Start Using Litecoin

Updated August 2026: Use Nexus Wallet, keep recovery words offline, and verify every address.

Step 1. Learn the basics

Updated August 2026. Aim: Understand Litecoin before you use it.

Litecoin has a maximum supply of 84 million LTC.
The mining reward halves every 840,000 blocks, roughly every four years.
Exact halving dates are estimates because block production varies.
Use current official documentation before acting.

STEP 2 · SET UP NEXUS WALLET
Aim: Create and safely back up a current Litecoin wallet.
• Download Nexus Wallet only from nexuswallet.com or an official app store listing.
• Write the 24-word recovery phrase by hand and store it offline. Never screenshot, email, upload, or share it.
• Keep at least two copies in separate secure locations. Never store your PIN beside the recovery phrase.
• Let Nexus finish syncing before receiving funds, and keep the app updated.

STEP 3 · BUY A SMALL AMOUNT
Aim: Learn with an amount you can afford to lose.
• Compare fees, withdrawal rules, custody, and availability before choosing a provider.
• Complete any required identity verification directly with that provider.
• Confirm the provider supports native LTC withdrawals to your own wallet.
• Withdraw a small test amount first and verify it arrives before sending more.

STEP 4 · RECEIVE AND SEND SAFELY
Aim: Complete a small test transaction.
• Use a trusted QR code when possible.
• If you copy an address, compare its first and last characters before sending.
• Watch for clipboard malware that can substitute an attacker’s address.
• Send a small test amount first. Litecoin transactions cannot be reversed.

STEP 5 · SPEND LITECOIN
Aim: Use Litecoin for a real payment.
• Pay only merchants that currently show Litecoin as an accepted option.
• Nexus Wallet includes current gift-card and Flexa payment options; availability can vary by location.
• Review the merchant, amount, network fee, and destination before confirming.
• Do not rely on old merchant lists because payment support changes.

STEP 6 · CONSIDER A HARDWARE WALLET
Aim: Add stronger protection when your holdings justify it.
• Buy directly from the manufacturer or an authorized reseller.
• Confirm current Litecoin support and install official firmware updates.
• Generate recovery words on the device, never on a website or in a message.
• Send a small test transaction before moving a larger balance.

STEP 7 · PROTECT THE RECOVERY PHRASE
Aim: Make wallet recovery possible without exposing your funds.
• Keep two offline copies in separate secure locations.
• A metal backup can improve resistance to fire and water damage.
• Never type the phrase into a website, chat, email, or support message.
• Anyone who obtains the words can spend the wallet’s funds.

STEP 8 · USE TRUSTED SOURCES
Aim: Learn from the community without trusting social media blindly.
• Reach official Litecoin and Litecoin Foundation accounts through litecoin.com.
• Treat posts, videos, and direct messages as unverified until you confirm them.
• Ignore anyone asking for recovery words, private keys, or remote access.
• Check official documentation and more than one source before acting.