How to Set Up an XRP Ledger Wallet (2025 Guide)

Learn step-by-step how to set up an XRP Ledger wallet on mobile or desktop, activate it with 1 XRP, and keep your keys safe. Works with Xaman & Crossmark.

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How to Set Up Your XRP Ledger Wallet (Mobile or Desktop)

2025-06-30
How to Set Up Your XRP Ledger Wallet (Mobile or Desktop)

If you want to use XRP on‑chain, whether for payments, NFTs, DeFi or bridges, you’ll first need a self‑custody wallet that supports the XRP Ledger (XRPL). This guide covers:

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What XRPL wallets are and why they differ from Ethereum wallets
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How activation works (and why you need 1 XRP to get started)
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Step‑by‑step setup on mobile (Xaman) and desktop (Crossmark)
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Security best practices to protect your keys

🛡️ Reminder: Your recovery phrase unlocks your funds. Never share it, store it online or type it into unknown websites.

What is an XRPL wallet?

XRPL wallets are purpose-built to hold, send, and interact with assets on the XRP Ledger. Unlike Ethereum wallets, which share a common standard, XRPL wallets use a different system and require XRP to activate.

These wallets let you:

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Receive and send XRP
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Access XRPL-native dApps
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Sign and manage transactions
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Bridge assets to the XRPL EVM sidechain and beyond

If you’re bridging assets (e.g., via Squid), you’ll need an XRPL wallet in place first.

Self-custody: Why it matters

Self-custody means you hold the keys. Unlike centralized exchanges, where you trust a third party to manage your funds, a self-custody wallet gives you full control over your assets.

There are two main types:

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Hot wallets - connected to the internet, convenient for daily use (like Crossmark and Xaman)
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Cold wallets - offline, better for long-term storage (like hardware wallets)

The most sensible approach is to start exploring XRPL with a smaller amount of XRP in a hot wallet, while keeping the majority of your assets in cold storage for long-term security.

Learn more about the top wallets on XRPL: What Are the Best Wallets for XRP in 2025? (And How to Keep Your XRP Safe) →

Wallet Activation & the 1 XRP Reserve

The XRP Ledger’s anti‑spam mechanism requires every new account to hold a base reserve of 1 XRP (as of June 2025). Until you fund the wallet with at least 1 XRP, the address can’t receive additional funds or sign transactions.

How to fund your new wallet:

For a deeper dive, see Every Way to Fund and Activate Your XRP Ledger Wallet →

Choose your setup: Mobile or Desktop

Once you're ready, follow one of our platform-specific setup guides:

Both guides include screenshots, step-by-step instructions, and tips to keep your wallet secure.

Next Steps

Your XRPL wallet is live - hot for spending, cold for saving. Remember the 1 XRP reserve is mandatory, keep your seed phrase offline, and dive deeper with our Wallet FAQ →