Ledger Nano X hardware wallet review

Ledger Nano X is a hardware wallet for securely storing cryptocurrencies and transactions in an insecure environment. How is it different from Ledger Nano S and how to get started with it? A hardware wallet is a physical device that stores the private keys of cryptocurrencies in a secure, offline environment.. Such devices are produced by several companies, one of the most famous is Ledger. The manufacturer's previous model, the Ledger Nano S, was popular in the community but had flaws.. In this review, we will look at how the Ledger Nano X differs from its predecessor and tell you how to set up the wallet for the first time and start working with it. Design Dimensions Ledger Nano X – 72 x 18.6 x 11.75 mm, weight – 34 grams. Hardware wallet almost twice as big and more than twice as heavy as the Ledger Nano S. One of the reasons for the Nano X's larger size is the built-in 100 mAh battery.. Unlike the previous model, the device does not need to be connected to a PC using a USB cable to receive power. The Nano X's internal memory has also been increased from 320KB to 2048KB, and the OLED display is larger. In general, the Ledger Nano X is similar in appearance to the Ledger Nano S, although the new model is more streamlined due to the fact that the buttons are now integrated into the body and are flush with it. The Ledger Nano X comes in a small cellophane-wrapped box measuring approximately 80mm x 131mm x 31mm. Notably, Ledger does not use tamper evident seals.. According to the manufacturer, “seals are easy to fake and therefore can be misleading.” Inside the box are: a Ledger Nano X hardware wallet, a braided USB Type-C cable for connecting to a computer, and a lanyard for wearing as a key fob. In addition, the box contains a brief instruction on getting started with the wallet and caring for it, three cards for writing down the seed phrase, as well as several stickers with the Ledger logo. Features of use Although the Nano X is larger and heavier than the Nano S, its size is not much larger than a conventional flash drive.. Navigating the menus on the device is a bit difficult at first as the wallet only has two buttons. However, the enlarged display makes it easier for the user to interact with the wallet when compared with the Ledger Nano S. Another difference from the previous model is the presence of Bluetooth.. This feature eliminates the need for a USB cable to connect a hardware wallet to a laptop or other Bluetooth-enabled device, including a smartphone. Navigation to control the device consists of selecting menu items using the left and right buttons and selecting a parameter by simultaneously pressing both buttons.. At the same time, most of the actions are performed by the user in the Ledger Live application installed on a computer or smartphone. The hardware wallet itself is needed to verify addresses and sign sent transactions. The enlarged display of the Ledger Nano X solves one of the common problems associated with Nano S: addresses are now displayed completely on one screen. It's worth noting that the Nano X comes with a relatively short USB cable – only 50 cm long – which can make it difficult to use the wallet if the computer is not conveniently located. Ledger Nano X arrives to user with dead battery. Before the initial setup, the device must be fully charged. Initial Setup: Beginner's Guide During the first connection to the computer, the wallet screen displays a welcome message and an inscription about the need to download the Ledger Live application to work with the wallet. The application must be downloaded from the official website of the wallet manufacturer. The download page displays a warning about phishing attacks and a reminder to remain vigilant. Available as a desktop version of Ledger Live for PC with support for Windows operating systems from version 8, macOS from version 10.10, Linux and 64-bit desktop computers, excluding ARM processors, as well as a mobile application for Android and iOS. As part of the review, we will download the application for Windows. After the standard installation process, we launch the application and see a welcome screen where you can select the language of work – English, French, Russian or Spanish. After clicking the “Get Started” button, the program prompts you to accept the terms of the User Agreement. The editors of Bits.media strongly recommend that both beginners and experienced users carefully read the terms of the agreement before accepting them.. This will help to avoid problems and misunderstandings when using the device and software. Next, you need to select the type of device (in our case, Ledger Nano X), and then one of the two options on the next screen: the first connection of the wallet or the connection of a configured device. We choose the first option. After selecting the initial setup, a window appears with basic information about cryptocurrencies and device capabilities. We recommend reading it to users who have recently started investing in crypto assets. Next, you need to perform the initial security settings in accordance with the Ledger Live instructions.. The whole process will take about half an hour.. It is better to choose a moment when no one will distract you, as some actions require attention. First you need to set a PIN code to access the device. To do this, select the Set up as new device option on the wallet screen and then enter the PIN code setup menu and enter from 4 to 8 digits. To select a number, press the left or right button on the device. Once the PIN is set, confirm it on the next screen. Then you need to write down the seed-phrase / recovery phrase (recovery phrase) on a special card that comes with the device. This phrase will allow you to recover private keys in case you lose access to the Ledger hardware wallet. Anyone who receives a recovery phrase can take possession of crypto assets. Ledger does not store the user's private keys and never asks for them. Sequentially copy all the words from the wallet display to the card and simultaneously press the two buttons on the device to continue the setup. Next, you need to confirm the recovery phrase. To confirm the first word, switch between words and when you choose the correct one, press the two buttons of the device at the same time to confirm. Repeat the process for all 24 words. After that, “Your device is ready” will appear on the wallet screen. Before proceeding with the setup on Ledger Live, all users are invited to take a short quiz and answer a few simple questions about cryptocurrencies and their storage. After that, Ledger Live offers to verify the authenticity of the device. On the wallet screen, you need to give the Ledger Live app permission to access the device. After that, the verification of the wallet and its configuration will be completed. Working with the wallet After the initial setup of the application, Ledger Live offers to create addresses for the cryptocurrencies that you plan to use. Ledger Nano X supports over 1,000 crypto assets, including ERC-20 and TRC-20 tokens. Many of these can be managed through Ledger Live, while some require the Ledger Nano X to be used with a compatible wallet. To add an account, select one of the crypto assets from the list (for example, BTC) and click Next (Continue). It is worth noting that from this moment on, support for the Russian language disappears and further settings are carried out in English, although after setting up, you can again select the Russian language to work with the application. After that, a window appears asking you to install an application for working with BTC – open the Application Manager (Open Manager). We select the Install App function on the wallet screen by simultaneously pressing two buttons, after which we select the desired application in Ledger Live and press the Install button. After successful installation, go to the Manage my accounts window. Select BTC again and launch the application on the device. We select the application on the device and confirm the choice by simultaneously pressing two buttons. After that, the data is synchronized with Ledger Live. After synchronization is complete, click Add account. Similarly, you can add accounts for other cryptoassets supported by the wallet. To do this, go to the Accounts tab and select Add account. To add each subsequent crypto asset, you need to install the application corresponding to it and follow the instructions of Ledger Live, confirming the necessary settings on the wallet screen. The Ledger Nano X was able to overcome one of the main limitations of the Ledger Nano S by increasing the internal memory from 320 KB to 2048 KB.. This gives users the ability to store up to 100 applications on the device at the same time, while the Ledger Nano S could only store 3-7 applications at the same time.. The Ledger Nano X can store an entire app library at once and eliminates the need to manually uninstall and disable apps due to memory limitations. Ledger Nano X security The Ledger Nano X hardware wallet will suit crypto users who value security above all else.. The wallet manufacturer has thought well about the possible ways to attack the device and has included a large number of potential security measures in its design. Like all Ledger devices, Nano X includes a physically isolated security element certified as CC EAL5+. These security features are similar to those used to protect credit and debit cards, and follow the standard used by banks to protect financial information. The device is also equipped with a dual-core microcontroller that runs its own BOLOS operating system and manages the communication between the connected device and the Ledger secure element. While the addition of Bluetooth theoretically increases the number of potential entry points that hackers can use to break into a wallet, the Ledger Nano X encrypts Bluetooth traffic with a mobile device and requires manual verification for all important actions.. In addition, the Ledger Nano X and Nano S are the only hardware wallets to receive CSPN (Level 1 Security Certificate) certification – their security has been independently certified by the French National Cyber Security Agency (ANSSI). These hardware security measures are also complemented by several software ones, including a 4-8 digit PIN, auto-lock during inactivity, and optional Ledger Live password lock. Conclusion Ledger Nano X can be ordered on the official Ledger website. As of August 2021, its price is 10,699 rubles without VAT and duties. It can also be purchased from official resellers in Russia, for example, on Ozon. Care must be taken when buying any hardware wallet and only purchase it from authorized sellers, and do not buy a hardware wallet that has been used at least once by other people. The Ledger Nano X is about twice as expensive as the Nano S and is one of the most expensive hardware wallets on the market at the time of writing. The addition of more memory, a larger OLED display, Bluetooth, the addition of many of the shortcomings of earlier products and support for a large number of cryptocurrencies and tokens to the Ledger Nano X makes it one of the most convenient tools for secure storage of cryptoassets, which is available not only to tech-savvy users.