Ledger Wallet Official

Overview — what Ledger does for your crypto

Ledger hardware wallets provide a clear separation between the computer or phone you use and the secret material that controls your crypto. Private keys are generated inside the device and never leave it; signing of transactions happens on-device, and the host application (Ledger Live or a third-party app) receives only signed transactions or public data. This model reduces the attack surface — malware on your computer cannot extract private keys — while keeping the user experience straightforward for sending, receiving, staking, and swapping tokens.

This page explains practical steps to set up a Ledger device, manage assets safely with Ledger Live, create resilient backups, adopt advanced workflows for higher-value custody, and follow hygiene that reduces social engineering risk.

Key features & value

• Secure Element + BOLOS: tamper-resistant hardware plus an OS that isolates apps and keys.
• Ledger Live: an official desktop and mobile companion app for account management, swaps, staking, and reporting.
• Passphrase support: optional advanced secret adding plausible deniability and hidden wallets.
• Developer-friendly integrations: Ledger works with many wallet and DeFi providers through secure signing APIs.

Together these features make Ledger a practical choice whether you're a casual holder or managing institutional custody operations.

Getting started — purchase, unbox, and verify

Buy only from official store channels or authorized resellers. On arrival, check the packaging and included items. Ledger devices come with a cable, recovery sheet, and documentation. If seals appear broken or components are missing, contact support before proceeding. Photograph receipts and retain proof of purchase for warranty and provenance.

Download Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official companion app for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. Always download Ledger Live from the official domain and verify the HTTPS lock. The desktop app provides the broadest feature set and is recommended for privacy-conscious users.

Initialize, PIN & recovery

During setup Ledger Live will guide you to either create a new wallet or recover an existing one. If creating new, the device will generate a recovery phrase (usually 24 words). Write the words down in order on the recovery sheet. Do not photograph or store the phrase digitally. Next, choose a PIN — the device uses a randomized on-screen keypad to protect PIN entry from host-side keyloggers.

• Keep the recovery phrase offline and consider a metal backup solution for fire/water resistance.
• Store copies in geographically separate but secure locations to balance disaster resilience and theft risk.
• Do not give your recovery phrase to anyone; Ledger support will never ask for it.

Ledger Live — manage, send, stake, swap

Ledger Live aggregates your accounts and balances, lets you add supported blockchains, and coordinates transaction signing with your device. When you send funds, Ledger Live prepares the unsigned transaction and forwards it to the Ledger device. The device displays destination and amount and requests your physical approval; only then is the transaction signed and returned for broadcast. This ensures the display on the device is the authoritative source of truth for what you are approving.

Ledger Live also integrates with exchange and liquidity partners for swaps, and supports staking for selected assets. Understand provider fees and terms before using third-party services exposed through the app.

Backups & recovery planning

Your recovery phrase is the master key to your funds. For long-term safety, adopt a resilient backup strategy: write the seed to durable material, consider metal backups, and store copies in separate secure locations. Fewer copies reduce accidental exposure; multiple geographically dispersed copies reduce single-point loss risk. If you use an optional passphrase, treat it as a separate secret — losing it means losing access to hidden wallets that depend on it.

Testing recovery

After creating backups, test your recovery using a spare device or a trusted process to ensure the seed and passphrase work as expected. Testing avoids unpleasant surprises if a primary device is lost.

Advanced & enterprise workflows

For higher-value custody or institutional use, Ledger supports advanced architectures: multi-signature setups using multiple hardware devices reduce single-device risks; air-gapped signing workflows keep signing machines completely offline to minimize exposure; integration with third-party custody providers and HSMs enables hybrid models that combine Ledger's device-level security with institutional operational controls.

Institutions should deploy role-based access, documented recovery procedures, automated key rotation, and test drills that verify restore capabilities under realistic conditions.

Security fundamentals & common threats

Ledger's device-centric security is robust, but users must address complementary risks: phishing, social engineering, supply chain tampering, and insecure backups. Follow these rules: always verify official URLs before downloading software; never share your recovery phrase or enter it into websites; register and verify firmware updates through Ledger Live only; and enable hardware-backed login options for connected services where available.

FAQ — common questions

What happens if I lose my device?

Restore using your recovery phrase on a new Ledger or compatible wallet. If you used a passphrase you will also need it to access hidden wallets.

Can Ledger be hacked remotely?

Private keys never leave the device and signing requires physical confirmation. Remote extraction is highly impractical; social engineering and physical compromise are more realistic threats.

Should I use Ledger for all my crypto?

Ledger is ideal for long-term holdings and moderate-frequency use. For very small, everyday amounts, a software wallet on a trusted device may be more convenient; keep large balances in hardware custody.