Your Ultimate Guide to Secure Cryptocurrency Storage
Industry-leading security meets user-friendly design
Hardware-isolated private keys protected by secure chip technology
Keep your assets safe from online threats and hacking attempts
Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android devices
Manage Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of other cryptocurrencies
Follow these steps to secure your digital assets
Begin your journey by visiting the official Ledger.com/Start portal and downloading the Ledger Live application for your operating system. Ledger Live is the companion software that bridges your hardware wallet with blockchain networks, providing a secure interface to manage your cryptocurrency portfolio. Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux desktop platforms, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices, the application undergoes regular security audits and updates to ensure maximum protection. Always download from the official source to avoid counterfeit software that could compromise your security. The application is free and does not require any subscription fees.
Carefully unbox your Ledger hardware wallet and inspect the packaging for any signs of tampering. A genuine Ledger device arrives in sealed, tamper-evident packaging with all security seals intact. Inside, you will find the Ledger device, a USB cable, a getting started guide, and recovery phrase cards. Connect your device to your computer using the provided USB cable. The device should display the Ledger logo and prompt you to begin setup. Never use a device that arrives with a PIN code already set or a recovery phrase already generated, as these are clear indicators of a compromised or counterfeit product. Legitimate Ledger devices are always initialized by the end user.
Follow the on-screen instructions on both your Ledger device and the Ledger Live application to initialize your wallet. You will be prompted to create a PIN code between 4 and 8 digits. This PIN code is your first line of defense against unauthorized physical access to your device. Choose a PIN that is memorable to you but difficult for others to guess—avoid obvious combinations like birth dates or sequential numbers. The device will automatically reset after three incorrect PIN attempts, providing an additional security layer. Your PIN is stored securely within the device's secure element chip and cannot be retrieved or reset without your recovery phrase, emphasizing the critical importance of the next step in the setup process.
The most critical step in securing your cryptocurrency is properly recording your 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase, also known as a seed phrase or mnemonic phrase, is generated by your Ledger device using cryptographic randomness and represents the master key to all your digital assets. The device will display each word on its screen in sequence—write them down carefully on the provided recovery cards in the exact order shown. Use only the official recovery cards or a durable, offline medium. Never photograph, screenshot, or digitally store your recovery phrase, as this creates attack vectors for cybercriminals. Store your recovery cards in a secure location such as a fireproof safe, safety deposit box, or distributed across multiple secure locations. Anyone with access to your recovery phrase can access your funds, making physical security paramount.
Once initialization is complete, use Ledger Live to verify your device's authenticity through the built-in genuineness check feature. This process confirms that your device is running official Ledger firmware and has not been tampered with. After verification, navigate to the Manager section within Ledger Live to install specific cryptocurrency applications onto your device. Each blockchain network requires its dedicated app—for example, install the Bitcoin app to manage BTC, the Ethereum app for ETH and ERC-20 tokens, or any of the hundreds of supported blockchain applications. Your Ledger device has limited storage, but you can install and uninstall apps as needed without affecting your holdings. The applications enable your device to interpret and sign transactions for their respective networks while keeping your private keys securely isolated within the hardware wallet's secure element, ensuring that sensitive key material never leaves the device even during transaction signing.
With setup complete, you are ready to receive, store, and send cryptocurrency with institutional-grade security. Use Ledger Live to generate receiving addresses for each cryptocurrency you wish to hold—always verify the address on your Ledger device's screen before sharing it with others, as this confirms the address was generated by your authentic hardware wallet and not intercepted by malware. When sending cryptocurrency, review all transaction details on your device's screen and physically confirm the transaction using the device's buttons. This two-factor verification ensures that even if your computer is compromised, attackers cannot authorize transactions without physical access to your Ledger device. Regularly update your Ledger Live application and device firmware to benefit from the latest security enhancements and feature additions. Remember that your Ledger wallet represents true self-custody—you alone control your private keys and bear responsibility for your asset security, embodying the core principle of cryptocurrency: complete financial sovereignty.
Protect your investment with these essential guidelines
Confirm all receiving and sending addresses on your Ledger device screen before proceeding with transactions
Regularly update your Ledger device firmware and Ledger Live app to benefit from security patches
Download Ledger Live exclusively from Ledger.com and purchase devices from authorized retailers
Your 24-word recovery phrase should never be shared with anyone, including Ledger support staff
Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase via email, phone, or any digital communication
Use secure, private internet connections when accessing your wallet to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks
Get answers to common questions about Ledger wallets