Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Ledger hardware wallets, setup, security, and wallet management.
What is Ledger.com/Start? ▼
Ledger.com/Start is a starting point for Ledger device setup information. Visit the official Ledger domain to find current instructions and appropriate downloads.
It is not an official Ledger publication but an independently written guide designed to help beginners understand hardware wallet security and setup processes.
Is it safe to share a receiving address? ▼
A public receiving address can generally be shared to receive cryptocurrency. However, it may reveal transaction activity, and you should never confuse it with your private keys or recovery phrase.
Important distinctions:
- Public Address: Safe to share. Used for receiving funds.
- Private Keys: NEVER share. Controls your funds.
- Recovery Phrase: NEVER share. Backup for your entire wallet.
Can I recover my wallet if my device is lost? ▼
Recovery may be possible using the correct recovery phrase and a compatible wallet. Keep your recovery information safe because losing both the device and the necessary recovery information can result in permanent loss of access.
Recovery scenarios:
- ✓ Device lost, recovery phrase safe: You can recover your wallet on a new device.
- ✗ Device lost, recovery phrase lost: Permanent loss of access.
- ✓ Device damaged, recovery phrase safe: Get a replacement device and restore.
How do I know if I'm visiting the real Ledger website? ▼
Always verify the website domain before downloading any software or following instructions. Phishing websites try to look identical to the real thing but have slightly different URLs.
Steps to verify:
- 1. Look at the complete URL in your browser's address bar
- 2. Verify it matches the official Ledger domain exactly
- 3. Check for secure connection (padlock icon)
- 4. Bookmark the official page for future use
- 5. Never follow links from emails or messages
What should I do if a setup website looks suspicious? ▼
Stop interacting with the website. Do not download files, connect your wallet, or provide sensitive information. Navigate directly to Ledger's official website and consult its verified support resources.
What to do:
- • Close the browser tab immediately
- • Do NOT download anything
- • Do NOT enter any personal information
- • Open a new tab and go to ledger.com directly
- • Report the suspicious website to Ledger
What if I forget my PIN? ▼
If you forget your PIN, you'll need to reset your device using your recovery phrase. This is why it's critical to store your recovery phrase securely and separately from your device.
Reset process (varies by device): Typically requires entering your recovery phrase to initialize the wallet again.
Consult your device's official documentation or Ledger support for exact reset procedures.
Can I use my hardware wallet on multiple devices? ▼
Yes, you can use your hardware wallet with multiple devices (computer, phone, etc.). However, you should only connect to one device at a time and ensure all devices are secure and trusted.
- Connect to different devices using the official Ledger software
- Your wallet remains the same because it's on your hardware device
- Only use trusted, personal devices
- Never use public computers or untrusted networks
What cryptocurrencies does a Ledger wallet support? ▼
The number of supported assets varies depending on your device and the applications you install. Most Ledger devices support major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, plus many others.
Check the official Ledger website or your device documentation for a complete list of supported assets.
Is my recovery phrase the same as my private keys? ▼
No, but they're related. Your recovery phrase (also called a seed phrase) can generate all your private keys. If someone has your recovery phrase, they can access all your private keys.
The hierarchy:
- Recovery Phrase (Master backup) → Can generate all private keys
- Private Keys (Individual account keys) → Each one controls specific funds
- Public Addresses (Derived from private keys) → Safe to share
What should I do if I suspect my wallet has been compromised? ▼
If you suspect unauthorized access or suspicious activity:
Immediate actions:
- 1. Stop all transactions immediately
- 2. Verify your recovery phrase is still secure
- 3. Check your transaction history for unauthorized transfers
- 4. Contact Ledger support if needed
Important: Ledger support will never ask for your recovery phrase or private keys. If someone claims to be from Ledger and asks for these, it's a scam.
Didn't Find Your Answer?
For additional support and resources:
- Visit Ledger's official website for comprehensive documentation
- Check the support section for device-specific help
- Review community forums for common issues and solutions
- Contact Ledger support directly for technical issues