Ledger Wallet Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Ledger hardware wallets, security features, and how to get started on your journey to financial sovereignty.
Your crypto is not stored on the Ledger device itself, but on the blockchain. The device only holds the private keys to access it. As long as you have your 24-word recovery phrase safe, you can buy a new Ledger (or any other compatible wallet), restore it using your phrase, and regain full access to your funds. Your crypto remains secure.
This is precisely the problem a crypto hardware wallet solves. Even if your computer is completely infected with malware, your private keys never leave the secure chip on the Ledger device. Every transaction must be physically confirmed on the device's screen and by pressing its buttons. A hacker cannot remotely sign a transaction, ensuring your funds are safe.
Choose the Ledger Nano S Plus if you primarily manage crypto on a desktop computer and want the most secure, cost-effective option. It's perfect for long-term holders. Choose the Ledger Nano X if you value mobility. Its Bluetooth connectivity allows you to securely manage your assets on the go with your smartphone, making it ideal for active users.
When you keep crypto on an exchange (like Coinbase or Binance), you don't actually control the private keys–the exchange does. This is known as a "custodial" service. If the exchange gets hacked or goes bankrupt, you could lose your funds. A hardware wallet gives you "non-custodial" control. You, and only you, hold the keys, giving you true ownership of your assets.
The 24-word recovery phrase (or seed phrase) is a master backup for all your cryptocurrency assets. It is generated by your Ledger device during setup. If your device is ever lost, stolen, or damaged, you can use this phrase on a new device to restore complete access to your wallet and all its funds. It is critical that you store this phrase in a secure, offline location and never share it with anyone or store it digitally.
Yes. The Bluetooth connection on the Nano X is designed with end-to-end encryption. More importantly, even if the Bluetooth connection were somehow compromised, your private keys never leave the Secure Element chip. Any critical action, like signing a transaction, still requires your physical confirmation on the device itself. The Bluetooth connection only transports public, non-sensitive data.
Ledger supports over 5,500 different coins and tokens through the Ledger Live app and third-party wallet integrations. You can manage major assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of ERC-20 tokens directly in Ledger Live. Both the Nano X and Nano S Plus can hold up to 100 coin applications simultaneously, allowing you to manage a diverse portfolio from a single device.
It is critically important to only buy Ledger wallets directly from Ledger's official website or an authorized reseller like Keystone Digital. Never buy a hardware wallet from an unknown third-party seller on platforms like eBay or Amazon, as the device could be tampered with. Buying from an authorized source ensures you receive a genuine, secure device.