Ledger Nano S/S+ setup
This article details how to set up (initialize) your Ledger Nano S/S+ or Ledger Nano X hardware wallet for use with Casa.
Not a Casa member yet? You can sign up here.
Ledger devices can be used with both BTC and ETH vaults in the Casa app.
The setup documentation features the Ledger Nano S/S+, but setup is identical to the setup of the Ledger Nano X. We do not currently support the Bluetooth feature native to the Ledger Nano X.
First, download the Ledger Live desktop app on your computer: https://www.ledger.com/start.
To begin setting up your Ledger device, verify the integrity of the device box to ensure that it is free from tampering. There is no tamper seal, but there is a verification step later to detect tampering.
Unbox the device, connect to the computer using the cord provided, and begin following instructions on the device for setup.
Click through the prompts on the screen, which explain using buttons for navigation and selection. You will select "Set up as a new device" when given the option.
Next, you’ll set the PIN on your Ledger. It’s very important that you do not forget this! The Ledger Nano S will perform a factory reset after only 3 failed PIN attempts.
We recommend using the same a 4-8 character PIN (no zeros) across all your hardware devices, and saving it in a password manager.
Now the device will prompt you to write down the 24-word recovery seed phrase, which would serve as a backup to your Ledger.
Backup process
While Casa enables a fully seedless setup, Ledger will check that you've written these down properly by quizzing afterward. Use the card provided to write the 24-word seed, use it as a reference for the "seed phrase quiz" on the device, then destroy the card and keep your device safely stored until your next Casa call if you would like to follow a seedless setup.
Your seed phrase is a copy of your private key. If at any point you believe it may have been compromised, you must complete a key rotation to regain full security. We strongly recommend you destroy the seed phrase card as soon as you have completed this step.
Use the right button to scroll through each word on the device, writing them down for confirmation in the next step.
The device will ask you to select each of the 24 words in order to confirm.
Seed words will be shown in the quiz in the same order they were given; if asked for word #1 and shown word #24, you can scroll left once to select the correct word, then press both buttons to confirm.
After entering and confirming the recovery seed words and completing the security checklist, the device will now display "Your device is ready."
Click the right button once and select "Go to the Dashboard" to proceed.
You will know you're ready when you see "Install app" under the Settings icon (cog wheel) on the device screen.
Ledger Live
Open Ledger Live and follow these steps:
Click on the "My Ledger" tab on the left-side menu
On your Ledger device, Press both buttons to select "Allow a secure connection with Ledger".
Go back to Ledger Live and click on the "Update Firmware...." banner on the top of your screen. Follow the prompts on your computer and the device to approve and finalize the installation.
Casa always recommends getting the latest firmware when initializing a device for the first time, before the key is used to protect funds.
The final step is downloading the app(s) you'll be using with the device.
If you'll be using a BTC vault in the Casa app, you'll need to download the bitcoin app in Ledger Live.
If you'll be using an ETH vault in the Casa app, you'll need to download the ethereum app in Ledger Live.
Once you see the bitcoin icon on your device, you can quit Ledger Live. No need to "add Bitcoin account" or "add ethereum account" since you will not be using Ledger Live to manage your assets.
That’s it! Your Ledger Nano S is now initialized and ready to be added to your vault.
Keep your Ledger somewhere safe and secret. Though there may not be funds in the wallet yet, keeping it secure and protected from tampering prior to funds placement is very important!
If you choose to go seedless, you may at any point here destroy your Ledger's seed phrase with fire (or other destructive element of your choice). Be safe!
Our video walkthrough below also details some of the steps outlined in this article: