Start With Ledger

Where Your Crypto Security Journey Begins

Welcome to the most secure starting point for your digital asset journey. At Ledger, we believe that true ownership begins with security. Your journey to sovereignty over your cryptocurrencies starts here, with the world's most trusted hardware wallet.

Why Your Crypto Needs a Secure Foundation

Imagine your cryptocurrency private keys as the keys to a vault holding your life savings. Would you leave those keys on your kitchen counter or taped to your computer? Online wallets and exchange accounts do exactly that—they keep your keys exposed to constant digital threats.

Ledger changes everything. Our hardware wallets store your private keys in a certified Secure Element chip—the same technology that protects credit cards and passports. This isn't just a safe; it's a bank vault for the digital age.

"With great ownership comes great responsibility. Ledger gives you the tools to meet that responsibility with confidence."

Your Ledger Unboxing Experience

What You'll Find Inside:

Your Ledger Device – Crafted with precision in France
USB-C Cable – For secure connections
Recovery Sheet – Steel versions available for ultimate protection
Keychain Strap – Keep your security with you
Getting Started Cards – Quick visual guides

Before Setup – Crucial Preparation:

Environment Matters: Set up in a private space without cameras
Gather Tools: Pen and paper (never type your recovery phrase)
Time Allocation: Allow 20-30 minutes without interruption
Source Verification: Only download Ledger Live from Ledger.com

Three-Step Setup: Simplicity Meets Security

Step 1: Ledger Live Installation

Your command center for the crypto universe. Ledger Live provides:

Portfolio Tracking: Real-time valuation across all assets
Transaction Management: Send and receive with confidence
Market Data: Prices, charts, and trends
App Catalog: Install blockchain-specific applications
Firmware Updates: Keep your security current

Platform Availability: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android

Step 2: Device Initialization – Your Security Foundation

PIN Creation:
Choose a PIN (4-8 digits) that's memorable but not obvious. This is your first layer of physical security. Three incorrect attempts will reset the device, protecting against physical theft.

Recovery Phrase Generation – The Heart of Your Security:
This is the most critical step in your crypto journey. Your 24-word recovery phrase is:

Generated randomly by your device (never by a computer)
Displayed only on your Ledger screen
The absolute backup of all your assets
Never stored digitally anywhere

Security Protocol:

Write each word in order on your recovery sheet
Verify the spelling exactly
Store in at least two secure physical locations
Never photograph or digitize these words
Share with no one—not even Ledger support

Step 3: Application Management & Asset Security

Install Blockchain Apps:
Each cryptocurrency requires a specific app. Ledger Live makes this simple:

Navigate to "Manager" in Ledger Live
Connect and unlock your device
Install apps for your preferred cryptocurrencies
Create accounts for each asset type

First Transactions – Best Practices:

Always send a small test transaction first
Verify receiving addresses on your Ledger screen
Confirm amounts before finalizing
Start with less valuable assets as you gain confidence

Beyond Storage: The Ledger Live Ecosystem

Financial Dashboard

Track your entire portfolio with institutional-grade tools. View performance across timeframes, set price alerts, and monitor market movements—all while maintaining absolute security.

Integrated Exchange

Swap assets directly within Ledger Live through our secure partners. Maintain self-custody while accessing competitive rates across hundreds of trading pairs.

Staking & Yield Generation

Put your assets to work while they remain secure in your wallet. Participate in proof-of-stake networks directly through Ledger Live with clear, transparent rewards.

Web3 Gateway

Access decentralized applications, NFT marketplaces, and DeFi protocols while your private keys remain protected. Ledger acts as your secure gateway to the entire blockchain ecosystem.

Advanced Security Features

Transaction Verification

Every transaction requires physical confirmation on your Ledger device. This "what you see is what you sign" approach ensures:

No transaction occurs without your explicit approval
All details are verified on the secure screen
Malware cannot alter destination addresses

Passphrase Protection (25th Word)

For advanced users, add an optional passphrase that creates an entirely new set of accounts. This feature provides:

Plausible deniability protection
Additional security layer beyond the 24 words
Separate accounts for different security levels

Multiple Account Architecture

Organize your assets with purpose-built accounts:

Daily Use: Smaller amounts for regular transactions
Savings: Long-term holdings with maximum security
Staking: Assets dedicated to network participation
Experimental: For trying new protocols or assets

Your Ongoing Security Journey

Regular Maintenance:

Weekly: Check for firmware updates in Ledger Live
Monthly: Review transaction histories and account structures
Quarterly: Verify recovery phrase storage integrity
Annually: Re-evaluate security practices and new features

Educational Development:

Visit Ledger Academy for free courses
Join our community forums for peer support
Follow security best practices as they evolve
Stay informed about new blockchain integrations

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover my assets if I lose both my Ledger device and recovery phrase?

No. This is why your recovery phrase is critical. It is the ONLY backup of your private keys. Without either the device (with PIN) or the recovery phrase, your assets are permanently inaccessible. This is not a limitation but a security feature—it means no one else can access your assets without one of these elements. We recommend storing multiple physical copies of your recovery phrase in secure, separate locations.

How many different cryptocurrencies can I store on one Ledger device?

Ledger devices support over 5,500 different cryptocurrencies and tokens. The limiting factor is storage space for apps on the device itself. The Ledger Nano S Plus can hold approximately 3-10 apps simultaneously (depending on their size), while the Nano X can hold around 100. You can uninstall and reinstall apps at any time without affecting your assets, as they remain securely on the blockchain. Your accounts reappear when you reinstall the corresponding app.

Is my Ledger device compatible with third-party wallets like MetaMask?

Yes, absolutely. Ledger devices work seamlessly with many popular software wallets. For Ethereum and EVM-compatible chains, you can connect your Ledger to MetaMask, using it as a secure signing device. Similarly, you can use Ledger with Electrum for Bitcoin, or Phantom for Solana. This compatibility allows you to interact with various ecosystems while maintaining Ledger's hardware security. Your private keys never leave the device, regardless of which interface you use.

What should I do if my Ledger device is lost or stolen?

First, don't panic. Your assets remain secure as long as your PIN hasn't been compromised. If you have your 24-word recovery phrase (which you stored securely during setup), you can restore your entire wallet on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet immediately. We recommend doing this promptly to regain access to your assets. If you don't have your recovery phrase, unfortunately, your assets cannot be recovered. This underscores why the recovery phrase setup is the most critical step.

How often do I need to update my Ledger device, and is it safe?

We release firmware updates several times per year to enhance security, add features, and support new cryptocurrencies. Updates are delivered securely through Ledger Live and must be verified on your device screen. The update process is designed to be safe—you won't need to enter your recovery phrase for standard updates. Always ensure you're using the official Ledger Live application and follow the on-screen instructions on your device. Never update firmware from any source other than Ledger Live.

Can I use the same Ledger device with multiple computers or phones?

Yes, your Ledger device is portable and can be used with any compatible computer or smartphone that has Ledger Live installed. Simply connect your device via USB or Bluetooth (Nano X only for Bluetooth) and enter your PIN. Your accounts and settings are stored on the blockchain and secured by your device, not on any particular computer. This means you can access your assets securely from multiple locations while maintaining the same security standards.

Ready to Begin?

Your journey to true digital sovereignty starts with a single step—a step toward security, control, and peace of mind.

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Remember: In the world of cryptocurrency, security isn't just a feature—it's the foundation of everything. With Ledger, you're not just storing assets; you're claiming ownership.

Security. Ownership. Freedom. Welcome to Ledger.