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Set up and use polkadot.js to access your Ledger Polkadot (DOT) accounts

Last updated:

Can't add account / Missing rewards or transactions

  • We're aware of sync issues affecting Polkadot accounts in Ledger Live.
  • Transactions and rewards might not be displayed correctly in your transaction history and you might not be able to add new DOT accounts.
  • Your funds are safe, this is only a display issue in Ledger Live.
  • We're working on a fix that should be deployed soon to desktop and mobile.
  • In the meantime you can use Talisman to add/manage an account and the Polkadot Staking Dashboard to manage your staking.
  • Updates will be posted here and to our official Twitter account.

This tutorial describes how to set up and use the polkadot.js app with your Ledger device to access your Ledger Polkadot (DOT) accounts and unbound a staked DOT balance.

Before you start

  • Ensure the latest version of the Polkadot (DOT) app is installed on your Ledger device.
  • Ensure that Ledger Live is closed as it can conflict with polkadot.js.
  • Please note that polkadot.js does not support Ledger devices on Firefox. Please ensure you are using Chrome or Brave.

Connect your device to polkadot.js

Connect your Ledger device to polkadot.js browser extenstion

Alternative way of connecting

As an alternative, you can connect directly with the Ledger device to polkadot.js extension. In that case, you can follow the steps below and skip Connect your device to polkadot.js and Add your first Ledger DOT account parts of this tutorial.

  1. Install polkadot.js extension to your browser (Chrome/Firefox).
  2. Open the extension and click on the + button.
  3. Select Connect Ledger device.
  4. Connect your Ledger device and open Polkadot app.
  5. Select the network (Polkadot), select your Ledger device, and click Connect.
  6. Name your Ledger Polkadot account. Leave account index and type as 0.
  7. Click Import Account.

Once you imported the account to the extension polkadot.js, you can access the website polkadot.js and connect automatically and manage your DOT like send/receive or manage your bonded DOT with a Ledger device.

  1. Unlock your Ledger device and open the Polkadot app
  2. Go to polkadot.js.
  3. Select the polkadot.js.org/apps/ tile.
    The next page may take some time to load.
  4. Click the Polkadot logo to open the side panel and make sure that you're connected via Parity.
  5. Close the panel by clicking on the (X) button.
  6. Navigate to Settings, select manage hardware connections and then choose one of the following:

    • Attach Ledger via WebUSB if you are on Windows.

    • Attach Ledger via WebHID if you are on macOS or Linux.

  7. Click Save.

Add your first Ledger DOT account

  1. In the top header, go to Accounts.
  2. In the drop-down menu, click Accounts.
  3. Select Add via Ledger.
  4. In the subsequent menu, enter a name in the Name field, then leave Account type and Address index as they are. Click Save.
    A pop-up window may appear.
  5. To confirm the connection with your Ledger device, select your device then click Connect.
    Your Ledger Polkadot (DOT) account appears.

Add additional Ledger DOT accounts

If you own multiple Polkadot (DOT) accounts, follow the steps below to add them manually:

  1. Select Add via Ledger.
  2. In the Name field, choose a different name for your second account.
  3. In the Account type field, choose Account type 1.
     The address index field can stay on the default 0 value.
  4. Click Save.

Your second DOT account should now show up next to your first account. If you own a third account, follow the same steps but this time choose Account type 2, and so on so forth.

Unbound a staked balance via polkadot.js

It's possible to use polkadot.js to unbond a staked (nominating) balance. Before it can be unbound, a staked balance needs to be chilled:

  1. On the polkadot.js app, navigate to the Staking tab.
  2. Select Account Actions.
    Your staked DOT balance(s) appear.
  3. Select your staked balance, click Stop nominating and confirm the transaction on your Ledger device.
    Your staked balance chills and can now be unbound.

    chill_balance.png
    (Source: Polkadot Wiki)

  4. Click the three dots icon and select Unbound funds.
  5. Select the amount you wish to unbound then confirm the transaction on your Ledger device.
    The unbonding process starts.
     Please note that it takes 28 days for a DOT balance to unbound and become available to withdraw.
  6. Once your DOT balance is unbound, select Withdraw unbounded funds from the same menu to withdraw your DOT balance to your available balance.

    unbound_balance.png(Source: Polkadot Wiki)

Need more help?

Please reach out to Ledger support, we will be happy to provide assistance.

 

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