Official Site | Ledger wallet® | Getting Started

Welcome to the official Ledger wallet® guide for getting started! Whether you’re a crypto beginner or a seasoned investor, Ledger’s hardware wallets provide a secure way to store and manage your cryptocurrencies offline. This page will walk you through everything from unboxing your device to making your first transaction safely.

What is Ledger wallet®?

Ledger wallet® is a family of hardware wallets designed to securely store your private keys offline, protecting your digital assets from hackers and malware. Unlike online wallets or exchanges, Ledger hardware wallets keep your private keys in a secure element (a chip) and never expose them to the internet.

Currently, Ledger offers two main products:

Ledger Nano S - Compact and affordable hardware wallet for beginners.
Ledger Nano X - Advanced model with Bluetooth connectivity and bigger memory.

Both devices support a wide range of cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and thousands more.

Why Use a Ledger wallet®?

Security First: Your private keys never leave your device.
Multi-Asset Support: Manage hundreds of cryptocurrencies in one place.
Portable & Durable: Small, robust device you can take anywhere.
Easy to Use: Intuitive Ledger Live software for desktop and mobile.
Open Source: Software components are open source for transparency.

  "Your security is our priority – Ledger wallet® protects your crypto like a vault."

Getting Started: Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Step 1: Purchase Your Ledger Wallet

Always buy your Ledger device directly from the official Ledger website or authorized resellers. This ensures your device is genuine and not tampered with.

Step 2: Unbox and Inspect

Once you receive your Ledger Nano S or Nano X, check the packaging for tampering. Ledger devices come in a sealed box with tamper-evident stickers.

Step 3: Initialize Your Device

Follow these steps to initialize:

Connect your Ledger wallet to your computer or mobile device using the provided USB cable or Bluetooth (Nano X only).
Download and install Ledger Live, the official app for managing your device.
Open Ledger Live and choose Initialize as new device.
Create a secure PIN code on your Ledger device.
Write down the 24-word recovery phrase displayed on your device and keep it safe offline. This phrase is the ultimate backup of your wallet.

"Never share your recovery phrase with anyone. Ledger staff or legitimate companies will never ask for it."

Step 4: Install Cryptocurrency Apps

Ledger devices use apps to manage different cryptocurrencies. Within Ledger Live, you can install apps for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more.

Step 5: Add Accounts and Receive Crypto

Once apps are installed, add crypto accounts in Ledger Live. You can receive funds by sharing your wallet’s public address.

How to Use Ledger Live

Ledger Live is your command center for managing cryptocurrencies securely:

Check Balances: Monitor all your crypto holdings in one dashboard.
Send & Receive: Easily send or receive crypto with simple transaction signing on your device.
Buy Crypto: Purchase cryptocurrencies directly inside Ledger Live via integrated partners.
Portfolio Tracking: Keep track of market values and performance.

Security Best Practices

Always keep your recovery phrase offline. Store it in a safe place, such as a fireproof safe or a secure physical location.
Never share your PIN or recovery phrase. No legitimate service will ever ask for these.
Regularly update your Ledger firmware via Ledger Live to stay protected from vulnerabilities.
Beware of phishing scams. Only use the official Ledger website and software.
Disconnect your device when not in use and use secure networks.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Device Not Recognized

If your Ledger device isn’t detected:

Try different USB ports or cables.
Restart your computer or phone.
Ensure Ledger Live is up to date.

Forgot PIN

After 3 failed attempts, Ledger device resets. Use your recovery phrase to restore your wallet on the device.

Lost Recovery Phrase

If you lose your recovery phrase and your device is lost or damaged, your funds are irretrievable. Always keep multiple secure backups.

Benefits of Using Ledger wallet®

By using Ledger wallet®, you gain:

Ultimate Security: Industry-leading hardware security module protects your assets.
Self-Custody: You control your crypto, no third parties involved.
Wide Support: Compatible with hundreds of cryptocurrencies and tokens.
Community & Support: Access to Ledger’s support and a strong community of users.

FAQs

Can I use Ledger wallet® with mobile devices?

Yes! The Ledger Nano X supports Bluetooth and can connect to mobile devices via Ledger Live Mobile app.

Is Ledger wallet® safe against hacking?

Ledger wallets store private keys offline on a secure chip. Physical confirmation is required for every transaction, making hacking nearly impossible remotely.

Can I recover my wallet if my Ledger device is lost?

Yes, by using your 24-word recovery phrase on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet.

How many cryptocurrencies can I store on Ledger wallet®?

Ledger supports over 1800 cryptocurrencies, but the number of apps installed simultaneously depends on device storage.

Getting Help and Support

If you run into issues or have questions, Ledger provides multiple resources: