Ledger: keys, security, fees and reviews
Hardware wallet
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Key facts
- Wallet type
- Hardware wallet
- Who holds the keys
- the user (self-custody)
- Developer
- Ledger SAS
- Platforms
- hardware device, iOS
- Official site
- ledger.com
Checked on 2026-10-27 against the official site, docs and app-store pages.
What is Ledger
Ledger makes hardware wallets (which it now calls 'signers'), including the Ledger Nano X, a pocket-size device with Bluetooth and USB-C that keeps private keys offline in a certified Secure Element chip. It works with the Ledger Wallet app (formerly Ledger Live) on desktop and mobile. Ledger SAS was founded in 2014 and is based in Paris.
Who holds the keys
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Key control | Self-custody: private keys stay offline on the device, and only the owner can approve transactions. |
| Seed phrase | Access is restored with the 24-word secret recovery phrase; Ledger never asks for it. |
| Recovery | A lost or broken device can be replaced, and accounts restored from the recovery phrase on a new Ledger. |
| Recovery service | Optional paid Ledger Recover, an identity-based backup run with Coincover: an encrypted backup of the recovery phrase is split into three parts. |
Features and supported networks
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Secure element | ST33J2M0 Secure Element chip, CC EAL5+ certified, running Ledger OS. |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth (BLE 5.2) for iOS and Android, plus USB-C for desktop and Android. |
| Display | Monochrome OLED, 128 × 64 px. |
| Supported networks | 500+ assets in the Ledger Wallet app, and thousands of coins, tokens and NFTs through third-party wallets; up to 100 apps installed. |
| Platforms | Windows 10/11, macOS, Ubuntu LTS, iOS 14+ and Android 10+; not compatible with Chromebooks. |
| Swaps | Buy, swap and stake through third-party providers in the Ledger Wallet app. |
Security and audits
- The Ledger Wallet app (ledger-live repository) is open source under the MIT licence; the device runs Ledger's proprietary OS.
- The Secure Element (ST33J2M0) holds CC EAL5+ certification.
- Ledger runs a bug bounty programme through its Donjon security team, covering devices, apps and web services.
- On 14 December 2023, malicious versions of the Ledger Connect Kit JavaScript library were published after a former employee was phished; Ledger states that its hardware and Ledger Live were not affected.
- In 2020 a third party accessed Ledger's e-commerce and marketing database (mostly emails, some names, addresses and phone numbers); Ledger says payment data and funds were safe.
History
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2014 | Ledger is founded. |
| 25 June 2020 | A third party accesses Ledger's e-commerce and marketing database using an API key; Ledger discloses the breach in July 2020. |
| 14 December 2023 | Ledger Connect Kit supply-chain exploit; a fix is deployed within 40 minutes of Ledger learning of it. |
Risks and caveats
- Funds depend on the secret recovery phrase: as long as it is safe, a lost device can be replaced, and Ledger never asks for it.
- The 2020 customer-data breach exposed contact details, which phishers can use to target Ledger owners.
- Ledger Recover is optional and relies on identity verification by Coincover, a third party.
About the developer
- Legal entity
- Ledger SAS, 106 rue du Temple, 75003 Paris, France.
- Founded
- 2014.
- Headquarters
- Paris; over 700 employees across 8 offices, including Vierzon, London, Portland and Singapore.
Official links
- Website: www.ledger.com
- Ledger Nano X: shop.ledger.com/products/ledger-nano-x
- Source code: github.com/LedgerHQ/ledger-live
- Security: donjon.ledger.com/bounty
- Ledger Recover: www.ledger.com/recover
Questions and answers
Is the Ledger Nano X self-custodial?
Yes. Private keys stay offline in the device's Secure Element and only the owner can approve transactions; a lost device can be restored from the 24-word recovery phrase.
Is Ledger open source?
The Ledger Wallet app is open source under the MIT licence; the device runs Ledger's proprietary OS on a CC EAL5+ certified Secure Element.
Which coins does the Ledger Nano X support?
More than 500 assets in the Ledger Wallet app and thousands more through third-party wallets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and XRP.
Has Ledger been hacked?
Ledger has disclosed a 2020 breach of its customer database and a December 2023 exploit of its Connect Kit library; it states that its devices and Ledger Live were not affected.
Who makes Ledger?
Ledger SAS, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Paris.
Sources
- ledger.com
- apps.apple.com
- Ledger — Ledger Nano X
- Ledger — The Company
- Ledger — Ledger Recover
- Ledger Donjon — Bug Bounty Program
- Ledger — Letter regarding Ledger Connect Kit exploit
- Ledger — Security incident report (Connect Kit)
- Ledger — Addressing the July 2020 e-commerce and marketing data breach
- Ledger on GitHub — ledger-live LICENSE
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