNB Chain** account for BEP20 and the **Ethereum** account for ERC20. Both start with 0x, so pick the right one in Ledger Wallet and the same network on the exchange.

**Do I need Ledger Recover?**
No. It's an optional paid service that needs an ID from a supported country. Your 24 words on paper are the backup.

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*Last updated: 13 October 2026 · Sources: Ledger official support articles (setup, Recovery Check, Tron, BNB Chain, scams).*