Ledger Nano - Hardware Wallet
0) General information1) Unpacking2) The Ledger Nano3) Install4) Using the Ledger Nano Wallet5) Conclusion6) How to purchase0) General Information + Hardware Needed to buyAs said by the Manufacturer: Ledger Nano is a Bitcoin wallet on a smartcard device, small format and low weight. Comfortable and simple to use, you connect it directly to a USB port to manage your account, protect your bitcoins and make safe payments.
Specs:
Size: 61mm x 12mm x 4mm.
Weight: 5.87g.
Lifespan: 30 years / 500.000 write cycles.
Materials: Aluminum, Plastic and Silicium.
Compatibility:Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS, or Android.
The Ledger Nano is one of the wallet's ledger makes to safely store your bitcoin's. They do produce other version's of the Ledger but I wanted to start with the Ledger Nano that is the one I have seen the most talk about. This wallet does do a good job on capability listed above, where it is not hard to find a compatible device. It is also integrated in multiple wallets or on the Chrome application, so there is a variety of wallets you can choose from. Perhaps one of it's biggest features is the price, it is priced where even if on a budget this is likely in your range.
1) UnpackingYour Ledger Nano will arrive in a box that has your wallet and if you purchased accessories as well. Within the box you will find your Ledger Nano in a smaller box with packing with it to make sure it arrives to you safely. There is also shrink wrap around the boxes within. Within the Ledger Nano box you will find the following Included: The Ledger Nano, instructions, recovery sheet, security card, security card holder, lanyard, and key chain.
I also have two extra accessories the Ledger Starter, and Ledger OTG for use with smart phones. The extra accessories are extra and optional to purchase. But I highly recommend getting the Ledger Starter. As the Ledger Starter features an isolated offline operating system, in short this means even if your computer was compromised you still start off secure. With this you can insure your seed words are secure and only in the recovery packet you write them in.
2) The Ledger NanoBelow are images to showcase the Ledger Nano Wallet.
3) InstallBefore doing this I would actually update your Ledger Nano via the Chrome Extension on your regular OS. This should save you from doing a recovery after update of the Ledger Nano. Follow the onscreen steps on the update. The install is very simple no matter what way you choose. I will go over the install with using the Ledger Starter. It will start you off in a secure, offline operating system is important. So even if your regular OS is compromised by using this via booting in USB you are still starting securely.
1) Plug in your Ledger Starter in your USB port when the computer is off, and boot up your computer to where it boot's up via USB Operating System. (Key varies depending on computer to select what to boot from)
2) Once booted up select the Ledger Live option, this is option one as it contains everything you will need.
3) After that you will see it boot up a live Linux OS for Ledger, just let it boot up and you will be able to create a new wallet via option one. (If needed there is also recovery and delete wallet options.
4) After you select the new wallet first you will select your PIN number. After you will want to write down the 24 seed words on the recovery sheet.
5) Now type Yes and it move to part where you follow the on screen messages and will allow you to insert your Ledger Nano to create your wallet on it.
Special thanks to Ledger for the video
The install is also shown by Ledger above and show's from beginning to finish on making your new Ledger Nano wallet from the Ledger Starter OS. After this you will have your Recovery Sheet filled up with 24 words. Also in this recovery sheet is a QR code that links your Ledger Nano to it's security card. You will want to store Recovery Sheet somewhere safe after you have your Ledger Nano set up.
4) Using the Ledger Nano WalletYou now have your wallet all set up, you can send and store bitcoins safely with your Ledger Nano. One unique thing to this wallet is how important the security card is. When sending you will use it, so it is vital to keep this card with your wallet. To show how to use your Ledger Nano here is a short video below:
Special thanks to Ledger for the video
5) ConclusionI have just started using my Ledger Nano within the past few day's. They have been able to produce a hardware wallet to securely store bitcoin's at a low price point as far as hardware wallets go. So far it has been a good test of it. This wallet really does use the security card to add another level of security. This prevents compromised system sending Bitcoin as it has to do a check with the security card. It is a unique but effective technique to keep your wallet from being compromised.
I would suggest using a different PIN for this wallet then you do for your other hardware wallets or software wallets. With it using the computer's screen if your computer is compromised your pin could be vulnerable. They would not be able to do anything with it as they don't have the ledger or security card. But the pin still could be captured.
Also Ledger wanted to make sure to note this Ledger Nano is provided for a review. I receive no compensation if you buy a wallet from them or not. You will notice link to purchase is direct and not a short link, or other way's for tracking sales. This is nothing new I make guides where I don't receive money off sales. This makes it where I have no reason to push for you to buy, and I am able to share an accurate review.
5) How to purchaseBelow is link to order direct
1) Direct -
https://www.ledgerwallet.com/products/1-ledger-nanoPlease don't bash others. This thread is meant for info on the Ledger Nano. If your topic is just bashing hardware wallets in general it will be deleted. That is a topic for another thread.