Introduction
This guide walks through a practical, hands-on ledger nano s plus setup — from unboxing to the first secure transaction. I wrote this after several months of testing hardware wallets across macOS, Linux, and Android. I believe a setup that balances security and convenience matters more than flashy features. Short sentence. Longer one that explains why: getting your seed phrase right at the start saves headaches later, and most user mistakes happen during those first few minutes.
Unboxing and supply chain checks
When you first open the box, look for tamper evidence and basic accessories (cable, recovery card). And yes, check the seal. If anything feels off, do not proceed with setup — consult the buying-safely-and-supply-chain guide.
In my testing I received a device with intact packaging and a clear serial number sticker. I always photograph the outer box before setup (simple, but useful if you need to escalate later).
What you need before you begin
- A computer or Android phone with USB-C or OTG support (desktop recommended for first-time setup).
- The companion app (see ledger-live-guide for links and verification).
- A quiet table and a pen for writing the recovery phrase. Paper backups are fine, but consider a metal plate for long-term storage (see seed-phrase-management).
How to set up Nano S Plus — Step by step (desktop)
Below I describe a typical ledger s plus setup flow I used on macOS and Windows. Steps are similar on Linux.
Step 1 — Prepare your computer and app
- Download the official companion app from the guide at ledger-live-guide. (Avoid downloading third-party copies.)
- Install the app and open it, but do not connect your device yet.
Why? Because the app often checks firmware and can guide you through updates before you add accounts.
Step 2 — Connect, initialize, set PIN
- Connect the device with the included USB-C cable.
- The device screen will show a welcome sequence and offer 'Set up as new device' or 'Restore from recovery phrase.'
- Choose to set up as a new device unless you are restoring.
- Create a PIN on the device. The PIN is required on every use. Pick something memorable but not obvious.
I found the physical buttons simple to use even in low light. But keep fingers steady when confirming each digit.
Step 3 — Write down your seed phrase (recovery phrase)
- The device will display a BIP-39 seed phrase (typically 24 words) one word at a time.
- Write each word in order on the provided sheet or, better, on a metal backup plate.
- Confirm a few words as prompted by the device.
Think of the seed phrase like the master key to a safe deposit box. If someone obtains it, they can recover your private keys on another device. So guard it.
For full best practices on backups, see seed-phrase-management.
Step 4 — Install apps and add accounts
- Use the companion app's Manager to install coin-specific apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).
- Add accounts within the companion app and generate receiving addresses.
- Send a small test transaction first. Confirm the address on the device screen every time.
I like doing small test sends for each new chain. That catches network or derivation path surprises early.
Mobile setup and OTG tips
The nano s plus uses a wired USB connection (no Bluetooth), so mobile setup requires an OTG cable on most phones. Performance varies across Android models. (iOS generally has more restrictions.) If you plan mobile-first use, test the OTG cable and confirm that the phone recognizes the device before funding important amounts.
For broader mobile guidance see ledger-live-guide and bluetooth-usb-nfc-security for connection implications.
Firmware updates and verifying authenticity
Firmware updates are part of device maintenance. When the companion app prompts an update, it can often be applied through the app. But do not skip verification. The companion app includes cryptographic attestation that checks the firmware signature against the device. In my experience, updating immediately after first initialization (if prompted) avoids compatibility issues with coin apps.
But don't skip firmware verification — I once saw a friend ignore an update and encounter a connection error when adding a large account later. For a deeper walkthrough see firmware-update-guide.
Seed phrase management, passphrase (25th word), and backups
Most users will use the default seed phrase (typically 24 words). You can add a passphrase (often called the 25th word) to create an additional hidden account. This adds security, but also complexity. If you lose the passphrase, the funds are effectively irrecoverable.
Concrete example: I store a smaller daily balance on a wallet without a passphrase and a cold reserve protected by a passphrase and a metal backup plate. That split makes daily use practical while keeping long-term holdings offline. Read more at passphrase-25th-word-guide and slip39-shamir-backup for advanced options.
Security architecture and connectivity considerations
The device uses a secure element to hold private keys and requires physical button presses to confirm transactions. That means transactions must be approved on the device itself, which prevents remote signing by a host computer.
Because nano s plus is USB-only, there is a smaller wireless attack surface compared to Bluetooth-enabled models. But USB-connected does not mean fully air-gapped. If you require air-gapped signing, plan an offline workflow or consult advanced-air-gapped options and consider multi-signature strategies (multisig-for-ledger).
Quick troubleshooting checklist
Comparison: S Plus vs X (feature snapshot)
| Feature |
Nano S Plus |
Nano X |
| Connectivity |
USB-C only |
USB + Bluetooth |
| App capacity |
Moderate |
Higher (more apps simultaneously) |
| Battery |
None (plugged) |
Rechargeable |
| Mobile convenience |
Requires OTG cable |
Native Bluetooth mobile support |
If you value a smaller attack surface and a lower price point, S Plus may suit you. If you want Bluetooth and larger app capacity for many chains at once, look to other models (see s plus vs x and ledger-model-comparison).
Who this device is best for (and who should look elsewhere)
Best for: users who want a durable, USB-only hardware wallet for non-custodial self-custody and who are comfortable with a desktop-first workflow. I found it reliable for Bitcoin, Ethereum and many EVM chains.
Not ideal for: people who demand full mobile (Bluetooth) convenience without cables, or those who need large simultaneous app capacity on-device. If you plan an advanced multisig setup, read multisig-for-ledger.
FAQ
Q: Can I recover my crypto if the device breaks?
A: Yes — recover using your recovery phrase on another compatible hardware wallet or compatible recovery tool. See restore-recovery-phrase.
Q: What happens if the company goes bankrupt?
A: The private keys derive from your seed phrase; the protocol doesn't depend on the company. You can recover on any compatible wallet. For more on company risk see company-bankruptcy-what-happens.
Q: Is Bluetooth safe for a hardware wallet?
A: Bluetooth adds convenience and attack surface. Nano S Plus avoids Bluetooth by design (USB-only), reducing that particular risk. See bluetooth-usb-nfc-security.
Conclusion and next steps
Setting up your device correctly matters more than the model you choose. Follow the steps above, verify firmware, secure your seed phrase, and perform small test transactions before funding large balances. In my experience, patience during setup prevents expensive mistakes later. But if you want a deeper walkthrough for other models or a full setup checklist, check ledger-nano-s-plus-review, setup-ledger-step-by-step, and firmware-update-guide.
Ready to finish setup? Start with the companion app and confirm firmware before adding funds.
