Security is always a concern for anything on the internet, and so is the case for cryptocurrencies. With the increasing user base, the number of crypto hacks and thefts is also on the rise. The first step to securing your crypto assets is to store them in a non-custodial cryptocurrency wallet such as Metamask.
However, software wallets such as Metamask remain connected to the internet, which entails some risks. In this article, we will provide guidance on how to import Ledger account to Metamask to ensure maximum safety.
Setting Up Ledger
If you haven’t already, get yourself a Ledger hardware wallet to safeguard your private keys. Ledger devices come with a software called Ledger Live (available on mobile & desktop), which is basically the equivalent of the app store to the iphone, providing you with a safe gateway to all your crypto services and downloadable for free.
Once in Ledger Live, create your ETHereum account by clicking on ‘accounts’ on the left hand side, then ‘add an Ethereum account’. After that, you can turn your Fiat ($/£/€/etc.) into Ethereum (Cryptocurrency). For most of you, the easiest way to do that will be via Wyre/Coinify on Ledger live.
Next you will be able to use the ETHereum account you created in Ledger Live on Metamask from within the security of your Ledger device. That leads us to our next big question: how to import ledger account to Metamask?
How To Import Ledger Account To Metamask
With that all clear, let’s walk through the steps of how you can connect Ledger to Metamask, to enjoy seamless transactions while your keys stay entirely offline.
Step 1: Connect your Ledger Nano to your computer device using a USB cable. Also, open your Metamask wallet in full screen on your browser. You can do this by logging in with the password you just set up.
Step 2: Click on the top-right menu of the Metamask wallet and then find and click on “Connect Hardware Wallet” in the drop-down menu.
Step 3: When you click “Continue,” Metamask will look for a Ledger device connected to the computer. So to make sure it discovers your wallet, unlock your Ledger device.
Step 4: Once it discovers your wallet, it will prompt you to choose a Ledger account that you would want to connect to Metamask. Choose the one you prefer and finish (or create one from Ledger Live if you have none).
Step 5: Some last steps to make sure everything runs smoothly:
- Click on the “ETHereum application” on your hardware wallet display then click on “settings” and turn on “blind signing” (please make sure you’re aware of the risks associated with blind signing). Or else it won’t work properly.
- Open the Metamask window, click on the account logo on the top right corner, scroll down to “settings” and click. Then click “advanced settings”, scroll down and turn on “WebHID”.
That will enable you to view your Ledger wallet balance on your Metamask extension. You will also be able to transact across all blockchain applications that support Metamask. The only thing you will need left is to connect your Ledger wallet to your device, open Ledger Live, verify and sign the transactions.
Step 6: Enjoy your ride – you can now interact with your favorite dApps from within the security of your hardware wallet, by selecting Metamask on login.
If you’re having any trouble or feel a bit lost, you can head over to Ledger’s official website for their documentation or support.
Closing Thoughts
Every few days there’s news about the theft of cryptocurrencies. In some instances, the loopholes of centralized platforms are to blame while in others, it’s the fault of the end-users. But in your case, you do not have to deal with that assuming you have a Ledger – that’s probably why you’re here!
Now that you know how to import Ledger account to Metamask, you can simply peg them togETHer and that will easily give hackers a hard time.
