Set up your Ledger hardware wallet in minutes and take full control of your digital assets with military-grade security.
Your hardware wallet setup journey
Install the official Ledger application
Connect your Ledger to your computer
Create a secure PIN code
Write down your 24-word recovery phrase
Follow our comprehensive step-by-step guide to securely set up your Ledger hardware wallet and protect your digital assets with industry-leading security protocols.
Begin your journey by downloading the official Ledger Live application from our website. This software serves as your gateway to managing your Ledger device and cryptocurrencies. Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, ensuring compatibility across all major platforms. The application undergoes regular security audits and updates to maintain the highest security standards. Always download directly from ledger.com to avoid malicious software that could compromise your assets.
Step 1 Illustration
Use the provided USB cable to connect your Ledger device to your computer. For Ledger Nano X users, you can also connect via Bluetooth after the initial setup. When connecting for the first time, your device will guide you through the initialization process. Ensure your device is genuine by following the authenticity check procedures. The device will display 'Welcome' on the screen, and you can navigate using the buttons on either side of the device.
Step 2 Illustration
Your PIN code is your first line of defense against unauthorized access. Choose a PIN between 4 to 8 digits that you can remember but others cannot guess. Avoid common combinations like birthdates, phone numbers, or sequential patterns. The device will ask you to confirm your PIN by entering it twice. If you enter the wrong PIN three times in a row, your device will reset itself as a security measure, requiring you to restore it using your recovery phrase.
Step 3 Illustration
The 24-word recovery phrase is the master key to your cryptocurrency funds. During setup, your Ledger will generate this unique sequence of words that can restore access to your crypto if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged. Write down each word carefully on the provided recovery sheets in the exact order displayed. Store these sheets in multiple secure locations, preferably in fireproof safes or safety deposit boxes. Never store your recovery phrase digitally, as this exposes it to potential hacking.
Step 4 Illustration
Your recovery phrase is the only way to restore access to your cryptocurrencies if your Ledger device is lost or damaged. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase, and you should never share it with anyone or enter it on any website or application.
Discover the multi-layered security framework that makes Ledger hardware wallets the most trusted solution for cryptocurrency storage and management.
Military-grade security with certified CC EAL5+ secure element chip that protects your private keys from physical and logical attacks.
The secure element is a tamper-resistant hardware component that generates and stores your private keys in complete isolation from your computer or smartphone. This chip is the same technology used in credit cards and passports, providing bank-level security for your cryptocurrency assets. Even if your computer is compromised by malware, your private keys remain safe within the secure element.
Your private keys never leave the device, ensuring complete isolation from internet-connected devices and potential online threats.
Air-gapped security means your Ledger device operates independently from your computer's internet connection. When you initiate a transaction, it's signed within the device itself, and only the signed transaction data is transmitted to your computer. This architecture ensures that even if your computer is infected with malware or viruses, your private keys remain completely isolated and secure.
Review and approve every transaction directly on your device's screen before it's broadcast to the blockchain network.
Every transaction must be manually verified and approved on your Ledger device's screen. The device displays the recipient address, amount, and network fees, allowing you to confirm these details match your intentions. This prevents malicious software from modifying transaction details without your knowledge, giving you complete control over your cryptocurrency transfers.
Multi-layered protection with PIN codes, automatic device reset after failed attempts, and physical tampering detection.
Your Ledger device is protected by a PIN code that you set during initial setup. After three incorrect PIN attempts, the device automatically resets itself, requiring restoration with your recovery phrase. The device also features anti-tampering protections that detect physical attempts to extract information from the hardware components, triggering security measures to protect your assets.
Transparent, auditable code that allows the global security community to verify and validate the device's security implementations.
Ledger's software and firmware are open source, meaning the code is publicly available for review by security researchers and developers worldwide. This transparency allows the global cybersecurity community to identify and report potential vulnerabilities, ensuring continuous improvement of the platform's security. Regular security audits by third-party firms further validate the robustness of the system.
Devices Sold Worldwide
Security Breaches
Years of Innovation
Unlike traditional banking systems where transactions can be reversed and accounts can be recovered, cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible by design. Once your digital assets are stolen or sent to the wrong address, they cannot be recovered. This fundamental characteristic of blockchain technology makes security paramount when managing cryptocurrency investments.
Hardware wallets like Ledger provide the highest level of security by keeping your private keys completely offline and isolated from potential online threats. Software wallets, exchanges, and web-based solutions are vulnerable to hacking, phishing attacks, and malware that can compromise your digital assets.
Get answers to the most common questions about Ledger hardware wallets, setup process, and security features.
If you lose your Ledger device, your cryptocurrencies are still safe as long as you have your 24-word recovery phrase. You can purchase a new Ledger device or any compatible hardware wallet and restore your accounts using your recovery phrase. The device itself is just a tool to access your funds; the real security lies in your recovery phrase. Never share your recovery phrase with anyone and keep multiple copies stored in secure locations.
Yes, Ledger devices support over 5,500 cryptocurrencies and tokens, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and thousands of ERC-20 tokens. You can install multiple cryptocurrency apps on your device through Ledger Live. Each app manages a specific cryptocurrency, and you can have several apps installed simultaneously, though storage capacity may limit the number of apps on older devices like the Nano S.
Authentic Ledger devices come with specific security features: they should arrive in sealed packaging, include a recovery sheet, and never come with a pre-filled recovery phrase. When you first power on the device, it should display 'Welcome' and guide you through creating a new recovery phrase. Ledger Live will verify your device's authenticity when you connect it. Never buy from unauthorized retailers, and always purchase directly from Ledger or authorized resellers.
Your Ledger device is the hardware that securely stores your private keys and signs transactions. Ledger Live is the software application that provides the interface for managing your cryptocurrencies, viewing balances, and initiating transactions. The device performs the security-critical functions, while Ledger Live handles the user interface and blockchain communication. Both work together to provide a secure and user-friendly experience.
If you forget your PIN, you can still recover your funds using your 24-word recovery phrase. After three incorrect PIN attempts, your Ledger device will reset itself for security. You can then restore your device using your recovery phrase, which will give you access to all your cryptocurrencies and allow you to set a new PIN. This is why it's crucial to keep your recovery phrase safe and accessible.
Your Ledger device itself doesn't require an internet connection to function—it operates completely offline for maximum security. However, you'll need an internet connection on your computer or phone running Ledger Live to check balances, send transactions, and install apps. The device only signs transactions offline, and Ledger Live handles the online communication with blockchain networks. This design ensures your private keys never touch the internet.
Can't find what you're looking for? Our support team is here to help with any questions about your Ledger device.