Your all-in-one crypto wallet app to confidently and conveniently manage all your digital assets from one secure place while keeping your private keys offline, far from hackers' reach.
Get the official Ledger Wallet app for your device and begin your secure crypto journey.
Verify your Ledger hardware wallet authenticity through our advanced security protocols.
Generate your recovery phrase and secure your private keys with military-grade encryption.
Store and manage your digital assets with complete offline security and peace of mind.
Welcome to the official Ledger Wallet setup guide. Ledger is the world's most trusted hardware wallet solution, protecting over $1 billion in cryptocurrency assets for millions of users worldwide. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the onboarding process, ensuring your digital assets are secured with industry-leading technology.
Ledger Wallet combines hardware and software security to create an impenetrable fortress for your cryptocurrency. Unlike traditional software wallets that store private keys on internet-connected devices, Ledger uses a specialized hardware device with a secure element chip—the same technology used in credit cards and passports. This chip stores your private keys in complete isolation from potential online threats, making it virtually impossible for hackers to access your funds remotely.
The security architecture is built on multiple layers. Your private keys never leave the secure element chip, even when you're signing transactions. All cryptographic operations happen within the device itself, and only the signed transaction is transmitted to your computer or phone. This means even if your computer is compromised by malware, your assets remain safe because the malware cannot access the keys stored in your Ledger device.
The first step in your security journey is downloading the official Ledger Wallet application. This software acts as the interface between your Ledger hardware device and the blockchain networks. Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, the application is designed with user experience and security in mind. Always download from the official Ledger.com/start page to avoid counterfeit applications that could compromise your security.
Once downloaded, the application requires minimal permissions and operates with a small footprint on your system. The installation process includes cryptographic verification of the software's authenticity, ensuring you're installing genuine Ledger software. The application supports over 5,500 different cryptocurrencies and tokens, making it the most comprehensive wallet solution available. Regular updates are pushed automatically to ensure you have access to the latest security patches and features.
Device verification is a critical security checkpoint that confirms your Ledger hardware is genuine and hasn't been tampered with. When you first connect your device to the Ledger Wallet app, it initiates an authentication protocol that checks the device's secure element firmware and cryptographic attestation. This process happens automatically and takes just seconds, but it's performing complex cryptographic operations in the background.
The verification process checks multiple security markers: the device's unique identifier, firmware signature, secure boot sequence, and attestation certificate. If any of these checks fail, the app will alert you immediately and refuse to proceed. This protects you from using counterfeit devices that might attempt to steal your recovery phrase or private keys. Genuine Ledger devices come sealed with tamper-evident packaging, and the verification process provides an additional layer of assurance that your device is authentic.
The recovery phrase, also known as a seed phrase or mnemonic phrase, is the master key to your cryptocurrency empire. During the secure setup process, your Ledger device generates a random 24-word phrase using a hardware random number generator. This phrase is derived from a list of 2,048 words specified by the BIP39 standard, creating 256 bits of entropy—that's 2^256 possible combinations, a number so large it's effectively impossible to guess.
The generation happens entirely within the secure element of your Ledger device. The phrase is displayed only on the device's screen and is never transmitted to your computer, phone, or the internet. You'll be prompted to write down all 24 words in order on the recovery sheet provided with your Ledger. This physical backup is crucial—if you lose your device, the recovery phrase allows you to restore all your accounts and assets on a new Ledger or compatible wallet. Never photograph your recovery phrase, store it digitally, or share it with anyone. Treat it like the key to a vault containing all your wealth, because that's exactly what it is.
After securing your recovery phrase, you'll set up a PIN code for your Ledger device. This PIN provides an additional layer of security, preventing unauthorized access if your device is physically stolen. The PIN can be 4 to 8 digits long, and you should choose a code that's memorable to you but difficult for others to guess. After three incorrect PIN attempts, the device wipes itself completely, erasing all keys and requiring restoration from your recovery phrase.
The final configuration involves connecting your Ledger to the blockchain networks. The Ledger Wallet app will synchronize with various blockchain networks to display your balances and transaction history. You can now install apps for specific cryptocurrencies directly on your Ledger device. Each app handles the cryptographic operations for its respective blockchain, and you can manage which apps are installed based on which assets you hold. Your Ledger is now fully operational, providing military-grade security for your digital wealth.
Security doesn't end with setup. Always verify receiving addresses on your Ledger device's screen before sending funds. Keep your firmware updated through the Ledger Wallet app to benefit from the latest security improvements. Never enter your recovery phrase anywhere except on a Ledger device during restoration. Be wary of phishing attempts—Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase via email or support tickets. Store your recovery phrase in a secure location, preferably in multiple geographically separated locations for disaster recovery. Consider using a Ledger Cryptosteel or similar metal backup solution to protect your recovery phrase from fire and water damage.
Private keys never leave your device, kept completely offline and away from internet threats.
Bank-level security chip protects your keys with certified cryptographic operations.
Fully auditable code reviewed by security experts worldwide for maximum transparency.