Overview
This guide explains how to reset your Ledger hardware wallet when you need to start over: resetting a forgotten PIN, performing a factory reset, and recovering afterward. I wrote this from hands-on testing and customer-response experience. What I've found: a factory reset is blunt but recoverable — provided you have your seed phrase and understand passphrase risks.
What a factory reset actually does
Short answer: a reset wipes the device to factory defaults. Longer answer: the device's PIN, installed applications, local settings and any private keys stored on the device are erased. Your cryptocurrency balances remain on the blockchain — but they won't be accessible until you restore the device with the original seed phrase (or a compatible recovery method).
| Item |
Effect of factory reset |
| PIN |
Erased — you'll set a new one on first restart |
| Device settings |
Restored to defaults |
| Installed apps |
Removed; must be reinstalled via companion app |
| Local account indexes / app data |
Removed |
| Private keys inside secure element |
Erased from the device (funds remain on-chain) |
| Seed phrase backups (paper/metal) |
Not affected by reset — keep them safe |
| Passphrase (25th word) |
Not stored on-device; you must remember it to access hidden accounts |
If you want more on backing up and protecting the seed phrase, see seed-phrase-management. For recovery steps, see restore-recover-wallet.
When to reset — and when not to
Resetting is appropriate when:
- You forgot your PIN and can't access the device.
- You're selling or gifting the device (erase everything first).
- A firmware update failed and a reset is recommended as a troubleshooting step.
- You suspect the device was tampered with (and you have your seed phrase in a safe place).
Don't reset if you don't have a verified seed phrase backup. And if you rely on a passphrase (the optional 25th word), do not reset unless you know the exact passphrase — losing that means losing access to the accounts that used it.
If your goal is only to clear paired apps or cached data, consider reinstalling apps via the manager before choosing a full reset. See apps-manager for app-level troubleshooting.
How to reset Ledger Nano S / Nano S Plus — Step by step
Below I give two practical paths: one when you remember your PIN, and one when you don't. Exact menu names can vary by firmware; treat these as a guided checklist.
If you remember your PIN
- Power on the device and enter your PIN.
- Open Settings (gear icon).
- Look for Security or Device settings and select the Reset / Reset All option.
- Confirm the action when prompted (you may need to press both buttons).
- Device restarts to the initial setup screen — you'll be asked to set a new PIN or restore from a recovery phrase.
This is the safest way to wipe and start fresh because you control the flow and can cancel if you change your mind.
If you forgot your PIN
Most hardware wallets include anti-brute-force logic that erases the device after several incorrect PIN attempts (check the device documentation for the exact number). Entering the wrong PIN repeatedly will trigger that wipe and return the device to factory state. But: if you don't have your seed phrase backed up, this will be permanent loss.
But don't panic if you're locked out — if you did make a recovery backup (12 or 24 words, or SLIP-39/Shamir where applicable), you can restore afterward.
If you need device-specific bootloader or firmware recovery steps see firmware-updates-bootloader and advanced-firmware-recovery.
After reset: restore from your seed phrase (step by step)
- At the welcome/setup screen choose "Restore device" or equivalent.
- Enter your seed phrase words in order (12 or 24 words depending on the setup you originally chose).
- If you used a passphrase (the optional 25th word), supply it when prompted (or add it later in settings).
- Once restored, reinstall apps using the companion manager and re-add accounts in your desktop or mobile app.
I recommend testing with a small send after restore to confirm addresses match what you expect. See restore-recover-wallet for a detailed restore walkthrough.
Apps and application data — what gets erased
A factory reset removes installed apps and any on-device application data. That includes account indexes and cached information. The companion manager (e.g., the desktop app) will usually rescan blockchains and re-sync accounts when you reinstall the apps and re-add accounts.
Term to remember: wiping the device does not delete crypto on the chain; it deletes the device-side private keys that sign transactions. Reinstall apps and re-link accounts to recover access.
For issues with apps not re-installing or failing to show accounts, see apps-manager and ledger-live-issues.
Special cases: Monero, passphrase (25th word), multisig
- Monero: Monero uses a third-party GUI for hardware wallet support. After a reset, reinstall the Monero app on the device and re-link the GUI to restore your Monero accounts. See monero-ledger for device-specific tips.
- Passphrase (25th word): If you used a passphrase that was not written down, resetting won’t help you recover it. The passphrase is user-supplied and not stored on the device. See passphrase-25th-word for risks and best practices.
- Multisig: Resetting one cosigner device doesn't change the on-chain multisig structure. But when re-adding that signer, ensure you use the same derivation path and passphrase (if used) so the cosigner's public keys match.
Troubleshooting: common problems and quick fixes
- Device stuck during reset: try the hardware buttons sequence and, if needed, consult firmware-updates-bootloader.
- "Settings reset with no wallet" confusion: there isn't a safe way to reset only settings without wiping apps/keys; a true factory reset erases private keys.
- Can't reinstall apps / connection issues: check USB connection and OS drivers; see usb-os-connectivity and mobile-android-troubleshoot.
- Addresses don't match after restore: confirm you used the correct seed phrase length and any passphrase (25th word). Refer to seed-phrase-management.
If you encounter a specific error code, consult error-codes-index and troubleshooting-flowchart for targeted steps.
FAQ
Q: Can I recover my crypto if the device breaks?
A: Yes, if you have your seed phrase (recovery phrase) or a supported backup method. The hardware device is just one place that holds private keys; the blockchain balances remain independent. See restore-recover-wallet.
Q: What happens if the company goes bankrupt?
A: Your crypto doesn't rely on the company — it relies on your seed phrase and private keys. As long as you have a valid recovery phrase and compatible tools, you can restore your keys elsewhere (desktop, alternate hardware wallet, or recovery software). See lost-device-company-bankrupt.
Q: Is Bluetooth safe for a hardware wallet?
A: Bluetooth adds a wireless layer that increases attack surface. For highest-sensitivity operations I prefer USB or air-gapped signing. (Personal opinion: avoid Bluetooth for very large holdings unless you know exactly how the firmware and pairing work.) See usb-otg-bluetooth for more.
Q: How do I reset the Monero wallet on the device?
A: Wipe the device and reinstall the Monero app, then open your Monero GUI and restore or re-link the hardware wallet. More at monero-ledger.
Conclusion & next steps
Factory resetting a hardware wallet is an effective troubleshooting or transfer tool when done responsibly. Always confirm you have a verified seed phrase backup (and passphrase if used) before erasing the device. In my testing, careful preparation removes almost all risk — lack of a backup does not.
If you need a guided restore, start with restore-recover-wallet. For seed backups and best practices, read seed-phrase-management. And if you hit firmware or bootloader issues, check firmware-updates-bootloader.
Ready to restore or troubleshoot further? Follow the restore guide next and test with a small transaction to confirm everything is behaving as expected.
