Everything you need to know about safely setting up and using your Ledger hardware wallet
Ledger hardware wallets represent the gold standard in cryptocurrency security, providing a robust solution for storing digital assets safely. Unlike software wallets that remain connected to the internet, Ledger devices keep your private keys in a secure, offline environment, dramatically reducing vulnerability to online threats.
Important: The Ledger.com/start portal is your official starting point for setting up any Ledger device, whether it's a Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, or Nano X. This is where you'll find the genuine Ledger Live application and begin your journey to secure crypto management.
When you acquire a Ledger device, the setup process begins at Ledger.com/start. This dedicated portal ensures you download the authentic Ledger Live software and receive proper guidance for initializing your device securely.
Proper setup is crucial for maintaining the security of your cryptocurrency assets. Follow these essential steps to ensure your Ledger device is configured correctly:
Carefully examine your Ledger device packaging for any signs of tampering. The box should include a holographic seal that remains intact. If you notice anything suspicious, contact Ledger Support immediately before proceeding.
Visit Ledger.com/start from your computer to download the official Ledger Live application. Always verify you're on the correct website to avoid phishing attempts. Never download Ledger Live from third-party sources.
Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the provided USB cable. Follow the on-screen instructions in Ledger Live to initialize your device. During this process, you'll set a PIN code and generate your recovery phrase.
Your recovery phrase (also known as a seed phrase) is the most important element of your hardware wallet security. This 24-word sequence represents the master key to all your cryptocurrency assets stored on the device.
Security Alert: Anyone who obtains your recovery phrase can access and transfer all your cryptocurrency assets. Treat this phrase with the same level of security you would apply to a physical key for a vault containing all your life savings.
While Ledger devices provide exceptional security, the overall safety of your cryptocurrency also depends on your practices and awareness.
Always carefully review transaction details on your Ledger device's screen before confirming. This ensures you're sending the correct amount to the intended recipient.
Keep your Ledger device's firmware updated through Ledger Live. These updates often include important security enhancements and new features.
Be vigilant about phishing attempts. Only interact with Ledger services through official channels. Ledger will never contact you first to request your recovery phrase or PIN.
Treat your Ledger device like you would valuable jewelry or important documents. Store it in a secure location when not in use.
Ledger Live serves as the companion application for your Ledger hardware wallet, providing a secure interface for managing your cryptocurrency portfolio.
Remember that while Ledger Live displays your portfolio information, your private keys never leave your Ledger device. This separation ensures that even if your computer is compromised, your assets remain protected.
Ledger devices incorporate multiple layers of security technology to protect your assets:
Ledger devices utilize a certified Secure Element (SE) chip, the same technology used in credit cards and passports. This specialized hardware is designed to withstand sophisticated physical attacks and securely store sensitive data.
Your Ledger device is protected by a PIN code that you set during initialization. After three incorrect PIN attempts, the device wipes itself, protecting your assets from brute-force attacks.
Ledger devices adhere to the BIP39 standard for recovery phrases, ensuring compatibility with other wallets that follow this standard while maintaining the highest security protocols.
If your Ledger device is lost or stolen, your cryptocurrencies remain safe as long as your recovery phrase is secure. Simply acquire a new Ledger device, restore it using your recovery phrase, and transfer your assets to new addresses if desired.
If you forget your PIN code, you can reset your Ledger device using your recovery phrase. This process will wipe the device, allowing you to set it up again with a new PIN while restoring access to your assets with your recovery phrase.
If you notice unexpected transactions or suspect your recovery phrase may be compromised, immediately transfer your assets to a new wallet with a newly generated recovery phrase. This can be done by setting up a new Ledger device or using temporary software wallets during the transition.
Critical Reminder: The only way to recover access to your cryptocurrencies if you lose both your Ledger device and recovery phrase is impossible. This is a fundamental security feature, not a limitation. There is no password recovery service for cryptocurrency wallets.
Getting Started Hub — ledger.com/start