Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® — Getting Started

Verifying your Ledger device's authenticity is crucial for security. When you receive your device, check for these security features: The box should have intact security seals with holographic elements that change appearance when tilted. The device itself should be brand new with no signs of prior use. When you connect it to Ledger Live for the first time, the application will automatically perform a "Genuine Check" that verifies the device's secure element and firmware. Never use a device that fails this check. Additionally, purchase directly from Ledger.com to avoid counterfeit products. During setup, your device will generate its own unique recovery phrase - if it arrives with a pre-written recovery phrase, it has been compromised and you should contact Ledger Support immediately. These multiple verification layers ensure you have a genuine, secure device.

Your 24-word recovery phrase and PIN code serve different but complementary security functions. The recovery phrase (also called seed phrase) is a human-readable representation of your master private key. It's generated during initial device setup and is the ultimate backup for all your cryptocurrency accounts. If you lose your Ledger device or it gets damaged, you can use this 24-word phrase to restore access to all your funds on a new device. The PIN code, on the other hand, is a 4-8 digit code that protects physical access to your device. It prevents someone from using your Ledger if they physically possess it. Three incorrect PIN attempts will wipe the device, but your funds remain safe and can be restored using your recovery phrase. Think of the PIN as protecting against physical theft, while the recovery phrase protects against device loss or failure.

Yes, your Ledger device is portable and can be used with multiple computers and compatible smartphones. The device itself stores your private keys and account information, so you can connect it to different installations of Ledger Live. When you connect to a new computer or phone, you'll need to re-enter your PIN on the device, and you may need to re-add your cryptocurrency accounts in Ledger Live (though your funds and transaction history will sync from the blockchain). For Ledger Nano X, you can connect via Bluetooth to Ledger Live Mobile on iOS or Android devices. For Ledger Nano S Plus, you can connect to Android devices via USB-C cable. This flexibility allows you to manage your cryptocurrency portfolio from different locations while maintaining the same high security standards. Your private keys never leave the device, so using multiple computers doesn't compromise security.

If you lose your Ledger device or it gets stolen, your cryptocurrency remains secure as long as you have your 24-word recovery phrase. The thief cannot access your funds without your PIN code, and after three incorrect PIN attempts, the device wipes itself. To regain access to your funds, simply purchase a new Ledger device (or use any BIP39-compatible wallet), select "Restore from Recovery Phrase" during setup, and enter your 24 words in the exact order. This will restore all your accounts and transaction history. It's crucial to have your recovery phrase written down and stored securely before such an event occurs. We recommend storing multiple copies in different secure locations (like a safe deposit box and a home safe) to prevent single points of failure. Never store your recovery phrase digitally or in cloud storage, as this creates security risks.

Ledger devices support over 5,500 different cryptocurrencies and tokens, though the number you can actively manage simultaneously depends on device storage capacity. The Ledger Nano S Plus can hold approximately 100 cryptocurrency apps, while the Ledger Nano X can hold over 100 apps due to larger memory. However, it's important to understand that you're not actually "storing" cryptocurrencies on the device itself - you're storing the private keys that control your assets on their respective blockchains. The device apps are needed to interact with each blockchain. You can install and uninstall apps as needed without affecting your holdings - your private keys remain secure on the device regardless of which apps are currently installed. When you reinstall an app, you'll regain access to that cryptocurrency's balance and transaction history. This means you can effectively manage an unlimited number of different cryptocurrencies, just not all simultaneously without app management.