Ledger is a hardware wallet supporting Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and thousands more. The most widely supported hardware wallet, and a sensible first cold storage device.
What it is
The most widely supported hardware wallet, and a sensible first cold storage device.
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Hardware |
| Networks | Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and thousands more |
| Custody | Self custody, keys in a secure chip |
| Cost | Paid hardware device |
| Hardware wallet support | It is the hardware |
What it does well
Broad asset support, works with MetaMask and Phantom, small and portable.
Where it falls short
Closed source firmware, and the 2020 customer data leak still bothers people.
Setting it up safely
Download from the official source only
Type the URL or use a bookmark. Fake wallet extensions and fake apps are a persistent and effective attack. Check the publisher and the install count before adding any browser extension.
Create a new wallet
You will be shown a recovery phrase. This is the most important moment of the process.
Write the recovery phrase on paper
By hand, numbered, two copies in two locations. Never a photo, never a notes app, never a cloud drive, never typed into any website. See seed phrase security.
Verify the backup
The wallet asks you to re enter some words. Do it honestly rather than screenshotting, because this is your only test that the backup works.
Send a small test amount first
Five dollars. Confirm it arrives. Then send the rest.
Using it with a hardware wallet
This is a hardware wallet. It pairs with software wallets like MetaMask and Phantom so you get a familiar interface with keys that never touch your computer.
Common questions
Is Ledger safe?
The software itself is widely used and maintained. The realistic risks are not the wallet, they are fake downloads, phishing sites, malicious approvals and a poorly stored recovery phrase. See our security checklist.
Is Ledger free?
The device is a paid hardware purchase. Buy directly from the manufacturer, never secondhand and never from a marketplace listing, because a tampered device can arrive preloaded with an attacker seed phrase.
Can I use more than one wallet?
Yes, and most experienced people do. A common pattern is a hot wallet with a small balance for daily use and a hardware wallet holding the rest.
What happens if I lose the device or uninstall the app?
Nothing, provided you have the recovery phrase. Restore it in a new install or a new device and every account comes back. Without the phrase, the funds are unreachable permanently.
Where to go next
Set up Ledger with us
Installed from the right source, seed phrase backed up correctly, hardware paired if you have one, and a test transaction completed together.