Your all-in-one crypto wallet app to confidently and conveniently manage all your digital assets from one secure place while keeping your private keys offline, far from hackers' reach.
Complete installation in 4 critical phases
Select your OS platform and download the Ledger Wallet application
Install the application and launch for initial configuration
Create your secure recovery phrase and private keys offline
Confirm your recovery phrase and enable security features
Technical blueprint of secure storage system
Military-grade secure chip that stores your private keys in an isolated environment, protected against physical and logical attacks.
Your private keys never leave the device and are generated entirely offline, eliminating any possibility of remote hacking or interception.
Advanced encryption protocols protect every transaction, combined with PIN authentication and a 24-word recovery phrase system.
Multi-dimensional protection system
A hardware wallet represents the pinnacle of cryptocurrency security, serving as a physical device specifically engineered to store your private keys offline. Unlike software wallets that exist on internet-connected devices, hardware wallets like Ledger provide an isolated environment where your cryptographic keys never touch the internet, dramatically reducing your exposure to online threats, malware, and hacking attempts.
The Ledger hardware wallet operates on a fundamental principle: your private keys are generated and stored exclusively within the device's secure element chip. This military-grade component, certified to EAL5+ standards, ensures that even if your computer is compromised, your cryptocurrency remains completely secure. Every transaction must be physically confirmed on the device itself, creating an impenetrable barrier between potential attackers and your digital assets.
Beginning your Ledger journey starts at Ledger.com/start, where you'll download the official Ledger Live application compatible with your operating system. Whether you're using Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android, Ledger provides native applications optimized for each platform. The installation process is straightforward, but it's crucial to download only from official sources to avoid counterfeit software that could compromise your security.
Once installed, the Ledger Live application guides you through device initialization. During this critical phase, your Ledger device generates a unique 24-word recovery phrase using its internal random number generator. This phrase, also called a seed phrase or mnemonic, represents the master key to all your cryptocurrency holdings. Write it down carefully on the provided recovery sheet, never store it digitally, and keep it in a secure location separate from your device. Anyone with access to this phrase can recover your entire wallet, making its protection absolutely paramount.
After securing your recovery phrase, you'll set a PIN code for daily device access. This PIN provides a first line of defense against unauthorized physical access. Choose something memorable but not easily guessable, and remember that after three incorrect attempts, your device will reset itself as a security precaution, requiring recovery phrase restoration.
With your Ledger properly initialized, you can begin installing cryptocurrency apps directly onto the device through Ledger Live. Each blockchain requires its own application—Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and hundreds of others are available. These apps don't store your cryptocurrency; instead, they enable your device to interact with their respective blockchains while keeping your private keys secure within the isolated environment.
Receiving cryptocurrency is simple: generate a receiving address within Ledger Live, verify it matches what appears on your device's screen, and share it with the sender. This verification step is crucial—it ensures the address hasn't been tampered with by malware on your computer. For sending transactions, you'll initiate them through Ledger Live, but final confirmation occurs on the device itself, where you can review the recipient address and amount before physically approving the transaction.
Maintaining optimal security extends beyond initial setup. Never photograph your recovery phrase or store it on any internet-connected device. Consider using a passphrase feature for additional protection—this optional 25th word adds another layer of security to your recovery phrase. Regularly update both your Ledger device firmware and Ledger Live application to benefit from the latest security enhancements and features.
Be vigilant against phishing attempts. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase, and all official communications come through verified channels. If you receive suspicious emails or messages claiming to be from Ledger, verify them independently through official support channels before taking any action. Your hardware wallet's security is only as strong as your operational security practices surrounding it.
Technical specifications and common inquiries
Ledger hardware wallets store your private keys in a secure element chip that never exposes them to your computer or the internet. This offline storage, combined with physical transaction confirmation, makes it virtually impossible for hackers to steal your cryptocurrency remotely, even if your computer is compromised.
Yes, absolutely. Your 24-word recovery phrase is the master key to your wallet. If your device is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can purchase a new Ledger device and restore all your cryptocurrency using your recovery phrase. This is why keeping your recovery phrase secure and private is critically important.
Ledger supports over 5,500 cryptocurrencies and tokens, including all major assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of ERC-20 tokens. New blockchain support is continuously added through firmware and app updates, ensuring compatibility with emerging cryptocurrencies.
Yes, Ledger Live is available for both iOS and Android devices. You can connect your Ledger hardware wallet to your smartphone via Bluetooth (for Ledger Nano X) or USB OTG cable (for Ledger Nano S Plus), allowing you to manage your cryptocurrency securely on the go.
After three consecutive incorrect PIN attempts, your Ledger device will automatically reset itself as a security measure. This erases all data from the device, but your cryptocurrency is not lost—you can restore everything using your 24-word recovery phrase on a reset device or new Ledger wallet.
No, your Ledger device only needs to be connected when you want to send cryptocurrency or manage your accounts. Your cryptocurrency exists on the blockchain, not on the device itself. The device is required only to authorize transactions and prove ownership of your private keys.