
Welcome to Ledger: Start Your Journey to Ultimate Crypto Security
Congratulations. By seeking Ledger, you’ve taken the first and most crucial step toward truly owning and securing your digital assets. In a world where digital value is revolutionary yet vulnerable, self-custody is your superpower. Ledger provides the impenetrable foundation for that power.
This page is your launchpad. We’ll guide you through the core principles of securing your crypto, introduce you to the Ledger ecosystem, and help you choose the perfect device to start your journey.
Why Self-Custody? Why Ledger?
When you buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any other cryptocurrency on an exchange, you don’t hold the keys to that asset. The exchange does. This is custodial ownership, and it carries risk—from platform hacks to frozen accounts.
Self-custody flips this model. You, and only you, hold the private keys that control your assets. This is digital sovereignty. But with great power comes great responsibility: those keys must be protected from hackers, malware, and physical damage.
This is where Ledger’s Hardware Wallets come in.
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Ultimate Security: Your private keys are generated and stored in a certified, hack-resistant Secure Element chip—the same technology used in passports and credit cards. They never leave your device.
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Total Control: You approve every transaction with a physical button press, keeping online threats at bay.
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Peace of Mind: Manage hundreds of crypto assets, use DeFi, buy NFTs, and grow your wealth, knowing your foundation is secure.
Your First Ledger: Choosing the Right Device
Ledger offers two premier devices, both providing the same unparalleled security foundation but tailored to different user experiences.
1. Ledger Nano S Plus – The Essentials, Perfected.
The ideal starting point for your crypto journey. It balances a compact, affordable price with a powerful, feature-rich experience.
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Perfect for: Beginners and veterans focusing on core crypto assets and essential Web3 applications.
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Key Features: Secure Element chip, large screen for clear transaction verification, USB-C connectivity, and the ability to manage over 5,500 coins and tokens.
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Experience: Run multiple apps simultaneously, stake assets, swap tokens, and manage NFTs directly through the Ledger Live app.
2. Ledger Nano X – The Advanced, Wireless Champion.
Our flagship device offers premium features for active traders and those who live in the decentralized world.
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Perfect for: Power users managing diverse portfolios across chains and using DeFi/NFTs daily.
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Key Features: All the security of the Nano S Plus, plus Bluetooth connectivity for managing on-the-go via Ledger Live Mobile, and expanded storage for 100+ apps at once.
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Experience: Ultimate flexibility. Manage your portfolio from your phone, seamlessly connect to multiple DeFi dApps, and enjoy a premium unboxing and build quality.
Security First, Always: Remember, whether you choose the Nano S Plus or Nano X, you receive the same industry-leading, certified Secure Element security. The choice is about lifestyle and how you interact with the crypto ecosystem.
The Three Pillars of Your Setup
Setting up your Ledger is a simple, 15-minute process that establishes your security for years to come.
1. Set Up Your Device with Ledger Live
Ledger Live is your secure command center. Download it from our official website only. It will guide you to:
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Initialize your new device.
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Generate your unique, offline 24-word Recovery Phrase.
2. Safeguard Your Recovery Phrase
This is the single most important action you will take.
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Your 24 words are a human-readable version of your private keys.
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Write them by hand on the included recovery sheet.
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Never digitize them: no photos, no cloud storage, no typing.
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Store the sheet like priceless cash—in a safe, fireproof location.
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This phrase is your lifeline to recover your assets if your device is lost or damaged.
3. Claim Your Ownership
With your device as your fortress, use Ledger Live to:
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Add Accounts for each cryptocurrency you own.
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Receive Crypto by sending assets from your exchange to your secure Ledger addresses.
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Explore built-in features like Staking, Token Swaps, and the discover section for partner services.
Beyond the Wallet: The Ledger Ecosystem
Your Ledger device is the key to a vast, secure ecosystem.
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Ledger Live App: Your portfolio dashboard, swap aggregator, and staking hub.
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Ledger Market: A curated, secure gateway to buy your first crypto, directly within Ledger Live.
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Ledger Staking: Earn rewards on assets like ETH, DOT, and ADA, with keys always in your custody.
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Ledger Connect: The safe bridge to connect your Ledger to thousands of Web3 dApps (like Uniswap, OpenSea, Aave) without exposing your keys.
You’re not just buying a hardware wallet. You’re investing in the most trusted security infrastructure for the new digital age.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if I lose my Ledger device or it breaks?
Don’t panic. Your crypto is not stored on the device; it’s on the blockchain. Your device merely secures the keys to access it. Simply buy a new Ledger device and use your 24-word Recovery Phrase to restore your entire wallet. This is why safeguarding that phrase is absolutely critical.
2. Is Ledger Live mandatory? Can I use other software?
While Ledger Live is our official, user-friendly platform for managing your portfolio, your Ledger device is compatible with over 50 third-party wallets and applications (like MetaMask, Phantom, Electrum) via the "Connect Hardware Wallet" feature. This lets you interact with specific chains and dApps while your keys remain secure in your Ledger.
3. Can I store NFTs on my Ledger?
Yes. While the NFT itself lives on the blockchain, the private key that proves your ownership is secured by your Ledger. You can view and manage certain NFT collections directly in Ledger Live, and securely buy, sell, or trade them by connecting your Ledger to marketplaces like OpenSea via Ledger Connect.
4. Why is the 24-word Recovery Phrase so important, and can Ledger see it?
This phrase is a global standard (BIP39) that represents your private keys in a readable format. Ledger has no access to it. It is generated offline, on your device, and is never transmitted anywhere. Anyone with these 24 words can control your assets, which is why you must never share them or enter them on any website or computer.
5. What’s the difference between the Nano S Plus and the Nano X?
Both share the same secure chip. The Nano S Plus is USB-only, has slightly less app storage, and is a cost-effective, powerful entry point. The Nano X adds Bluetooth for mobile use with Ledger Live, has larger app storage, and a slightly larger battery. For most core functions like holding, staking, and occasional swaps, the Nano S Plus is sufficient.
6. How do I update my Ledger device's firmware?
Firmware updates are released periodically to add new features, support new assets, and enhance security. You will be prompted to update through the Ledger Live app. The process is straightforward: follow the on-screen instructions in Ledger Live, which will guide you to temporarily enter your PIN on the device to authorize and install the update. Always ensure you have your Recovery Phrase before updating.
Ready to Take Control?
The future of finance is decentralized, and its foundation is security. With Ledger, you build that foundation on the most trusted hardware in the world.
Shop Now to choose your Ledger device, or Explore Ledger Live to see the platform that will become your financial command center.
Welcome to the era of self-custody. Welcome to Ledger.