While many hardware wallets on the market feature a “simple” chip, all Ledger hardware wallets are equipped with a “smartcard chip”, that include a secure element. This kind of chip is used for highly secure applications, such as protecting biometric data on passports or credit card information.

Very specifically, a secure-element chip is a tamper-resistant hardware platform, capable of securely hosting applications and storing confidential and cryptographic data. In other words, secure element chips are extremely difficult and costly to hack, while “simple” chips, even with software protection, require much less effort.

Secure-element chips undergo advanced third-party evaluation and certification processes, through certification bodies such as Common Criteria and EMVCo, to attest to their robustness & security.

Additionally, Ledger has developed its own secure element operating system, named BOLOS - a flexible and open system making it easy to support many crypto assets. This enables Ledger hardware wallets to offer a unique blend of cutting-edge security (secure element) and user convenience (BOLOS), while making sure your crypto assets can resist even sophisticated attacks.

The Ledger Nano S supports an extensive list of cryptocurrencies, including popular assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Litecoin and more.

Ledger is constantly expanding its crypto asset coverage with both apps developed by Ledger and apps developed by the community and extensively tested by Ledger.

The Ledger Nano S can simultaneously run up to 18 device applications. Even if you uninstall a device application, the private keys to access your crypto assets remain secure. You’ll always be able to manage your assets by simply re-installing the application on your Ledger device.

> Click here to see the list of supported crypto assets.

Starting up with crypto assets can be confusing. That’s why we designed the Ledger Nano S to be as straightforward and easy to use as possible, all while incorporating highly sophisticated security to protect your assets.

All your actions on the Ledger Nano S are visible on the device’s screen, enabling you to control what is happening at any moment and to securely verify any transaction. The device also features an intuitive navigation: all actions are controlled by only 2 buttons.

Ledger Live, the companion application to your Ledger device, includes simple, step-by-step processes designed to help you interact with your Ledger device easily and securely.

Your Ledger hardware wallet stores your private keys, which enable you to authorize transactions using Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple or any compatible crypto asset. The assets themselves, however, remain on the blockchain.

If your Ledger hardware wallet gets stolen, lost or you lose access to your crypto accounts, you can easily restore your accounts. Simply use the 24-word recovery phrase provided during the initialization of your device to restore your accounts on another Ledger device.

Your accounts will be restored instantly and you will again be able to securely manage your crypto assets.