Ledger Nano S. Windows 8+, macOS 10.8+, Linux. 64-bits desktop computers excluding ARM processors. Use a USB cable to connect your device.
Inhaltsverzeichnis.The Ledger Nano S together with, is one of the most popular hardware wallets on the market. Only 2014 founded, Ledger has already sold over a million devices in over 160 countries.I bought the Nano S in the.
In the following I will take a close look at everything from unpacking to completing the first transaction. There are many helpful tips and comments. First Impression The WebshopAt the beginning of each hardware wallet is the purchase in an online shop. Until now, hardware wallets have been available almost exclusively on the Internet.is very clearly structured and all prices are issued directly in euros including taxes.
This results in a price of at the time of testing. In addition to Bitcoin, credit cards and PayPal are also accepted as payment methods. There have also been different colours to choose from since mid-November. Since the beginning of 2018, shipping is free of charge in almost all countries of the world.Of course, the Ledger Nano S can also be ordered via one of the official retailers. These are in close contact with ledger and take care of the respective distribution in your country.
Important Note on Buying Hardware WalletsHardware wallets should preferably be ordered directly from the manufacturer or official resellers.Dubious shops or private sellers on platforms such as ebay or amazon could manipulate the devices for their purposes or trick the buyer. This way the thieves can steal all coins from your hardware wallet at a later time. Unfortunately, there have been such cases in the past. Contents of the PackageOnce you have completed your order and waited patiently for your package, you are about to unpack. The seal on the side should only point to the used anti-tampering technology of LedgerOn one side, the packaging is protected by a seal, and the packaging can be opened without breaking this seal.
But do not worry this is intended because the is also protected from firmware modifications on the software side.A conventional seal, which is supposed to securely seal the packaging, induces deceptive security. It is possible that for example, the packaging was replaced after modifying the hardware wallet or that the seals could be opened by a special process without breaking. The complete scope of delivery for the Ledger Nano SIn the second level of the package you will find a small folder with the “Getting Started” manual and a pre-printed form for the recovery seed On this one, the 24 words are later written down which represent the access to all your cryptocurrencies.In addition, bands and rings are available to carry the hardware wallet around the neck or keychain.
And of course there is the USB to micro-USB cable to connect the Hardware Wallet to a computer. For the connection with an android smartphone is needed, which you can also purchase in the. To start the setup, go toThe enclosed “Getting Started” card gives you a hint of the right way: Visit the website.
Here you will be directed to the latest software from Ledger, Ledger Live. Ledger LiveLedger Live was released in July 2018 by ledger and is the new software counterpart to the ledger hardware wallets. This software allows you to set up any ledger hardware wallet, but also to manage all cryptocurrencies later. The cumbersome way of using different chrome extensions is a part of the past.The software can be downloaded. It is compatible with both Mac, Windows and Linux – a mobile version for Android and iOS is already in the works.After installation the software opens automatically and you can start the setup via the button “Get Started”. There are now several options available:. setting up a new device.
restoring an old device with the help of recovery seed. use a device that is already set up. buy a Hardware Wallet from ledgerFor a new setup you choose the first option. Then you will be asked for the exact model you would like to set up. After clicking on the Ledger Nano S you will be guided through the setup process. The software only displays support tips and hints, but the setup is completely detached only at the hardware wallet itself. Connecting and Short InstructionThe first thing you do is connect your to a computer using the supplied USB cable.
If you are very concerned about your safety, you can alternatively connect the Ledger Nano S with an adapter directly to the socket or use a power bank. No matter how you supply the Ledger Nano S with power, now we continue with the setup.First, the use of the two buttons is explained: a simultaneous pressing of both buttons is equal to an “OK”. Scroll through lists by pressing the left and right buttons. After pressing both keys for confirmation, the configuration is started. Configure as new device or or restore from existing backupAt the beginning you will be asked once again whether you want to configure the device as a new device or if you want to use your already created recovery seed to restore an old wallet. Since there is no recovery seed yet, the device is reconfigured using the right button. Set PIN CodeYou will now be asked to specify a PIN code.
This secures the hardware wallet from unauthorized use by asking for it every time the device is switched on. This must be entered twice to exclude a typo.
Important Note on Hardware Wallet Backups (Recovery Seed)Your recovery seed is the backup key to all your cryptocurrencies and applications. The recovery seed (backup) can only be displayed once. Never make a digital copy of the recovery seed and never upload it online.
Keep the recovery seed in a safe place, ideally safe from fire and water, for example with.Nobody but yourself can be held liable for financial losses caused by improper handling of sensitive data.With the help of this key you can restore the cryptocurrencies of the hardware wallet to any Ledger device, but also to other software, online or hardware wallets. For maximum security, it is recommended that you write down the recovery seed one more time and store it in a second place, for example in a bank or at friends or relatives. But remember that everyone who has access to this sheet also has access to your cryptocurrencies. Security issues to protect against fraudstersHere you will be asked if you really chose the PIN and the recovery seed yourself. Finally, a verification of the authenticity of the hardware wallet follows.
For this purpose, Ledger Live directly accesses your Ledger Nano S, which is why the action on the hardware wallet must be confirmed. This step is to exclude the fact that a compromised hardware wallet has been obtained from fraudsters.
Only a real Ledger device can provide the cryptographic evidence required to connect to the secure server of Ledger. This process may take a few moments. Ledger Live Password and AnalysisChoose an optional password that will unlock the application to protect your privacy. Only those who have the password can see the current status of the portfolio.
This functionality is especially useful when using a shared computer.If you forget the password, the software Ledger Live must be reseted. Forgetting has no effect on your cryptocurrencies, but the software needs to be reconfigured.Finally, you can send Ledger voluntarily extended anonymous data on the usage behavior to further improve the software. Then you can start the software. Manage Cryptocurrencies with Ledger LiveAfter setup, you can start adding accounts for different cryptocurrencies to Ledger Live. These behave like bank accounts through which you can send and receive the corresponding currencies.However, before you can add the accounts you need, you need also the app for the corresponding cryptocurrencies on the hardware wallet itself.
In the delivery state, some apps for cryptocurrencies are already pre-installed in addition to the settings app. Authenticate with the Ledger Nano S when signing in to GoogleThere is also an app called Fido U2F. With the Fido U2F standard you can use your Ledger Nano S as a second factor when logging in to different services.If you make your device known to your Google account, for example, when you sign up for untrusted devices, you must also always connect the hardware wallet to your computer in addition to your password. This is supposed to make it harder for hackers to log in with your accounts. App Limit NoteFor a long time only about five apps could be installed at the same time on the Ledger Nano S due to the low storage space, but sometimes also more.
This place depended on which apps are installed and also in what order.Since March 2018 with the latest firmware version it may be possible to install a lot more apps on the Nano S. Because many cryptocurrencies are forks of Bitcoin, which also resembles large portions of the code of the apps of these forks. Ledger has therefore placed this common code base in the Bitcoin app, which greatly reduces the size of the other apps. Using this principle, it is possible to install up to 18 applications that share this library. However, if applications are installed with a completely different codebase (e.g.
Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Fido U2F, password manager), you are still limited to 4 or 5 applications.In summary, depending on the type of applications installed, a different result can be achieved. Most likely you will be able to install approximately 10 apps. However, you can still manage all your apps by not having all of them installed at the same time.
Simply uninstall and install apps from the If you want to use them. These steps only take a few seconds. Example: If you only hold your Ethereum and do not use it regularly, the app can also be uninstalled. Once you want to transfer your Ethereum, simply install the app again.So don’t worry: even if you uninstall an application, you won’t lose your coins. Because the seed remains intact. If this is too uncomfortable for you, you can of course also handle the whole thing with a second Ledger Nano S. Or you decide on the Hardware Wallet.
The problem has been identified and the has been allocated about 50% more memory. ModelFlash MemoryRAMLedger Nano S320 kilobytes10 kilobytes480 kilobytes12 kilobytesAll values has not yet been calculated with the operating system of ledger. This effectively reduces the amount of space for apps on the devices.
The Ledger Blue provides space for eight to 10 apps with different code base. Add AccountIf the app is available on the hardware wallet, you are now also able to add this coin account to Ledger Live.
Just click on the plus symbol for accounts and follow the dialogue. The added accounts will then appear listed in the menu bar, but are also clearly summarized on the portfolio page. Add an account with Ledger liveYou can now make transactions on any computer that has Ledger Live installed. No matter if it is infected with viruses and malware or is on a public network. The transactions are verified by the hardware wallet and validated by the display and the buttons by you.
Setup: ConclusionIt is easy to set up, because the guides you through the process. The only point of criticism is the app management, because you first have to install the corresponding app for the desired cryptocurrency before you can start.
In addition, the number of apps is also limited.This way of building, however, also offers developers the opportunity to create unique apps. Each user of a benefits from this in the long run. Ledger Nano S HandlingThe hardware wallet is now configured and secured. The following test section shows how the Ledger Nano S has proven itself in my everyday life.
At the beginning, the most important function is examined: Performing a simple transaction. Performing a TransactionTransaction can be carried out with various software wallets that support Ledger. Of course, the software is optimally designed for Ledger Nano S. Here you can send and receive any supported cryptocurrency via the “Send” and “Receive” tabs. Receive CryptocurrenciesClicking on the button “receive” opens a small window which leads you through the process. Receive cryptocurrencies with Ledger LiveThe first thing to do is select the account that will receive the coins. Then you open the corresponding app on the device and confirm the address.
Clicking on the button will display the address on both the hardware wallet and the PC display. Only if the two addresses match, you should send your Bitcoins to that address. Otherwise, your computer might be hacked and the displayed address will be manipulated on your monitor.You now have the possibility to copy the address or to scan with the help of the QR code. You can also print the address or send it by e-mail. Sending CryptocurrenciesTo send cryptocurrencies, click on the “Send” tab. As with receiving, you now select the account you would like to debit and then specify both the recipient and the amount.
The fees can also be set here. Clicking “Continue” will send the address to the hardware wallet for verification.The hardware wallet now shows the entire transaction including fees. The operation of the Ledger Nano S is intuitive despite two buttonsAs already mentioned, the operation on the itself is very simple and straightforward:You scroll through lists and menus by clicking a button at the moment. You can trigger confirmations or make a selection by pressing both buttons simultaneously. This works without delay and is very reliable.The only point of criticism here is the entry of the recovery seed, which usually takes a very long time. Because using only two buttons to scroll through the alphabet can be nerve-wracking. It is enough to enter the first 2-5 letters of each word and then scroll through a list of words, but this requires a lot of patience.However, since this is very rare, it is not too painful.
Moreover, this method has the big advantage that the seed can be typed directly on the device and one is so safe from keyloggers. Turning off the Ledger Nano S.
To switch off simply disconnect all connections and exit the softwareA bit of getting used to is the end and shutdown of the: Just disconnect the cable and make the device powerless. Handling: ConclusionEveryday use is possible with the Ledger Nano S hardware wallet without any circumstances. The software provided by Ledger provides all the basic options and the operation via the two buttons is quick and easy. In summary, I can say that it is very easy to carry out a transaction. The additional push of a button on the device is not a major limitation, but it ensures a high degree of safety. Supported Devices and CurrenciesAccording to Ledger, the is compatible with almost all operating systems.
Windows. Linux.
Mac. Android.
Chrome OSLedger’s hardware wallets are clearly ahead when it comes to supported cryptocurrencies. New cryptocurrencies are implemented on a regular basis, both for the and for the Ledger Nano S. The settings also take you to the security settings The BOLOS PlatformThe Ledger Nano S is built around the BOLOS platform. BOLOS stands for Blockchain Open Ledger Operating System and is a development of Ledger to give every developer in the world the opportunity to write apps for Ledger devices. You can use the secure features of the hardware wallet without causing any damage, as each app runs in complete isolation.BOLOS is a way of turning hardware wallets into personal security devices.
Users can install third-party applications that add new privacy features through their own common set of cryptographic material without actually being able to read this material. Security PinEach time the power is turned on, you must enter the Pin, which can consist of four to eight digits. Different time periods are available for automatic lockingIt is also possible to automatically lock the wallet after a few minutes with the current firmware. Manually you can lock the hardware wallet at any time by holding down both buttons for three seconds.If you set the pin incorrectly three times, the is reseted.
To restore its addresses you need the recovery seed now. The Recovery SeedThe Ledger Nano S always creates a recovery seed in formof 24 words. In case of theft or damage you can restore your wallets with a compatible hardware or software wallet with the help of the recovery seed.
The keys and the screen on the hardware wallet itself can be used to exclude any manipulation on the computerA transaction is always validated via the display and the buttons, so that a forgery of the transaction can be excluded by malware on the computer.Setting up the wallet can also be done separately from a computer, so that no one can assign the IP address to this wallet. After the setup you can use another private wallet software like Electrum. Passphrase EncryptionEncryption by passphrase further increases security by using additional passwords at startup. With the Ledger Nano S you can set up a hidden walletYou should use passphrase encryption mainly for two reasons:. If someone gets access to your 24 recovery key, the game is actually over. However, if there is an additional password, you will not be approached to the original account without it.
In case of blackmail, you can give out a wrong password with only a little deposited money.Entering the password every time the Ledger Nano S is started would be very impractical. Therefore, you link the password with another pin, which you can enter in place of the normal pin at startup. This gives you a second access that applies to all cryptocurrencies. Imaginable is a wallet for everyday use and a hidden one for savings deposits. Security: ConclusionIn contrast to the biggest competitor, the firmware is not open source because of a non-disclosure agreement with a security chip manufacturer, only the software is open source.However, the specifications are fully exposed and all cryptographic operations are deterministic. This means that every user can check whether the card answers, what it should do and if there is no side channel.
This approach is widely used in the smart card industry and is generally used to obtain security certificates for bank and identity products.This makes the a very safe way to store cryptocurrencies. It is not for nothing that Ledger occupies first place in the.
If you already own a Ledger Nano S and want to switch to the successor, you don’t have to throw away the Nano S. It is very possible to operate both in parallel.
For this reason, Ledger continues to sell both models together as a “backup pack”. You can easily use the same recovery phrase for both. In this case, both hardware wallets can be used interchangeably with Ledger Live. For example, you then take the Ledger Nano S for use at home or as a backup device safely stowed and the Nano X for on the go. Both then operate the same wallet. Of course, you can also generate a new wallet and send your cryptocurrencies to the new wallet.
There are two ways to reset the Ledger Nano S to factory settings.Reset from device settings. Connect and unlock the Ledger Nano S by entering the PIN code. Go to the settings on the dashboard and press both buttons to confirm. Select “Security” and press both buttons for confirmation. Select “Reset all” by pressing both buttons.
Accept the warning by pressing the right button to continue. Press both buttons to reset them all. Enter your PIN code for confirmation. Your device will then be reset.Reset from PIN code. Connect the USB cable to the Ledger Nano S to turn it on. Enter an incorrect PIN code three times in a row.
The device is reset as a security measure after the third incorrect attempt. Occasionally, users may report that their Nano S will stop working for some reason during firmware updates and will be stuck in Update.
The following can help with this problem:be patientThe server processes the request for the update in a queue. The best thing is to wait when nothing seems to move. If it fails, just try again. It will be updated at some point. Just be patient. Bitcoin SV (Bitcoin Satoshi Vision, or BSV) is a cryptocurrency formed on November 15, 2018 by a hard fork from Bitcoin Cash.
Bitcoin Satoshi Vision is the fourth largest cryptocurrency and has thus overtaken Bitcoin Cash (Source: Wikipedia).Users who have secured their Bitcoin cash before the hard fork with a ledger hardware wallet automatically own the same amount of BSV as BCH.BSV is not supported in Ledger Live. Instead, users can manage their BSV using the Bitcoin Cash app on their ledger device in conjunction with Electrum SV, as described below:. If you buy cryptocurrencies through Coinbase and store them there, Coinbase is in possession of your private keys and could theoretically disappear with your cryptocurrencies at any time.Therefore, it is recommended not to keep the coins on exchanges, but to transfer them to wallets, where one is the only one in possession of the private keys.You should therefore consider sending the coins from your Coinbase Wallet to your Ledger Wallet. For a possible later sale, you can simply send the coins from the hardware wallet back to Coinbase. In principle, you can store as many coins/crypto currencies on the Ledger Nano S as you like.
The hardware wallet only stores the private keys that ensure access to the coins. To manage the coins, the corresponding app must be installed on the device.However, depending on the combination, you can only install a maximum of between 3 and 20 apps at a time. This is because the memory of the Ledger Nano S is limited.
However, it is not a problem to switch apps by un- and install, so the coins are not lost. The hardware wallet Ledger Nano X is the successor to the bestseller Ledger Nano S. Both are subject to the same high security standards and are both managed with the Ledger Live software. However, the Nano X ledger can offer some improvements, including:. more storage space for more than 100 apps instead of 3 to 20 for Ledger Nano S. Bluetooth and battery allow use on the go.
USB-C portThose who can do without the new features are still well advised with the Ledger Nano S A is also recommended: the Ledger Nano X for on the go and the Nano S as a backup for safe storage at home.All the differences can be found here:. Hardware Wallets such as the Ledger Nano X, TREZOR Model T, BitBox02 or KeepKey all work according to the same principle. They are a special form of a so-called wallet, which is used to manage cryptocurrencies. A hardware wallet is a physical device that securely and inisolationly generates the private keys to the cryptocurrencies.