Ready to take control of your crypto security? The Ledger Flex hardware wallet keeps your private keys completely offline, protecting your digital assets from hackers and online threats. Unlike software wallets that store your keys on internet-connected devices, the Ledger Flex uses a secure chip that never exposes your keys to the web.
Here, you’ll learn exactly how to set up your Ledger Flex from start to finish. We’ll walk through everything from unboxing to securing your recovery phrase and managing your first crypto transactions. By the end, you’ll have a fully configured hardware wallet ready to secure your digital assets.
What You’ll Need
- Your Ledger Flex device and USB-C cable
- A computer or smartphone
- The recovery sheets included in the box
- A pen for writing down your recovery phrase
- 15-20 minutes of uninterrupted time
Why Use a Hardware Wallet?
Before we dive into setup, here’s why the Ledger Flex matters: it gives you complete control over your crypto. Your private keys stay locked inside the device’s secure chip and never leave it. Every transaction requires your physical confirmation on the E Ink touchscreen, meaning even if your computer is compromised, your funds stay safe.
The Ledger Flex combines military-grade security with an intuitive touchscreen interface, making it accessible whether you’re new to crypto or a seasoned investor.
Step 1: Unbox and Power On Your Device
What you’ll do: Remove your Ledger Flex from the packaging and turn it on for the first time.
Instructions:
- Open the box and take out your Ledger Flex, USB-C cable, and recovery sheets
- Check that the box appears sealed and hasn’t been tampered with
- Connect the USB-C cable to your Ledger Flex and plug it into a power source (the device usually has some charge, but connecting ensures it won’t die mid-setup)
- The E Ink touchscreen will light up and display welcome instructions
- Take a moment to feel the physical buttons and try tapping the touchscreen to get comfortable with the interface
What’s happening: The E Ink display is energy-efficient and lasts weeks on a single charge. You’re now ready to begin the security setup process.
Step 2: Download and Install Ledger Live
What you’ll do: Install the official Ledger Live app, which you’ll use to manage your crypto and interact with your Ledger Flex.
Instructions:
- Go to the official Ledger Live download page
- Download the version for your device (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android)
- Install the application following the on-screen prompts
- Open Ledger Live once installation is complete
- Click “Get Started” and select “Set up a new Ledger device”
- Choose “Ledger Flex” from the device list
Important: Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Fake apps and phishing sites are common, and using them could compromise your security.
Step 3: Pair Your Device and Run the Genuine Check
What you’ll do: Connect your Ledger Flex to Ledger Live and verify it’s an authentic, untampered device.
Instructions:
- Follow the prompts in Ledger Live to connect your device
- Choose your connection method (USB-C is recommended for first setup, though the Flex also supports Bluetooth and NFC)
- Ledger Live will automatically run a “Genuine Check” – this takes about 30 seconds
- Wait for the confirmation message that your device is genuine
What’s happening: The Genuine Check uses cryptography to verify that your Ledger Flex is an authentic Ledger product that hasn’t been modified. This protects you from counterfeit devices that could steal your funds.
If the check fails: Do not proceed. Contact Ledger Support immediately.
Step 4: Name Your Device and Set Your PIN
What you’ll do: Give your Ledger Flex a name and create a PIN code that protects it from unauthorized use.
Instructions:
- When prompted on your Ledger Flex screen, enter a name for your device (optional but helpful if you own multiple devices)
- Tap “Continue” on the device
- Now you’ll set your PIN code – this must be 4-8 digits
- Choose a PIN you can remember but others can’t easily guess (avoid 1234, your birthday, etc.)
- Enter your PIN using the touchscreen number pad
- Confirm by entering the same PIN again
Critical security note: After three incorrect PIN attempts, your Ledger Flex automatically wipes itself clean. This protects your funds if someone steals your device, but it means you must remember your PIN. Don’t worry though – if this happens, you can restore everything using your recovery phrase (which we’ll set up next).
Step 5: Generate Your Secret Recovery Phrase
What you’ll do: Create and write down your 24-word recovery phrase – the master key to all your crypto.
Instructions:
- On your Ledger Flex, select “Set up as a new Ledger”
- The device will generate a unique 24-word phrase inside its secure chip
- Grab your pen and recovery sheets (the cards that came in the box)
- The first word will appear on the screen – write it down in position #1 on your recovery sheet
- Tap “Next” to see the second word
- Continue this process until you’ve written down all 24 words in order
- Double-check each word for correct spelling as you write it
Why this matters: Your recovery phrase is the only way to restore your crypto if your device is lost, stolen, damaged, or reset. Without it, your funds are permanently gone – there’s no customer service that can help you recover them.
Take your time: This is the most important step. Don’t rush. Make sure every single word is spelled correctly and written in the right order.
Step 6: Confirm Your Recovery Phrase
What you’ll do: Verify that you wrote down your recovery phrase correctly.
Instructions:
- Your Ledger Flex will now ask you to confirm certain words from your phrase
- For example, it might ask “What is word #7?”
- Look at your recovery sheet and select the correct word on the touchscreen
- Repeat this for all the words it asks you to confirm (usually 3-4 words)
- If all words match, you’ll see a success message
If you made a mistake: The device will notify you. You’ll need to start the recovery phrase generation over. This might feel frustrating, but it’s far better to catch errors now than to discover them later when you need to recover your funds.
Step 7: Secure Your Recovery Phrase Properly
What you’ll do: Store your recovery phrase in a safe, secure location.
Critical Security Rules:
- NEVER take a photo of your recovery phrase
- NEVER type it into your computer or phone
- NEVER store it in the cloud, email, or any digital format
- NEVER share it with anyone – not even Ledger support
Storage Recommendations:
- Basic security: Keep your recovery sheet in a locked drawer or safe in your home
- Better security: Use a fireproof safe or safety deposit box
- Advanced security: Consider metal backup plates designed for recovery phrases (resistant to fire and water)
- Optional backup service: Ledger offers Ledger Recover, a paid subscription that creates an encrypted, distributed backup of your phrase
Pro tip: Some people create two copies stored in different secure locations (like one at home and one in a bank safe deposit box). Just remember: anyone who finds your recovery phrase has complete access to all your crypto.
Step 8: Install Cryptocurrency Apps
What you’ll do: Add apps to your Ledger Flex for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage.
Instructions:
- Return to Ledger Live on your computer or phone
- Click “My Ledger” in the left sidebar
- You’ll see a catalog of available cryptocurrency apps
- Search for the cryptocurrencies you own (like Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
- Click “Install” next to each app you want
- The apps will download to your Ledger Flex (this takes a minute or two per app)
What’s happening: Your Ledger Flex has limited storage, so it only holds apps for the cryptocurrencies you actually use. You can install and uninstall apps anytime without affecting your funds – your crypto lives on the blockchain, not on the device.
Step 9: Add Your First Crypto Accounts
What you’ll do: Create accounts within Ledger Live to start receiving and sending crypto.
Instructions:
- In Ledger Live, click “Accounts” in the left sidebar
- Click the “+ Add account” button
- Select the cryptocurrency you want to add (e.g., Bitcoin)
- Connect your Ledger Flex when prompted
- Open the corresponding app on your device (like the Bitcoin app)
- Ledger Live will sync with your device and create your account
- Give your account a name if you’d like (e.g., “Main Bitcoin Account”)
- Click “Done”
You can now see your account balance and receive address in Ledger Live. Repeat this process for each cryptocurrency you want to manage.
Step 10: Make Your First Transaction
What you’ll do: Learn how to safely send crypto using your Ledger Flex.
Instructions for Sending Crypto:
- In Ledger Live, click “Send” from the left sidebar or from your account page
- Select which account you’re sending from
- Enter the recipient’s address (copy and paste carefully – crypto addresses are long and complex)
- Enter the amount you want to send
- Review the network fee and adjust if needed
- Click “Continue”
- Your Ledger Flex will display the transaction details on its screen
- CAREFULLY verify on your device:
- The recipient address matches exactly
- The amount is correct
- The network fee is acceptable
- If everything looks correct, tap “Approve” on your Ledger Flex touchscreen
- The transaction will be sent to the blockchain
Instructions for Receiving Crypto:
- In Ledger Live, click “Receive” from the sidebar or account page
- Select which account you want to receive to
- Your Ledger Flex will display your receiving address on its screen
- Verify the address: Check that the address on your device screen matches the address shown in Ledger Live
- Copy the address or scan the QR code
- Share this address with whoever is sending you crypto
Safety tip: For your first transaction, especially if sending a large amount, consider sending a small test amount first. Once you confirm it arrives correctly, send the rest. This extra step can save you from costly mistakes.
Ongoing Security Best Practices
Now that your Ledger Flex is set up, follow these practices to maintain security:
Regular Maintenance:
- Keep Ledger Live updated – install updates when prompted
- Update your Ledger Flex firmware when new versions are released
- Periodically verify your recovery phrase is still readable and stored securely
Avoiding Scams:
- Never enter your recovery phrase into any website or app
- Ledger will NEVER ask for your recovery phrase – not via email, not via support chat, never
- Only download Ledger software from official sources
- Be suspicious of emails claiming to be from Ledger – verify URLs carefully
- Get support only from support.ledger.com
Transaction Verification:
- Always verify addresses and amounts on your Ledger Flex screen, not just in Ledger Live
- Your device screen is the ultimate source of truth
- If the screens don’t match, DO NOT approve the transaction – your computer may be compromised
Additional Features to Explore
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, your Ledger Flex offers additional functionality:
- Buy crypto: Purchase crypto directly through Ledger Live with a credit card
- Swap crypto: Exchange one cryptocurrency for another without leaving your wallet
- Stake crypto: Earn rewards on certain cryptocurrencies by staking through Ledger Live
- Customize lock screen: Personalize your E Ink display with custom images
- Use multiple connection methods: Connect via USB-C for maximum reliability, or use Bluetooth/NFC for mobile convenience
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Device won’t connect:
- Try a different USB cable or port
- Restart Ledger Live
- Make sure the correct crypto app is open on your device
- Check that your device firmware is up to date
Transaction not confirming:
- Check the network status – some blockchains experience congestion
- Verify you paid a sufficient network fee
- Wait – some transactions take time depending on network conditions
Forgot PIN:
- After three wrong attempts, your device will reset
- Restore using your 24-word recovery phrase
- This is why securing your recovery phrase is so critical
You’re All Set!
Congratulations! You’ve successfully set up your Ledger Flex hardware wallet. Your private keys are now secured offline in a military-grade secure chip, and you have complete control over your digital assets. Unlike keeping crypto on an exchange, you’re no longer trusting a third party with your funds – you have true ownership.
Remember: the security of your crypto now rests on three things:
- Keeping your Ledger Flex device physically secure
- Protecting your PIN code
- Safeguarding your 24-word recovery phrase
As you become more comfortable with your device, you’ll discover that the extra step of confirming transactions on your Ledger Flex provides peace of mind that no software wallet can match. Welcome to true financial sovereignty!
Follow us on Bluesky , LinkedIn , and X to Get Instant Updates
