Ledger Hardware Wallets are some of the most secure and intuitive cryptocurrency hardware wallets out there. If you don’t have one, they are available for purchase through Ledger’s website.
Please purchase hardware wallets from the original source. Hardware wallets bought off eBay or from other vendors cannot be guaranteed secure.
This particular hardware wallet supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, but this guide is specifically made for accessing Ethereum and ERC-20 tokens while using MyEtherWallet (MEW).
This part is very important. Your Ledger device comes as its own SEPARATE wallet. You should not import your old MEW address into this, or use your old wallet with it. It has its own private key, encrypted into the device itself. You will be choosing a new Ethereum address on this device, and using it as your new main wallet.
Without further ado, let’s begin!
Using Ledger with MEW
Step 1. Go to our website, myetherwallet.com. Check the URL for the 'MyEtherWallet Inc [US]' SSL certification to make sure you’re on our real, secure site. Are you? Great!
Step 2. Head to ‘Access My Wallet’ and choose the option that says ‘Hardware Wallets’. Please make sure that you already have the Ethereum app on your Ledger device and that your “Contract Data” is turned to 'Yes' (found in the settings section).
Step 3. Click the ‘Ledger Wallet’ option and a pop-up will appear listing your Ledger device.
If your Ledger device doesn't appear please make sure that it is connected properly. Double-check the connection and that the Ethereum app is open and then enter your PIN to confirm.
If you're using Ledger's Bluetooth connection on Google Chrome, you may need to set Bluetooth permissions to Enabled (they are usually set to Default). Paste the following link in the Chrome browser to be taken to the relevant settings: chrome://flags/#enable-web-bluetooth-new-permissions-backend
Step 4. Click on your Ledger device's name in the pop-up window then click 'Connect' then 'Unlock wallet'.
Step 5. You'll then be brought to a screen showing different networks, derivation paths, and addresses. Choose which you’d like to connect to, and which path you’d like to use.
If you are having trouble locating your address, it could be a derivation path issue. To understand more about derivation paths, see the 'HD wallets and Derivation paths' article in our Help Center. (Note, however, that MEW web does not support custom or arbitrary paths for Ledger.)
Step 6. Once you've selected your network, derivation path (if applicable), and the address you'll like to interact with, you'll then read and agree to the terms then click 'Access my wallet'.
Great job! You’re officially using your Ledger hardware wallet on MEW!
What About My Old Wallet???
If you are coming from an old wallet and want your ETH and tokens on your new, secure Ledger address, you will need to send your funds to your new address through regular transactions. This can be achieved by accessing your old wallet through MEW wallet, MetaMask, Keystore file, or private key (however you usually did it before the Ledger). From here, send your ETH and tokens to your new Ledger address, ready to be accessed in a more secure fashion.
Please be advised ETH will be required for gas to move any tokens held in your old wallet.
How Do I Restore My Ledger to a New Device?
Ledger made a clear and easy-to-follow guide on how to restore your Ledger device.
Troubleshooting
Most issues with the Ledger can be fixed by performing a hard refresh (using CTRL+F5), making sure Contract Data is turned to ‘Yes’, confirming that all the firmware is updated to its latest release, and trying a new connecting cable.
As always, feel free to contact us at support@myetherwallet.com. We are always happy to help!