What is Ledger®?
Ledger® is the powerful desktop and mobile application that serves as your gateway to the cryptocurrency ecosystem when using a Ledger hardware wallet.
Ledger® provides a secure interface for managing your cryptocurrency portfolio, enabling you to send and receive transactions, buy and swap assets, stake cryptocurrencies for rewards, and monitor your portfolio performance—all while your private keys remain safely stored on your Ledger hardware wallet.
Unlike traditional software wallets, Ledger® never has access to your private keys. Instead, it communicates with your Ledger hardware wallet, which signs transactions offline. This unique architecture provides the perfect balance between security and convenience.
Whether you're a beginner just starting your crypto journey or an experienced trader managing a diverse portfolio, Ledger® offers the tools and security you need to navigate the cryptocurrency landscape with confidence.
Key Features of Ledger®
Discover the comprehensive capabilities that make Ledger® the preferred choice for secure crypto management
Uncompromising Security
Your private keys remain secure on your Ledger hardware wallet, never exposed to connected devices. All transactions require physical confirmation.
Portfolio Management
Track all your crypto assets in one dashboard with real-time balance updates, price charts, and performance analytics.
Built-in Exchange
Swap hundreds of cryptocurrencies directly within Ledger® through integrated partner services with competitive rates.
Staking & Earning
Earn passive income by staking supported cryptocurrencies directly through the Ledger® interface.
Buy Crypto
Purchase cryptocurrencies directly through Ledger® using credit cards, bank transfers, or Apple Pay with trusted partners.
Web3 Integration
Connect securely to decentralized applications using the Ledger Wallet Extension for browsers.
Getting Started with Ledger®
Follow these steps to set up your Ledger hardware wallet and start using Ledger®
Ledger Wallet Setup Process
Setting up your Ledger hardware wallet is the foundation of your secure crypto experience. The process ensures that you maintain complete control over your private keys from day one.
Purchase Authentic Hardware
Buy a genuine Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax) directly from Ledger.com to avoid counterfeit devices.
Ledger® Download
Download the official Ledger® application from Ledger.com/ledger-live or your device's app store.
Initialize Your Device
Connect your Ledger hardware wallet and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your PIN and generate your 24-word recovery phrase.
Ledger® Login & Setup
Open Ledger®, connect your device, and follow the setup wizard to install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage.
Security Priority: Your 24-word recovery phrase is the master key to your crypto assets. Write it down on the provided recovery sheet and store it securely offline. Never digitize it or share it with anyone.
Ledger® Platform Options
Access your cryptocurrency portfolio across all your devices with synchronized security
Ledger Live Desktop
The desktop version offers the most comprehensive feature set for managing your crypto assets.
- Full portfolio analytics
- Advanced trading features
- Complete staking capabilities
- Regular security updates
Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.
Ledger Live Mobile
Manage your crypto on the go with the mobile app for iOS and Android devices.
- Real-time portfolio tracking
- Quick send and receive
- Mobile-optimized trading
- Secure Bluetooth connection
Available on App Store and Google Play.
Advanced Security Architecture
Ledger® implements multiple layers of security to protect your digital assets
How Ledger Hardware Wallet Protects Your Assets
The core security principle behind Ledger® is that your private keys never leave your hardware wallet. All transaction signing happens within the secure element of your Ledger device.
- Secure Element Chip: Your Ledger hardware wallet contains a certified secure element chip, similar to those used in passports and credit cards, providing military-grade security.
- PIN Protection: Access to your device is protected by a PIN code that you set up during initial configuration, with device wiping after incorrect attempts.
- Offline Key Generation: Private keys are generated and stored entirely offline, never exposed to internet-connected devices.
- Transaction Verification: Every transaction must be physically verified on your Ledger device's screen before execution, preventing malware attacks.
This security architecture ensures that even if your computer is compromised with malware, your cryptocurrencies remain safe within your Ledger hardware wallet. The separation between the online interface (Ledger®) and offline key storage (hardware wallet) creates an impenetrable security model.
Ledger Wallet Extension for Web3
For interacting with decentralized applications (dApps) on various blockchains, Ledger offers browser extensions that work seamlessly with your hardware wallet.
The Ledger Wallet Extension provides a secure bridge between web3 applications and your Ledger device, allowing you to:
- Securely connect to DeFi platforms like Uniswap and Aave
- Interact with NFT marketplaces such as OpenSea
- Participate in blockchain governance and voting
- Use decentralized exchanges while maintaining custody of your assets
All transactions still require physical confirmation on your Ledger hardware wallet, maintaining the highest security standards while enabling full participation in the decentralized web. The extension is available for Chrome, Firefox, and Brave browsers.