Secure your crypto with Ledger hardware wallets

A hardware wallet is a physical device that stores your cryptocurrency private keys offline. Unlike software wallets that store keys on internet-connected devices, hardware wallets keep your keys isolated in a secure element chip. When you want to make a transaction, the device signs it internally and only the signed transaction (not your private keys) is transmitted to the network.

Ledger devices use bank-level security with a certified secure element (CC EAL5+) that protects against both physical and software attacks. Your private keys never leave the device and are protected by a PIN code. Even if your computer is compromised with malware, your crypto remains safe because transactions must be physically confirmed on the device.

If you lose your device, your cryptocurrency is still safe. During setup, Ledger generates a 24-word recovery phrase (seed phrase) that can restore all your accounts on any compatible hardware wallet. As long as you've safely stored this recovery phrase, you can recover all your crypto on a new device.

Ledger supports over 5,500 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Bitcoin Cash, EOS, Stellar, and many others. You can install multiple cryptocurrency apps on your device simultaneously. The full list is available in Ledger Live's Manager section.

No, your Ledger device stores your private keys offline and only needs to connect to a computer or phone when you want to make transactions. The device itself never connects directly to the internet. This 'cold storage' approach is what makes hardware wallets much more secure than online wallets.

Ledger has never been successfully hacked at the device level since launching in 2014. The secure element chip is designed to resist even physical attacks like side-channel analysis. While Ledger's customer database was breached in 2020, no private keys or device security were compromised because they're stored locally on each device.

Authentic Ledger devices come with tamper-evident packaging and can be verified using Ledger's authenticity checker in Ledger Live. The device will also undergo genuine firmware verification when first connected. Only purchase from Ledger's official website or authorized resellers to ensure authenticity.

The Nano X features Bluetooth connectivity, a larger screen, and can store up to 100 apps simultaneously. The Nano S Plus connects via USB-C, has a slightly smaller screen, and can store fewer apps at once but supports the same 5,500+ cryptocurrencies. Both offer identical security features.