How to change your recovery phrase and create new accounts - marseausylvius/Ledger-Device-Fixes-and-Solutions GitHub Wiki

This tutorial describes how to safely reset your Ledger device to create a new Secret Recovery Phrase and new accounts.

The following steps are recommended if you’ve lost your 24-word recovery phrase or if your Ledger device failed a Recovery check or if you suspect that your accounts or your existing 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase have been compromised.

Ledger Nano to Ledger Flex

Please download the last update of Ledger Live Application:

1.Ledger Live for Windows 10/11

2.Ledger Live for MAC

3.Ledger Live for Android

Create a new recovery phrase and new accounts

1- Immediately send your remaining crypto assets to temporary accounts that you own

Using Ledger Live and your Ledger device, transfer all your remaining crypto assets to temporary accounts under your control. Start by sending your tokens first, followed by native coins such as ETH or BNB, to ensure you have sufficient funds to cover transaction fees. These accounts can be on a crypto exchange, a software wallet, or any account that stems from a different recovery phrase than the one that may have been compromised.  

2- Remove or rename all your accounts from Ledger Live

Once you’re done transferring your crypto to temporary accounts, it’s strongly recommended to remove your—now empty— old accounts from Ledger Live. This way, you don’t risk accidentally sending funds to compromised accounts in the future.

If you wish to keep a record of your transaction history, please export your transaction history before removing your accounts.

To remove an account from Ledger Live:

  1. Select the account.

  2. Click the Wrench button.

  3. Click Remove from portfolio.

    images/14022718216605.png  

  4. Click Confirm.

3- Reset your Ledger device 

Resetting the device removes all private keys, applications, and settings from your Ledger device. The device can either be reset from its settings menu or by entering three incorrect PIN codes. Please choose one of the two options below:

Reset from device settings

  1. Hold both buttons to access the Control Center.
  2. Navigate to Security and press both buttons to validate.
  3. Choose Reset all by pressing both buttons.
  4. Read the warning by pressing the right button to continue.
  5. Press both buttons to Reset all.
  6. Enter your PIN code to confirm. Your device will then reset.

Reset with PIN code

  1. Turn on your Ledger device.
  2. Enter an incorrect PIN code three times in a row.
  3. The device will reset after the third incorrect attempt as a security measure.

4- Set up your device as a new device

Setting up your Ledger device as a new device will generate a new Recovery phrase. 

  1. Turn on your Ledger device.
  2. Select Set up as new device.
  3. Choose your PIN code. A new Recovery phrase will be displayed.
  4. Write down your new Recovery phrase on your Recovery sheet. You can download a new Recovery sheet here.

For step-by-step instructions, refer to the following article: Set up as new device (Ledger Nano X / Ledger Nano S Plus / Ledger Stax / Ledger Flex).

5- Update your device OS

It is highly recommended to update your device to the latest firmware version to benefit from the optimal security level and user experience.

  1. Make sure you have updated Ledger Live through the notification banner or downloaded the latest version of Ledger Live.
  2. In My Ledger**,** click on the Update firmware button.

You have started the firmware update: the update will be downloaded and the update process will continue automatically.

For step-by-step instructions, consult the following article: Ledger device OS update guide. 

6- Add new accounts

To learn how to add new accounts, click here. The new accounts you add will be secured by your new recovery phrase.

7- Transfer your crypto assets back

You can now transfer your crypto assets back to your newly added and updated Ledger accounts. Your crypto assets will be secured by your new Recovery phrase generated by your Ledger device.

Since your Recovery phrase is a full backup to your crypto assets, make sure to store your Recovery sheet in a secure location.

Before you go

  • The security of your assets relies on the security of your Secret Recovery Phrase, which serves as the master key to all your accounts. It is crucial to NEVER share your recovery phrase with anyone or enter it into any app or website.
  • Consider backing up your Secret Recovery Phrase with seed phrase storage solutions. We believe these storage solutions are the most secure way to store your 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase. Learn more.

Need to Transfer Your Ledger Accounts to a New Phone or Computer?

If your recovery phrase is not compromised or lost and you’re simply looking to move your Ledger accounts to a new or different iPhone, Android phone, laptop, or computer, the process is straightforward. Just install the Ledger Live app on the new device and connect your Ledger device to it. This procedure is different from the one described above and does not require your existing recovery phrase or creating a new recovery phrase.