Official Site® | Ledger Wallet®

Why a Ledger hardware wallet?

Ledger hardware wallets are designed to keep your private keys isolated from internet-connected devices. By signing transactions on the device itself and requiring physical confirmation, Ledger greatly reduces the attack surface for malware, phishing and remote attackers. For anyone storing meaningful value in crypto, a hardware wallet is the recommended core of a security strategy.

Before you begin — what to have ready

Your Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or another model) and the supplied USB/charging cable.
A computer or smartphone with the latest Ledger Live app installed, or access to the official start page.
A quiet, private place to write and store your recovery phrase. Avoid cameras and screens while you record your backup.

Important: Only initialize and update your device using Ledger Live or official instructions from the manufacturer. If the packaging looks tampered with or the device was purchased second-hand without a clear factory reset process, do not proceed until you're confident it is safe.

Start at Ledger.com/Start or Ledger Live

Open Ledger Live (desktop or mobile) or visit the official start page. The interactive setup wizard will guide you step-by-step: connect the device, install any required firmware, create a new wallet or recover an existing one, and add accounts. Ledger Live is both a manager for the device apps and the user interface for sending/receiving crypto.

Unboxing & visual checks

Inspect the box and tamper-evident elements. Inside you should find the device, cable, recovery sheets, and quick-start materials. If anything looks suspicious, stop and contact support. Only official packaging guarantees the device hasn't been tampered with in transit.

Step-by-step initialization

Connect the device: Plug your Ledger into the computer or pair it with a phone (for Bluetooth-capable models). The device will power on and display prompts.
Install Ledger Live and open it: Follow the wizard. Ledger Live will detect if your device needs firmware and will show clear instructions for installing official firmware.
Set a PIN: Choose a PIN directly on the device. The PIN protects the device if it is lost or stolen. Do not store it with your recovery phrase.
Create and write down your recovery phrase: Ledger uses a 24-word recovery phrase for most devices. Carefully transcribe each word onto the supplied recovery sheet in the exact order shown. Double-check spelling and word order — this phrase will restore your wallet if the device is lost or damaged.
Confirm your backup: The device will ask you to confirm specific words to ensure the backup was copied correctly.
Add accounts in Ledger Live: Once the device is initialized, add the cryptocurrency accounts you want to manage (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Ledger Live installs small blockchain-specific apps on the device as needed.

Tip: Use a permanent pen and the supplied recovery sheet. Paper and metal backup solutions exist for added durability — consider them if you hold substantial funds.

Understanding the recovery phrase

The 24-word recovery phrase is the master key to your funds. Anyone with access to it can restore your wallet and move assets. NEVER share it, enter it into a website, or photograph it. Keep it offline, ideally split between geographically separate secure locations for added resilience.

Basic Ledger Live workflows

Ledger Live offers three essential everyday workflows: Receive, Send, and Manage Apps/Accounts.

Receive: Select an account, click Receive, and verify the address shown in Ledger Live is the same as the address displayed on your device before sharing it with others.
Send: Enter recipient address and amount in Ledger Live. Ledger Live prepares the transaction and the device displays details for you to confirm. Always verify address, amount and fee on the device's screen before approving.
Manage Apps: Install or remove blockchain-specific apps from the Manager section. Each app enables support for a specific blockchain (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).

Privacy and address hygiene

For improved privacy, use a fresh receive address for each payment when possible. Ledger Live supports generating multiple addresses per account. Avoid re-using addresses publicly linked to your identity when you want financial privacy.

Tokens, custom tokens and third-party wallets

Ledger Live supports many well-known tokens automatically. If you hold an uncommon token, a trusted third-party wallet (used together with your Ledger device) may be necessary — always verify contract addresses from reputable sources and be cautious about unknown tokens, which can be used in scams.

Optional: Passphrase & Hidden Wallets

Ledger devices support an optional passphrase feature that extends the recovery phrase with an extra secret to create additional hidden wallets. This provides plausible deniability but increases the risk of permanent loss: if you forget the passphrase, you cannot access the hidden wallet. Use passphrases only with a clear, secure management plan.

Firmware updates & security maintenance

Firmware updates contain security improvements and new features. Only apply updates through Ledger Live and confirm each step on the device. Periodically update Ledger Live itself. Do not install firmware or software from untrusted sources.

Troubleshooting common issues

Device not recognized: Test a different cable, USB port, or computer. Restart Ledger Live and the device.
Forgot PIN: Too many wrong attempts will factory reset the device. If this happens you'll need your recovery phrase to restore the wallet.
Balance missing: Ensure you have added the correct account in Ledger Live. For tokens, verify they are supported or use a third-party wallet to view them.

Practical usage patterns & best practices

Keep the majority of funds in cold storage (Ledger) and a small hot wallet for daily spending.
Test new addresses, swap providers, or dApps with a small transfer first.
Use multiple accounts to separate purposes: savings, trading, staking, or recurring payments.

Store your recovery phrase offline. Consider metal backups for fire and water resistance.
Never reveal your recovery phrase to anyone — not support staff, not websites, not friends.
Watch out for phishing: check domain names carefully and enter Ledger Live only from official sources.

Restoring a wallet

If your device is lost, stolen or damaged, you can restore your wallet on a new Ledger or compatible hardware wallet using your 24-word recovery phrase. Choose "Restore" during the device initialization and carefully enter your words on the device. After restoration, re-add accounts in Ledger Live to view balances.

Connecting to dApps and DeFi

Ledger can be used with many decentralized applications for DeFi, NFTs, and more. When connecting to a dApp, verify the URL and only sign transactions you understand. Ledger will display transaction details on-device — read them carefully before approval.

Final notes — security is a habit

Ledger hardware wallets, when used correctly, provide a strong foundation for self-custody. The most important rules are simple but non-negotiable: protect your recovery phrase, always verify critical transaction details on the device display, and keep software and firmware official and up to date. With careful practices, Ledger lets you securely hold and manage crypto while minimizing common risks.