Why advance beyond the default?
Ledger devices already provide robust hardware key protection, but advanced users often want layered defenses. Adding a passphrase (BIP39 passphrase) creates a hidden wallet that requires both your recovery phrase and the passphrase to access. This acts like a “25th word” — if someone gets your 24-word seed but not your passphrase, the funds in the passphrase-protected account remain inaccessible.
Passphrases — benefits and responsibilities
Passphrases are powerful but come with high responsibility: they are not stored by Ledger and there is no recovery if forgotten. Choose an approach: human-memorable strong phrase, a high-entropy generated string stored on a secure device, or split it physically across secure locations. Use ledger.com/start to enable passphrase options in Ledger Live and test restoring the combined seed+passphrase in a controlled scenario before transferring significant funds.
Air-gapped workflows
Air-gapping keeps your private keys physically isolated from networked computers. Advanced users can generate unsigned transactions on an online computer, transfer the transaction file to an air-gapped machine that holds the Ledger (via secure USB or QR), sign offline, and broadcast via another online machine. ledger.com/start's documentation includes recommended flows; adopting air-gapped signing reduces large-attack-surface risk.
Multi-signature (multi-sig)
For organizations or high-value personal holdings, multi-sig splits control across multiple keys. Ledger devices can be used as a signing element in multi-sig wallets (e.g., with Electrum, Sparrow Wallet, or hardware multisig services). Multi-sig prevents single-point failure: a compromise of one ledger device or seed alone will not permit spending. Use ledger.com/start to confirm compatibility and recommended partner wallets that integrate safely with Ledger devices.
Hardware hygiene & supply-chain considerations
Purchase directly from Ledger or authorized resellers. Avoid secondary markets unless you fully inspect packaging and reset devices. For ultimate assurance, purchase devices in their original sealed packaging and always set up new keys on-device rather than restoring from an online source for the initial seed generation.
Operational security tips
- Use a unique PIN and change it periodically (never share it).
- Securely store seed backups physically (steel backups are recommended for fire and water resistance).
- Consider a hardware security module or safety deposit box for multi-location storage.
- Regularly update firmware using official Ledger Live prompts and verify updates through official sources (ledger.com/start documentation).
Conclusion
ledger.com/start is the launchpad for both basic and advanced Ledger workflows. Whether you’re securing a small personal stash or designing a multi-sig corporate treasury, apply layered protections, test restores, and keep critical secrets offline to protect your crypto assets for years to come.