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Hardware Wallet

A Ledger hardware wallet is a physical device designed to securely store your cryptocurrency private keys offline. Unlike software wallets that store keys on internet-connected devices, hardware wallets keep your keys in a secure element chip that never connects directly to the internet. When you want to make a transaction, the hardware wallet signs it internally and only sends the signed transaction to the network, ensuring your private keys never leave the device. This "cold storage" approach provides maximum security against online threats, malware, and hacking attempts while still allowing you to manage your crypto assets conveniently through the Ledger Live application.

If you lose your Ledger device, you can recover all your cryptocurrency assets using your 24-word recovery phrase (also called a seed phrase). This phrase was generated when you first set up your device and should be stored securely offline. To recover your wallet, simply purchase a new Ledger device or use any compatible hardware wallet, then select "Restore from recovery phrase" during setup. Enter your 24 words in the exact order they were given to you. The device will regenerate all your private keys and restore access to your cryptocurrency accounts. This is why it's crucial to keep your recovery phrase safe and never store it digitally - it's the master key to all your crypto assets.

Ledger hardware wallets support over 1,800 cryptocurrencies and tokens, including all major digital assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Ripple (XRP), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and thousands of ERC-20 tokens. The device also supports newer blockchain networks like Solana, Cardano, Polkadot, and many DeFi tokens. Support for new cryptocurrencies is regularly added through firmware updates and new apps in the Ledger Live ecosystem. Each cryptocurrency requires its own app to be installed on your device, but you can install and uninstall apps as needed without affecting your stored assets. The full list of supported assets is continuously updated on the official Ledger website.

It is strongly recommended to purchase Ledger devices only from official sources: the Ledger website, authorized retailers, or verified resellers listed on Ledger's official website. Buying from unauthorized third-party sellers, especially on platforms like eBay or Amazon marketplace sellers, poses significant security risks. Malicious actors could tamper with devices, pre-install malware, or compromise the packaging. A tampered device could potentially steal your cryptocurrency assets. Always verify that the device packaging is intact, the device is completely reset when you receive it, and that you generate a new recovery phrase during setup. If you suspect your device has been tampered with, contact Ledger support immediately and do not use the device.

If you forget your PIN code, don't panic - your cryptocurrency assets are still safe. After three incorrect PIN attempts, your Ledger device will automatically reset itself as a security measure. This means the device will be wiped clean, but your assets are not lost. You can recover everything using your 24-word recovery phrase. Simply set up the device as if it were new, but choose "Restore from recovery phrase" instead of creating a new wallet. Enter your recovery phrase, set a new PIN code, and your device will restore access to all your cryptocurrency accounts. This security feature prevents unauthorized access even if someone finds your device, as they cannot access your funds without the recovery phrase.

You should update your Ledger device firmware whenever a new version is available, which typically happens every few months. Firmware updates include important security patches, bug fixes, support for new cryptocurrencies, and feature improvements. Ledger Live will notify you when updates are available and guide you through the secure update process. The update process is designed to be safe and will not affect your stored cryptocurrency assets or recovery phrase. However, it's always good practice to ensure you have your recovery phrase safely stored before performing any updates. Keeping your firmware up to date is crucial for maintaining the highest level of security and compatibility with the latest blockchain networks and features.