About Ledger® Hardware Wallets
Ledger® hardware wallets are secure devices that store your private keys offline, protecting your cryptocurrencies from online threats. With Ledger®, you maintain full control over your digital assets while benefiting from enterprise-grade security.
Ledger® devices use a secure element chip, similar to those found in passports and credit cards, to provide the highest level of protection for your private keys. Combined with Ledger Live, the official companion application, you can securely manage over 1,800 cryptocurrencies and tokens.
Bank-Level Security
Your private keys are generated and stored in a certified secure element, completely isolated from internet-connected devices.
Wide Asset Support
Manage Bitcoin, Ethereum, and 1,800+ other cryptocurrencies and tokens all in one secure interface.
Ledger Live App
The official companion application for managing your portfolio, checking balances, and executing transactions.
Complete Setup Guide
Follow these steps to set up your Ledger® hardware wallet using Ledger.com/start:
Visit Ledger.com/start
Go to Ledger.com/start and select your device model (Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, or Nano X). The website will provide specific instructions for your device.
Install Ledger Live
Download and install Ledger Live on your computer or mobile device. This is the official application for managing your Ledger® wallet and interacting with your device.
Initialize Your Device
Connect your Ledger® device to your computer using the provided USB cable. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your device as new or restore from recovery phrase.
Write Down Recovery Phrase
Your device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. Write it down on the provided recovery sheet and store it securely. Never share this phrase with anyone.
Set PIN Code
Create a secure PIN code to protect access to your device. This PIN will be required every time you connect your Ledger® device.
Install Applications
Use Ledger Live to install applications for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage. Each cryptocurrency requires its own application on your device.
Add Accounts
In Ledger Live, add accounts for each cryptocurrency you want to manage. Your device will be required to verify and confirm each account addition.
Important Security Notes
- Always purchase Ledger® devices from the official Ledger® website or authorized resellers
- Never share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone - Ledger® will never ask for it
- Set up a strong PIN code and never use easily guessable combinations
- Keep your recovery phrase secure and consider storing it in multiple locations
- Regularly update your device firmware and Ledger Live application
Ledger Live Application
Ledger Live is the official companion application for Ledger® hardware wallets, available for desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile (iOS, Android).
Key Features:
- Portfolio Overview: Track all your cryptocurrency holdings in one dashboard
- Secure Transactions: Send and receive cryptocurrencies with device confirmation
- Built-in Exchange: Swap between supported cryptocurrencies directly in the app
- Staking: Earn rewards by staking supported cryptocurrencies
- NFT Management: View and manage your NFT collection (Ethereum only)
- Market Data: Real-time prices and market information
Troubleshooting Ledger Live
If you encounter issues with Ledger Live, try these solutions:
- Ensure you're using the latest version of Ledger Live
- Try a different USB cable and port if having connection issues
- Restart both Ledger Live and your device
- Check the Ledger Support page for specific error codes
- Reset Ledger Live cache if experiencing synchronization issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Your cryptocurrencies are safe as long as you have your 24-word recovery phrase. You can restore your entire wallet on a new Ledger® device or any compatible wallet using this phrase. Never store your recovery phrase digitally.
Yes, your Ledger® device can support multiple cryptocurrencies simultaneously. You need to install the corresponding application for each cryptocurrency through Ledger Live. The device has limited storage, but you can uninstall and reinstall applications as needed without affecting your funds.
While Ledger Live is the recommended interface, you can also use your Ledger® device with compatible third-party wallets like MetaMask, MyEtherWallet, or Electrum. However, Ledger Live provides the most seamless experience and full feature set.
You should install firmware updates whenever they become available. These updates often include important security improvements and new features. Ledger Live will notify you when updates are available for your device.
Yes, Ledger Nano X can connect to iOS and Android devices via Bluetooth. Ledger Nano S and Nano S Plus can connect to Android devices using a USB OTG cable. Ledger Live mobile app is available for both iOS and Android.
First, try a different USB cable and port. Ensure you're using the latest version of Ledger Live. If problems persist, try on a different computer. Visit the Ledger Support page for device-specific troubleshooting guides.
Official Ledger® Resources
Contact Support
Have questions about your Ledger® setup? Send us a message and we'll help you get started.