Introduction to Ledger and Ledger.com/start
Ledger.com/start is the official entry point for setting up and initializing Ledger hardware wallets such as the Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, and future devices. Through this onboarding process, users install Ledger Live, the companion app that manages crypto assets, firmware updates, and secure connectivity to blockchain networks. The key question is: which blockchain networks are actually supported? Understanding supported chains is critical, as choosing the wrong network could lead to lost assets or failed transactions.
Ledger Live supports over 30+ major blockchain networks directly, with many more accessible via third-party integrations.
Bitcoin and Core UTXO Chains
Bitcoin remains the foundational blockchain supported on all Ledger devices. Ledger Live provides native integration with Bitcoin’s UTXO model, allowing secure management of addresses, SegWit compatibility, and advanced features such as Replace-by-Fee. Beyond Bitcoin, other UTXO-based networks like Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Dash, and Zcash are also supported. This ensures that users who prefer classical Bitcoin-style transaction models can manage multiple coins from within one unified interface.
Ledger’s support extends beyond simple send/receive. With Bitcoin, you can connect Ledger Live to nodes, adjust fees manually, and even integrate multisignature setups with external software wallets.
Ethereum and EVM-Compatible Networks
Ethereum is one of the most critical networks supported by Ledger. Through Ledger Live, users can store ETH, interact with ERC-20 tokens, and connect with decentralized applications using Ledger’s Ledger Connect and Web3 wallet integrations. Beyond Ethereum mainnet, many EVM-compatible networks are also supported, though some require third-party wallets.
- Ethereum Mainnet (ETH) — full native support in Ledger Live.
- Polygon (MATIC) — supported directly for token management and low-cost transfers.
- Binance Smart Chain (BNB Chain) — accessible via Ledger Live and third-party integrations.
- Arbitrum, Optimism, Base — layer-2 scaling solutions supported via Ledger + external dApps.
Ledger hardware secures the keys, while Ledger Live and dApp integrations allow multi-chain exploration.
Staking-Enabled Blockchains
Ledger Live supports direct staking on select proof-of-stake networks. Staking lets users earn rewards by delegating their coins to validators, all while keeping private keys secured inside the Ledger hardware device.
- Tezos (XTZ) — one of the earliest staking integrations.
- Polkadot (DOT) and Kusama (KSM) — Ledger Live supports bonding and nominating validators.
- Cosmos (ATOM) — staking and governance participation supported directly.
- Algorand (ALGO) and Solana (SOL) — integrated staking with Ledger Live or through partnered apps.
This makes Ledger not only a cold storage solution but also a platform for on-chain participation.
Privacy-Oriented Blockchains
Ledger devices also support privacy-focused assets. Monero (XMR), for instance, is accessible through third-party wallets integrated with Ledger. Zcash, as mentioned earlier, is supported in Ledger Live in transparent mode. The goal is to give users flexibility to manage both transparent and privacy-oriented assets without compromising the secure hardware boundary.
Though Ledger Live itself doesn’t always include full privacy features, the hardware wallet ensures private keys never leave the device, providing peace of mind when transacting with sensitive currencies.
Stablecoins Across Multiple Chains
Stablecoins like USDT, USDC, DAI, and BUSD are widely used. Ledger Live supports them across different chains:
- ERC-20 stablecoins on Ethereum.
- TRC-20 USDT on Tron (via third-party wallets).
- BEP-20 stablecoins on Binance Smart Chain.
- Polygon stablecoins integrated into Ledger Live.
This multi-chain stablecoin support means users can move funds between chains efficiently, depending on fee structure and application support.
Third-Party Wallet Integrations
Not all networks are directly accessible through Ledger Live. Many blockchains, such as Cardano (ADA) and Monero (XMR), require third-party wallets that integrate Ledger hardware. Examples include:
- Yoroi or Daedalus for Cardano.
- Monero GUI for XMR.
- Terra Station for Terra ecosystem assets.
Through these integrations, Ledger expands its network coverage beyond what is natively embedded in Ledger Live.
Layer-2 Scaling Solutions
Layer-2 networks have become increasingly important. Ledger devices support them primarily via Web3 connectivity:
- Arbitrum — faster transactions and cheaper gas than Ethereum mainnet.
- Optimism — scaling for Ethereum with optimistic rollups.
- zkSync and StarkNet — zk-based rollups.
Although some require third-party wallet connection, Ledger ensures the signing process remains hardware-secured.
Non-EVM Chains
Ledger doesn’t limit itself to Ethereum-style chains. Examples of supported non-EVM chains include:
- Ripple (XRP)
- Stellar (XLM)
- Hedera Hashgraph (HBAR)
- Elrond / MultiversX (EGLD)
Support for these chains demonstrates Ledger’s aim to serve a wide audience across diverse ecosystems.
Security Layers When Using Ledger Live
Every supported blockchain benefits from Ledger’s core security model:
- Private keys never leave the device.
- All transactions must be confirmed physically on the device screen.
- Secure Element chip adds resistance to side-channel attacks.
This consistency ensures that whether you are using Bitcoin, Ethereum, or an exotic chain, the underlying security posture remains unchanged.
Common Mistakes and Best Practices
Ledger users sometimes make errors by choosing the wrong network for a token transfer. For example, sending USDT (ERC-20) to a TRC-20 address will result in lost funds. To prevent such issues:
- Always verify the token’s chain in Ledger Live before sending.
- Start with small test transactions when using new chains.
- Stay updated via Ledger’s official support page for latest network changes.
Future Network Expansion
Ledger constantly expands its supported networks. New blockchains, layer-2s, and token standards are added regularly. Upcoming support is often announced on Ledger’s official blog, reflecting market demand and technological progress.