Ledger Wallet Support

Integrating Ledger Live with WalletConnect 

—

by

howtoledger
in

Integrating Ledger Live with WalletConnect allows you to securely connect your Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, Flex, or Stax) to decentralized applications (dApps) across various blockchains, enhancing your ability to interact with Web3 services while keeping your private keys offline. 

WalletConnect is an open-source protocol that facilitates this connection, enabling seamless interaction between your Ledger Live app and dApps on both desktop and mobile devices. 

Please download the last update of Ledger Live Application:

1. Ledger Live for Windows 10/11

2. Ledger Live for MAC

3. Ledger Live for Android

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to integrate Ledger Live with WalletConnect.

Why Integrate Ledger Live with WalletConnect?

  • Access to dApps: Connect to DeFi platforms (e.g., Uniswap), NFT marketplaces (e.g., OpenSea), and other Web3 services directly from your Ledger-protected wallet.
  • Enhanced Security: Your private keys remain on your Ledger device, signed offline, reducing exposure to online risks compared to software wallets.
  • Multi-Chain Support: WalletConnect v2 (used by Ledger Live) supports multiple blockchains like Ethereum, Polygon, Binance Smart Chain (BSC), and more.
  • Convenience: Manage multiple dApp connections simultaneously without switching accounts or relying on browser extensions like MetaMask alone.

What You’ll Need

  • A Ledger hardware wallet with the latest firmware (e.g., Nano X 2.2.1+, Stax 1.0.3+).
  • Ledger Live installed and updated to the latest version (e.g., 2.81.0 or newer) on your desktop (Windows 10+, macOS 11+, Linux) or mobile (iOS 13+, Android 8+).
  • The relevant blockchain app installed on your Ledger (e.g., Ethereum app for ETH-based dApps).
  • A dApp that supports WalletConnect v2 (check compatibility—older v1-only dApps won’t work).
  • Funds in your account (e.g., ETH for gas fees on Ethereum).

Step-by-Step Guide to Integrate Ledger Live with WalletConnect

Step 1: Update Ledger Live and Firmware

  • Ledger Live: Open the app, go to Settings > About, and check for updates. If outdated, download the latest version from ledger.com/ledger-live (see “How to Update Ledger Live”).
  • Firmware: Connect your Ledger, go to My Ledger > Firmware, and install updates if prompted—approve on-device.

Step 2: Locate WalletConnect in Ledger Live

  • Desktop:
    1. Open Ledger Live, connect your Ledger (USB or Bluetooth for Nano X), and unlock it with your PIN.
    2. Navigate to Accounts, select an account (e.g., “Ethereum 1”).
    3. Click the Manage button (wrench icon), then select WalletConnect from the menu.
  • Mobile:
    1. Open the Ledger Live app, pair your Nano X via Bluetooth (or use USB with an adapter), and unlock.
    2. Go to Accounts, tap your account (e.g., “Polygon 1”), and tap WalletConnect (may appear under a three-dot menu).

Step 3: Connect to a dApp

  • From Desktop (dApp on Browser):
    1. Visit a dApp (e.g., app.uniswap.org).
    2. Click Connect Wallet > WalletConnect—a QR code appears.
    3. In Ledger Live (desktop):
      • Click WalletConnect—a window pops up.
      • Copy the QR code from the dApp (right-click > Copy Image or text link).
      • Paste it into Ledger Live’s WalletConnect window, click Continue.
    4. Review connection details (e.g., chain, account), click Continue.
    5. Approve on your Ledger (open the relevant app, e.g., Ethereum, confirm connection).
    6. Confirmation appears—dApp is now linked.
  • From Mobile (dApp on Desktop):
    1. On the dApp, display the WalletConnect QR code.
    2. In Ledger Live mobile:
      • Tap WalletConnect, scan the QR code with your phone.
      • Review details, tap Connect.
      • Approve on your Ledger.
    3. Connection confirmed—access the dApp via your browser.
  • From Mobile (dApp on Mobile):
    1. Open the dApp in your mobile browser (e.g., Safari, Chrome), tap Connect Wallet > Ledger.
    2. You’re redirected to Ledger Live mobile—select your account (e.g., “Ethereum 1”).
    3. Verify details, tap Connect, approve on your Ledger.
    4. dApp connects—use it in your mobile browser.

Step 4: Approve Transactions

  • For every dApp action (e.g., swap 0.1 ETH for DAI):
    • Ledger Live prompts you to connect your Ledger.
    • Open the blockchain app (e.g., Ethereum) on your Ledger.
    • Review details on-device (e.g., “Swap 0.1 ETH to 240 DAI”), approve with buttons (Nano S/X) or tap (Flex/Stax).
    • Transaction signs offline, broadcasts via Ledger Live or the dApp.

Step 5: Disconnect When Done

  • Desktop: In Ledger Live, go to WalletConnect, click Disconnect for the dApp.
  • Mobile: Tap WalletConnect, select the session, and tap Disconnect.
  • Why: Prevents unwanted access if you leave the dApp open.

Supported Blockchains

  • WalletConnect in Ledger Live supports:
    • Ethereum
    • Polygon
    • Binance Smart Chain (BSC)
    • Optimism
    • Arbitrum
    • Avalanche C-Chain
    • Ethereum Sepolia (testnet)
    • Optimism Sepolia (testnet)
  • Check ledger.com/supported-crypto for updates—more chains may be added.

Tips and Troubleshooting

  • dApp Compatibility: Ensure the dApp supports WalletConnect v2—v1 isn’t compatible (e.g., older Uniswap versions won’t work). Use MetaMask with Ledger as a fallback if needed.
  • Connection Fails: Update Ledger Live/firmware, restart the app, or rescan the QR code—ensure your Ledger’s app (e.g., Ethereum) is open.
  • No WalletConnect Option: Rare in recent versions—reinstall Ledger Live from ledger.com or check Settings > Experimental Features (older versions).
  • Gas Fees: Have funds (e.g., ETH) for transaction costs—check etherscan.io for current rates.

Security Best Practices

  • Verify dApp: Use official URLs (e.g., app.aave.com)—avoid phishing sites (see “Avoiding Phishing Scams”).
  • Never Share Seed: Your 24-word phrase stays on your Ledger—don’t enter it anywhere (see “Why Never Share Your Seed”).
  • Check Details: Always confirm transaction details on your Ledger’s screen—prevents malware swaps (see “Verifying Transactions”).
  • Disconnect: Close WalletConnect sessions after use—reduces risk if your device is compromised.

Conclusion

Integrating Ledger Live with WalletConnect bridges your Ledger’s top-tier security to the Web3 world—connect via QR codes or redirects, approve transactions on-device, and access dApps like Uniswap or Aave safely. While Ledger Live’s Discover tab offers some dApps natively, WalletConnect expands your reach across supported chains. Set it up in minutes, and your funds stay protected offline.