Secure your crypto assets with the world's most trusted hardware wallet. Follow our step-by-step guide to set up your device safely.
Complete these steps to secure your crypto
Install the official Ledger Live app on your computer or mobile device
Use the USB cable to connect your Ledger device to your computer
Create a secure PIN and write down your 24-word recovery phrase
Install cryptocurrency apps for the coins you want to manage
Follow these detailed steps to set up your Ledger hardware wallet securely and start protecting your cryptocurrency investments.
Estimated time: 2 minutes
Ledger Live is the official companion app for your Ledger hardware wallet. This secure application serves as your gateway to managing cryptocurrencies safely and efficiently. The app is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android platforms.
Before downloading, ensure you're visiting the official Ledger website (ledger.com) to avoid malicious software. Scammers often create fake versions of Ledger Live to steal your cryptocurrency. Always verify the website URL and look for the secure HTTPS connection.
The desktop version offers the most comprehensive features, including portfolio management, transaction history, and advanced security settings. Mobile versions provide convenient access for checking balances and making transactions on the go.
Once downloaded, the installation process is straightforward. The app will guide you through initial setup, including language selection and privacy settings. You'll also be prompted to enable automatic updates to ensure you always have the latest security features and supported cryptocurrencies.
Ledger Live regularly adds support for new cryptocurrencies and DeFi protocols. The app currently supports over 5,500 coins and tokens, making it one of the most comprehensive crypto management platforms available.
Never share your recovery phrase with anyone. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. Beware of phishing attempts and only download software from official sources.
Industry-leading security features designed to protect your cryptocurrency investments with bank-grade security and user-friendly design.
Military-grade security with certified secure element technology that protects your private keys from physical and remote attacks.
Your private keys never leave the device and remain completely offline, providing maximum protection against online threats.
Multi-layer PIN protection with automatic device reset after multiple failed attempts prevents unauthorized access.
Ledger Live and device firmware are open source, allowing security experts worldwide to verify and audit the code.
Meets international security standards including Common Criteria EAL5+ certification for maximum regulatory compliance.
Every transaction is verified on the device screen, ensuring you always confirm exactly what you're signing.
Over 6 million users trust Ledger hardware wallets to secure more than 20% of the world's cryptocurrency assets. Our devices have undergone rigorous security audits and certifications from leading cybersecurity firms.
Every Ledger device is built with security as the primary focus. From the secure element chip to the custom operating system, every component is designed to protect your digital assets from sophisticated attacks.
Get answers to the most common questions about Ledger hardware wallets, setup process, and security features.
A Ledger hardware wallet is a physical device that stores your cryptocurrency private keys offline, providing maximum security against online threats. It works by generating and storing your private keys within a secure element chip that never exposes them to your computer or the internet. When you want to make a transaction, the wallet signs it internally and only sends the signed transaction to your computer, ensuring your private keys remain completely secure. The device features a small screen and buttons that allow you to verify and approve each transaction manually, giving you complete control over your digital assets.
If you lose your Ledger device, you can recover your entire wallet using your 24-word recovery phrase (also called a seed phrase). This recovery phrase was generated when you first set up your device and should be stored safely offline. You can restore your wallet on a new Ledger device or any other compatible hardware wallet by entering your recovery phrase during the setup process. This will regenerate all your private keys and restore access to all your cryptocurrency accounts. It's crucial to keep your recovery phrase secure and never share it with anyone, as anyone with access to it can control your funds.
Ledger devices support over 5,500 cryptocurrencies and tokens, including all major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, and thousands of ERC-20 tokens. Popular supported cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin Cash, Cardano, Polkadot, Chainlink, Solana, and many DeFi tokens. Each cryptocurrency requires its own app to be installed on your Ledger device, but you can easily install and uninstall apps as needed through Ledger Live. The Ledger team regularly adds support for new cryptocurrencies based on community demand and technical feasibility. You can check the complete list of supported cryptocurrencies on the official Ledger website.
It is strongly recommended to only purchase Ledger devices directly from the official Ledger website or authorized retailers to ensure authenticity and security. Devices sold by unauthorized third-party sellers may be compromised, tampered with, or counterfeit, potentially putting your cryptocurrency at risk. Legitimate Ledger devices come with tamper-evident packaging and security features that help verify their authenticity. When you receive your device, always check for signs of tampering and verify the device's authenticity through Ledger Live. If you must purchase from a retailer, ensure they are an official Ledger partner listed on the Ledger website.
If your Ledger device stops working or gets damaged, don't panic – your cryptocurrency is still safe as long as you have your recovery phrase. You can purchase a new Ledger device and restore your wallet using your 24-word recovery phrase. Your funds are not stored on the physical device itself, but rather on the blockchain, and the device only stores the keys to access them. Before disposing of a damaged device, ensure it's properly destroyed to prevent any potential data recovery. If your device is still under warranty, you may be eligible for a replacement from Ledger support.
You should regularly update your Ledger device firmware and cryptocurrency apps to ensure you have the latest security patches and features. Ledger Live will notify you when updates are available, and it's recommended to install them promptly. Firmware updates typically include security improvements, bug fixes, and support for new features. App updates may add support for new tokens, improve performance, or fix compatibility issues. Updates are free and can be installed directly through Ledger Live. Always ensure your device is properly connected and has sufficient battery (for Nano X) before starting an update process.
Our support team is available 24/7 to help you with any questions about your Ledger device.