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What is Ledger integration?

Ledger integration allows you to use Ledger hardware wallets (Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, and Nano X) with SubWallet. Your private keys remain securely stored on the Ledger device, while SubWallet provides the interface for managing accounts and signing transactions.
With Ledger integration, your private keys never leave the hardware device, providing the highest level of security for your crypto assets.

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Why use Ledger with SubWallet?

Combining Ledger hardware security with SubWallet’s features gives you:
  • Maximum security: Private keys stored on tamper-proof hardware
  • Full feature access: Use all SubWallet features (staking, DeFi, NFTs) with Ledger security
  • Multi-chain support: Manage both EVM and Substrate chains from one interface
  • Backup protection: Ledger’s 24-word recovery phrase protects your accounts
  • Transaction verification: Verify and approve all transactions on the Ledger screen

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Supported Ledger devices

SubWallet works with:
  • Ledger Nano S: Entry-level hardware wallet
  • Ledger Nano S Plus: Enhanced storage and screen
  • Ledger Nano X: Bluetooth-enabled premium device
All Ledger devices provide the same security level. Choose based on your budget and feature preferences.

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Supported networks

You can use Ledger with SubWallet for:

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Substrate chains (Polkadot app)

  • Polkadot
  • Kusama
  • Supported parachains
  • Other Substrate-based networks

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EVM chains (Ethereum app)

  • Ethereum
  • Polygon
  • Binance Smart Chain
  • Avalanche C-Chain
  • All other EVM-compatible networks
Different blockchain apps must be installed on your Ledger device for different network types. Install the Polkadot app for Substrate chains and Ethereum app for EVM chains.

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Setting up Ledger with SubWallet

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Prerequisites

  1. Ledger device initialized with recovery phrase
  2. Ledger Live app installed on your computer
  3. Latest firmware installed on your Ledger device
  4. Required blockchain apps installed via Ledger Live:
    • Polkadot app (for Substrate chains)
    • Ethereum app (for EVM chains)
  5. SubWallet Extension installed in your browser

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Connecting your Ledger

1

Prepare your Ledger

  1. Connect your Ledger device to your computer via USB
  2. Enter your PIN on the Ledger
  3. Open the appropriate blockchain app:
    • Polkadot app for Substrate chains
    • Ethereum app for EVM chains
  4. Ensure the app shows “Application is ready”
2

Connect in SubWallet

  1. Open SubWallet Extension
  2. Click the account selector
  3. Select Attach account
  4. Choose Connect Ledger device
  5. Select the network type:
    • Substrate (Polkadot) for Substrate chains
    • Ethereum for EVM chains
3

Grant browser permissions

  1. Your browser will request USB device access
  2. Select your Ledger device from the list
  3. Click Connect to grant permission
This is a one-time permission. SubWallet can access your Ledger in future sessions without re-requesting.
4

Select accounts

  1. SubWallet will scan for accounts on your Ledger
  2. You’ll see a list of available addresses
  3. For Substrate chains:
    • Choose Generic (works on all chains) or Chain-specific
    • Select account indices to import
  4. For EVM chains:
    • Choose account derivation path (standard is m/44’/60’/0’/0)
    • Select addresses to import
  5. Customize account names if desired
  6. Click Import accounts
For Substrate chains, using Generic mode allows the same account to work across multiple networks (Polkadot, Kusama, parachains). Chain-specific mode creates separate accounts per network.

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Using Ledger accounts

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Viewing balances and assets

Ledger accounts in SubWallet work like regular accounts:
  • View balances across all supported networks
  • See NFT collections
  • Track transaction history
  • Monitor staking positions
Your Ledger device doesn’t need to be connected to view balances.

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Signing transactions

When you initiate a transaction with a Ledger account:
  1. Create the transaction in SubWallet (transfer, stake, etc.)
  2. Review in SubWallet: Check transaction details
  3. Connect your Ledger:
    • Plug in the device if not connected
    • Enter your PIN
    • Open the appropriate blockchain app
  4. Verify on Ledger screen:
    • Transaction details appear on Ledger screen
    • Carefully review all information
    • Use Ledger buttons to scroll through details
  5. Approve or reject:
    • Press both buttons on “Approve” to sign
    • Or navigate to “Reject” to cancel
  6. Broadcast: SubWallet broadcasts the signed transaction
Always verify transaction details on the Ledger screen. The device display is the source of truth - if it doesn’t match SubWallet, DO NOT approve.

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Supported operations

You can perform all SubWallet operations with Ledger accounts:

Transfers

Send tokens and assets to other accounts

Staking

Stake, nominate, bond, unbond, and claim rewards

NFTs

Transfer and manage NFT collections

DeFi

Interact with DeFi protocols and smart contracts

Governance

Vote on proposals and participate in governance

dApp Connections

Connect to dApps via WalletConnect or MetaMask mode

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Account derivation paths

Ledger uses derivation paths to generate multiple accounts from one seed:

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Ethereum (EVM) derivation

Standard path: m/44'/60'/0'/0/x where x is the account index
  • Index 0: First account
  • Index 1: Second account
  • Index 2: Third account, etc.

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Polkadot (Substrate) derivation

Substrate uses different account indices:
  • Account 0: //0
  • Account 1: //1
  • Account 2: //2, etc.
SubWallet automatically handles derivation paths. You simply choose which account indices to import.

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Advanced features

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Generic Ledger accounts

For Substrate chains, Generic mode creates a single account that works across multiple networks: Advantages:
  • Same address on Polkadot, Kusama, and parachains
  • Easier to manage cross-chain identity
  • Simplified backup and recovery
When to use:
  • You want a unified address across networks
  • You interact with multiple Substrate chains
  • You’re building cross-chain reputation

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Chain-specific Ledger accounts

Alternatively, use chain-specific mode: Advantages:
  • Separate accounts per network
  • Better privacy (addresses not linked)
  • Network-specific security isolation
When to use:
  • You want separate identities per chain
  • Maximum privacy is important
  • You’re only using specific networks

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Ledger with proxy accounts

Combine Ledger security with proxy convenience:
  1. Main account: Store on Ledger (cold storage)
  2. Proxy account: Hot wallet in SubWallet
  3. Setup: Add hot wallet as proxy to Ledger account
  4. Use: Execute transactions via proxy without connecting Ledger
  5. Security: Funds stay on Ledger; proxy can only perform authorized actions
This is ideal for frequent staking operations or governance participation.
See the Proxy Accounts guide for detailed setup instructions.

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Security best practices

Verify on device

Always verify transaction details on the Ledger screen. Never approve a transaction if the Ledger display doesn’t match what you expect.

Secure your recovery phrase

Your 24-word recovery phrase is the backup to your Ledger:
  • Store it offline in a secure location
  • Never enter it on a computer or phone
  • Never share it with anyone
  • Consider using metal backup solutions

Keep firmware updated

Regularly update your Ledger firmware through Ledger Live to get security patches and new features.

Use genuine devices only

Only purchase Ledger devices from official sources. Never buy from third-party sellers or second-hand.

Verify SubWallet extension

Ensure you’ve installed the official SubWallet extension from legitimate sources to prevent phishing.

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Troubleshooting

Try:
  • Reconnecting the USB cable
  • Using a different USB port
  • Ensuring the blockchain app is open on Ledger
  • Granting browser USB permissions when prompted
  • Restarting your browser
  • Updating Ledger firmware via Ledger Live
Check:
  • Correct blockchain app is open (Polkadot or Ethereum)
  • Ledger is unlocked and app shows “Application is ready”
  • SubWallet is connected to the Ledger
  • Try unplugging and reconnecting the device
For Substrate chains:
  • Generic accounts work on all networks (normal behavior)
  • Chain-specific accounts only work on their designated network
For EVM chains:
  • Ensure you’re on the correct EVM network in SubWallet
  • All EVM Ledger accounts use the same derivation
Verify:
  • Ledger firmware is up to date
  • Required blockchain app (Polkadot or Ethereum) is installed
  • App is open on the Ledger device
  • Browser has USB device access permission
  • You’re not running Ledger Live simultaneously (can cause conflicts)
This can happen if:
  • Network congestion (try again or increase fees)
  • Insufficient balance for amount + fees
  • Transaction parameters changed (try creating a new transaction)
  • Network connection lost during signing

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Browser compatibility

Ledger integration requires WebUSB support:
  • Chrome: Full support ✓
  • Edge: Full support ✓
  • Brave: Full support ✓
  • Opera: Full support ✓
  • Firefox: Limited support (may require configuration)
  • Safari: Not supported
For best experience, use Chrome, Edge, or Brave browsers with Ledger integration.

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Ledger Live compatibility

Can I use Ledger Live and SubWallet together? Yes, but not simultaneously:
  • Close Ledger Live before using SubWallet
  • Both can access the same Ledger device
  • Accounts and balances will match
  • Avoid running both connected to the device at the same time

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Recovery and backup

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Recovering Ledger accounts

If you need to restore access:
  1. Device lost/damaged:
    • Get a new Ledger device
    • Restore using your 24-word recovery phrase
    • Reconnect to SubWallet
    • Import the same account indices
  2. SubWallet reinstalled:
    • Simply reconnect your existing Ledger
    • Import the same accounts again
    • All on-chain data is preserved

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What gets backed up?

  • Your recovery phrase backs up all Ledger accounts
  • Account names in SubWallet are local (not backed up by Ledger)
  • Transaction history is on the blockchain (always accessible)
  • Settings and preferences in SubWallet are local
Never lose your 24-word recovery phrase. It’s the ONLY way to recover your Ledger accounts if your device is lost, damaged, or reset.

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Next steps

Multisig Accounts

Use Ledger accounts as signers in multisig setups

Proxy Accounts

Set up hot wallet proxies for your Ledger account

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