Carry the security of a hardware wallet with the convenience of your phone. This practical, mobile‑first guide shows how to use Ledger Nano X for everyday crypto spending, saving, and NFT management—without compromising on safety.
Illustration for demo purposes only. Always download Ledger Live from official sources.
The Nano X stores your private keys inside a certified secure element chip. Transactions only sign inside the device, so even if your phone is lost, compromised, or offline, your keys remain protected. Your seed phrase—written on paper or stored in a metal backup—stays offline at all times.
Pair your Nano X with your smartphone via Bluetooth® for cable‑free daily use. Need to connect to a desktop for advanced workflows? Plug in via USB‑C and switch seamlessly. Mobile‑first doesn’t mean mobile‑only.
Use Ledger Live on iOS or Android for core tasks: send/receive crypto, swap, stake supported assets, and manage NFTs. When you need DeFi or NFT marketplaces, connect through WalletConnect® or supported in‑app browsers—your Nano X still signs every transaction.
Whether you’re grabbing a coffee with crypto, rebalancing positions during a commute, or minting an NFT at an event, mobile‑first with Nano X lets you do more in the moment—while keeping security as the default.
Unbox your Nano X, initialize it, and generate your 24‑word recovery phrase. Record it clearly on paper (or a metal backup). Never photograph or digitize your seed phrase. Choose a strong PIN and enable passphrase if you require an additional layer for traveling or shared households.
Install Ledger Live from official app stores, enable Bluetooth® on the Nano X, and pair. In Ledger Live, add accounts for the assets you plan to use daily (e.g., BTC, ETH, USDC, SOL). Set default networks you actually transact on to avoid confusion.
Receive funds into clearly named accounts (e.g., “Daily ETH,” “Savings BTC”). For spending money, keep smaller balances in a dedicated account while storing the majority in long‑term vault accounts—both are protected by the same seed phrase, but separated for mental clarity.
When sending, Ledger Live displays the details and the Nano X shows critical info on its screen. Approve only when you recognize the address and amount. For dApps, connect via WalletConnect® or supported integrations; confirm the chain (e.g., Ethereum vs. Polygon) before signing.
With this flow, your phone acts as a convenient dashboard, while the Nano X remains the single source of truth for approvals. You get speed and portability backed by hardware‑grade isolation.
Write your 24 words by hand and store them in two separate, secure locations. Consider a metal backup for water and fire resistance. Do not type the phrase on any computer or phone, do not take photos, and do not share it—even with “support agents.”
Addresses, amounts, and networks should be verified on the Nano X screen, not just on the phone. If details differ, reject the transaction and investigate.
Maintain separate accounts for spending, savings, and testing. This reduces risk of moving large funds by mistake and simplifies tax/accounting later.
Bluetooth® simply transports signed data; private keys never leave the secure element. Still, practice good hygiene: pair in a quiet environment, forget unknown devices, and update firmware from official sources only.
Bookmark official URLs, verify app publishers, and treat urgent popups as red flags. If a dApp asks for unlimited approvals, adjust allowances to the minimum you need and review them periodically in Ledger Live or trusted token tools.
When crossing borders or attending events, consider using a passphrase‑protected account (advanced users) and carry minimal balances. If your device is lost, funds remain safe as long as your recovery phrase is secure.
Pay friends, freelancers, or local merchants accepting crypto. Before tapping “send,” verify chain fees and final recipient address on the Nano X. For frequent payees, save addresses in Ledger Live with clear labels.
Stake supported assets directly in Ledger Live or via trusted dApps. Keep validator info and lock‑up periods in mind. For tax reporting, export transaction history periodically.
View and manage NFTs inside Ledger Live where supported, or connect your wallet to marketplaces using WalletConnect®. Double‑check collection contracts before minting, and watch for approvals that allow full access to your assets.
For power users, consider maintaining a separate “hot‑ish” account with small, replenishable funds for experimental dApps. Keep your long‑term holdings isolated.
Mobile‑only
Use Nano X with your phone for quick, everyday transactions. Keep long‑term funds in separate accounts on the same device. Great for newcomers who value convenience.
Mobile + Desktop
Use mobile for daily actions and plug into desktop for bigger moves and portfolio reviews. Ideal for users who want portability without giving up a larger screen.
Separate Passphrase
Keep a passphrase‑protected account for travel and events. Carry only the funds you need on the road. Your long‑term holdings stay isolated and out of sight.
“Pairing took minutes, and now I approve payments on my Nano while the phone does the browsing. It feels like 2FA, but for my crypto.”
— Maya, independent designer
“I keep small balances in a ‘daily’ account and the rest in ‘vault.’ Clear labels and on‑device confirmation have saved me from mistakes more than once.”
— Jon, developer
“Traveling with a passphrase account gave me peace of mind. If my device disappeared, I knew my main funds were still safe.”
— Lina, photographer
The Nano X signs transactions offline, but your phone needs an internet connection to broadcast them to the network and to fetch balances, fees, and dApp data.
Bluetooth® is only a transport layer—your private keys never leave the secure element. You still confirm details on the device. Pair in trusted places and keep firmware updated.
Your funds remain safe as long as your 24‑word recovery phrase is secure. You can restore your accounts on a replacement Ledger using the same phrase. Always keep the phrase offline.
Yes, you can initialize another Ledger with the same recovery phrase to create a backup device. Store it in a separate location. Never enter the phrase into software wallets.
Open the dApp on your phone and connect using WalletConnect® (or a supported in‑app browser). Your Nano X will prompt you to review and sign each action. Verify the chain and contract before approving.
A passphrase creates a hidden set of accounts derived from your seed. It’s for advanced users who need extra compartmentalization (e.g., travel). If you enable it, practice restores before relying on it.
Use clear, intent‑based names like “Daily ETH,” “Vault BTC,” or “Experiment SOL.” This reduces mistakes and helps with taxes and audits later.
Set up in minutes, pair with your phone, and start approving transactions on‑device. Keep your long‑term holdings safer while moving through your day with confidence.
Note: Always download apps and updates from official Ledger sources.