Why Hardware Wallets Matter
The foundation of true crypto ownership.
Cold Storage Security
Your private keys never leave the device. By keeping them offline, you are protected against online hacks, phishing attacks, and malware that plague software wallets.
True Ownership
"Not your keys, not your coins." With Ledger, you are the sole custodian of your assets. No banks, no exchanges, no third parties can freeze your funds.
Ledger Live Ecosystem
Manage thousands of tokens, buy, sell, swap, and stake directly through the companion app while your keys remain safely locked inside your device.
Setting Up Your Ledger Device
Follow these steps to initialize your Nano S, Nano X, or Nano S Plus.
Download Ledger Live
The first step is to download the official Ledger Live application from the official website. This software acts as the bridge between your hardware device and the blockchain network. It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Important: Only download Ledger Live from the official source to avoid phishing scams.
Initialize Your Device
Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the USB cable provided. Follow the on-screen instructions on the device itself. You will be asked to choose a PIN code. This PIN code is the first line of defense for your device.
- Choose a PIN between 4 and 8 digits.
- Avoid simple sequences like 1234 or 0000.
- Memorize this PIN; it is required to unlock your device.
Write Down Your Recovery Phrase
This is the most critical step. Your Ledger device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the master key to your funds. If you lose your device or forget your PIN, this phrase is the only way to restore access to your crypto.
NEVER share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone. NEVER enter it into a computer, phone, or website. Write it down on the provided recovery sheet and store it in a secure, physical location.
Install Apps
Once your device is initialized, open the Manager tab in Ledger Live. From here, you can install apps for the specific cryptocurrencies you wish to manage, such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, and many others.
Understanding the Technology
Ledger hardware wallets are built around a Secure Element (SE) chip, the same type of chip used in passports and credit cards. This chip is designed to withstand sophisticated physical attacks. Unlike general-purpose microcontrollers used in some other wallets, the Secure Element is tamper-resistant.
The operating system running on this chip is called BOLOS (Blockchain Open Ledger Operating System). It allows for the installation of applications while keeping them isolated from each other and from the core system. This means that even if a specific app were to have a vulnerability, it would not compromise your master private keys.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
Ledger devices support a vast array of digital assets. Through Ledger Live, you can directly manage over 5,500 coins and tokens, including:
The Importance of the Recovery Phrase
Your 24-word recovery phrase (also known as a seed phrase) is a human-readable representation of your private master key. It follows the BIP-39 standard. This means that your funds are not actually "in" the Ledger device; they are on the blockchain. The Ledger device simply holds the keys to move them.
If your Ledger is destroyed, lost, or stolen, you can buy a new hardware wallet (even from a different brand that supports BIP-39) and enter your 24 words to regain full access to your funds. This is why protecting these words is paramount.
Key Features
CC EAL5+ Certified
Ledger devices are the only hardware wallets in the market to be certified for their security by the French cybersecurity agency ANSSI.
Multicurrency Support
Install up to 100 apps simultaneously on your Ledger Nano X, giving you access to the widest range of crypto assets.
Bluetooth Connectivity
The Ledger Nano X features Bluetooth capability, allowing you to manage your crypto on the go with your smartphone securely.
PIN Code Protection
Your device is locked with a PIN code that you set. After 3 incorrect attempts, the device resets, protecting your assets from physical theft.