How to Use a Ledger Nano S Plus? (A Complete Walkthrough)

Unboxing and Initial Setup

1. Remove the Ledger Nano S Plus from its packaging along with the included USB-C cable, recovery sheet, and quick start guide.

2. Connect the device to a computer using the USB-C cable and power it on by pressing both buttons simultaneously.

3. Follow the on-screen prompts to choose a language and confirm the device model.

4. Select “Set up as new device” and proceed to generate a 24-word recovery phrase.

5. Carefully write down each word in exact order on the provided recovery sheet—this phrase is the sole method to restore access if the device is lost or damaged.

6. Verify the recovery phrase by selecting words in random order as prompted by the device.

Installing Ledger Live Desktop Application

1. Navigate to ledger.com/ledger-live/download and download the official Ledger Live desktop app for your operating system.

2. Install the application and launch it—ensure no other cryptocurrency wallets or browser extensions interfere during setup.

3. When prompted, allow Ledger Live to detect the connected Nano S Plus via USB.

4. Confirm the firmware version displayed matches the latest release noted on the Ledger support site.

5. Never install Ledger Live from third-party sources or unverified links—only use ledger.com.

Managing Cryptocurrencies and Accounts

1. In Ledger Live, click “Accounts” and then “Add account” to begin adding a supported asset.

2. Select the desired cryptocurrency—Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, and over 5,500 others are natively supported.

3. Choose the appropriate account type (e.g., “Receive” for ETH, “Staking” for ADA) and confirm on the device screen.

4. Ledger Live will generate a receive address; verify the address shown on the device screen before sharing it externally.

5. All private keys remain exclusively on the device—no keys are ever transmitted to Ledger Live or any remote server.

Performing Transactions Securely

1. From the “Send” tab in Ledger Live, enter the recipient’s address and the amount to transfer.

2. Review all transaction details—including network fee, destination, and asset type—on the Ledger Nano S Plus screen.

3. Confirm the transaction using both physical buttons; the device will sign the transaction offline.

4. Wait for the transaction to appear in the activity feed—confirmation time depends on blockchain congestion and selected fee.

5. Never approve a transaction if the on-device display shows unexpected values, addresses, or fees.

Firmware Updates and Security Maintenance

1. Open Ledger Live and navigate to “Manager” to check for available firmware updates.

2. If an update is available, click “Update” and follow the step-by-step instructions.

3. Ensure the device remains connected and powered throughout the update process—interruption may brick the hardware.

4. After updating, re-verify the device’s security settings including PIN requirements and auto-lock timeout.

5. Firmware updates often patch critical vulnerabilities—delaying them increases exposure to known exploits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use the Ledger Nano S Plus with multiple computers?A: Yes—connect it to any trusted computer running Ledger Live. The device itself stores no sensitive data beyond the recovery phrase and private keys.

Q: What happens if I forget my PIN?A: After three incorrect attempts, the device wipes all data. Recovery requires the original 24-word phrase entered manually during setup.

Q: Does the Nano S Plus support DeFi interactions?A: It enables secure signing for decentralized applications when used with compatible browsers like MetaMask or Phantom, provided the dApp connects via WalletConnect or Ledger Live integration.

Q: Can I store NFTs on the Ledger Nano S Plus?A: Native NFT storage isn’t supported, but ownership records for Ethereum and Solana-based NFTs can be verified and managed through Ledger Live and associated wallet interfaces.