A Ledger device is a hardware wallet — a small physical device that stores your cryptocurrency private keys offline. Private keys never leave the device. When you sign a transaction, the signing operation happens inside the device; Ledger then returns a signed transaction to the host computer or phone.

Key properties

• Offline private key storage (air-gapped signing when used with Ledger Live or third-party apps)
• Secure Element (SE) chip for tamper resistance
• Recovery phrase backup (BIP39-compatible by default)
• PIN protection and optional passphrase
• Compatibility with many coins and tokens via apps

Why use a hardware wallet?

Compared to software wallets, hardware wallets significantly reduce the risk of key theft from malware, remote compromise, or keyed-in exposure. They are a recommended best practice for holding any meaningful amount of crypto.

Contents

• Ledger device (Ledger Nano S Plus / Nano X — model dependent)
• USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X)
• Recovery sheets (paper)
• Quick start guide
• Packaging and genuine sticker (varies)

Before setup

Always buy directly from Ledger.com or authorized retailers. Inspect packaging for tampering. Do not use a device if the seal looks broken or if packaging is suspicious.

Checklist

• Have a secure, private workspace (no cameras/phones watching)
• Use a personal computer you trust — avoid public machines
• Close unneeded apps and browser windows

1) Power on and create a PIN

Turn on the device. You will be prompted to create a PIN. Choose a PIN you can remember but that is not trivial (avoid birthdays). The PIN protects local physical access.

2) Write down your recovery phrase

The device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase (default on many Ledger models). Use the provided recovery sheet; never store the phrase digitally (no photos, no cloud). This phrase is the ultimate backup.

3) Confirm the phrase on the device

After writing, the device will ask you to confirm selected words. Do this carefully. If you lose this phrase, your wallet cannot be recovered.

4) Install Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live from https://ledger.com/start or ledger.com — verify URL and certificate. Install on your desktop or mobile, then connect the device to Ledger Live.

Install apps

In Ledger Live (Manager), install the apps for the cryptocurrencies you plan to use (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.). Each app consumes device memory, so install only what you need.

Accounts

Add accounts in Ledger Live after installing the corresponding app. Ledger Live will derive addresses from your device and let you view balances and transactions securely.

Sending & receiving

• To receive: generate an address in Ledger Live while confirming on-device
• To send: create the transaction in Ledger Live and sign on-device
• Always verify the address on the hardware device screen — malware may change what you see on the computer

Do

• Write the 24 words on paper and store them in multiple secure locations (safe deposit box, home safe)
• Consider steel backups for fire/water resistance
• Test recovery on a spare device (create an empty wallet first) if you want to be thorough

Don't

• Do not photograph the phrase or store it digitally
• Avoid sharing the phrase with anyone — Ledger support will never ask for it
• Do not enter the phrase into websites or apps except during a trusted recovery on a hardware wallet

A passphrase is an additional secret word or phrase appended to your recovery phrase to create a completely new wallet. It's optional, but powerful.

Benefits

• Protects against recovery phrase exposure — attacker needs both phrase and passphrase
• Can create hidden wallets for plausible deniability

Risks

• If you forget the passphrase, wallets created with it are irrecoverable
• Passphrase must be stored securely (not written on same paper as the recovery phrase)

Receiving crypto

Use Ledger Live to generate a receive address. Always confirm the address on your Ledger device display. Use unique addresses if needed for privacy.

Sending

Create transaction in Ledger Live, review the amount and recipient on your computer, then verify and confirm on the device. Confirm that the receiving address displayed on the device matches the intended address.

Staking & DeFi

Ledger supports staking for many blockchains through Ledger Live or third-party integrations. For DeFi, use supported dApps via WalletConnect or browser extensions — always confirm transactions on-device.

Common attack vectors

• Phishing websites and fake Ledger apps
• Malware on a computer that alters addresses
• Social engineering to obtain your recovery phrase
• Physical tampering of a purchased device (buy only from official sources)

Mitigations

• Always verify address on-device before sending
• Use only official Ledger Live downloads
• Never enter your recovery phrase in a computer or website
• Keep firmware up to date — verify updates from Ledger Live

Can't access device

• If PIN is forgotten, use recovery phrase to restore on another Ledger or compatible device
• If device is unresponsive, try a different cable or USB port; check battery (for Nano X)

Lost recovery phrase

If you lose your recovery phrase and cannot access your wallet, funds are effectively lost. Consider splitting backups across secure locations (e.g., multi-site).

Update failures

If a firmware update fails, follow official Ledger support guidance — do not use third-party instructions. Ledger Live includes recovery options and messages for common errors.

Air-gapped use

For heightened security, use an air-gapped setup: pair the Ledger device with an offline machine for transaction signing, and use a second machine for network connectivity only.

Multi-sig & custody

For high-value storage, consider multisignature setups across multiple hardware wallets or custodial services combined with hardware wallet signers.

Testing recovery

Perform a dry-run recovery onto a spare device with a small test transfer. This validates your backup without risk.

Quick FAQ

• Q: Can Ledger recover my funds if I lose my phrase?
  A: No — the recovery phrase is how you recover funds.
• Q: Is it safe to buy a used Ledger?
  A: Avoid used devices — you can't be certain of tampering.
• Q: Will Ledger Live host my private keys?
  A: No — Ledger Live interfaces with the device. Keys remain on the hardware.

Further reading & resources

• Official: https://ledger.com/start and Ledger Support pages
• Security guides on seed backups and passphrases
• Community guides (double-check source before following)