Welcome to the official Ledger Support guide for Ledger Bridge (en‑US). Bridge is a component designed to enable secure connections between your Ledger hardware wallet and browser‑based apps (dApps), helping you interact with Web3 while keeping your private keys safe.
What is Ledger Bridge?
Ledger Bridge is a background service (software) that facilitates secure communication between your web browser or dApps and your Ledger hardware device. It ensures that when you connect to dApps like MetaMask, Uniswap, or others, the sensitive part of transaction signing happens on your device, not in the browser.
This helps maintain Ledger’s core promise: keep the private keys offline, confirm every transaction physically on your device, and protect against phishing or malicious script attacks in the browser environment.
Why do you need Ledger Bridge?
To allow browser‑based decentralized applications (dApps) to interact with your Ledger hardware wallet securely.
To avoid exposing private keys to any web context—only transaction requests are passed, which you approve manually.
To provide support for Web3 workflows: signing messages, executing smart contract calls, sending transactions, etc., via browser or browser‑extension dApps.
To maintain compatibility with Ledger Live and the Ledger ecosystem while working with external tools.
Supported Browsers and Devices
Ledger Bridge works best with up‑to‑date browsers. Key compatibility notes:
Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave are commonly supported on desktop.
MacOS, Windows, and Linux desktop systems with latest OS updates.
Your Ledger hardware device must support the necessary firmware. Devices like Ledger Nano X and Nano S Plus are typical. Firmware must be kept updated.
In some cases, Bluetooth support (for Nano X) may be involved, but USB or wired connection is recommended for maximum stability.
How to Install and Set Up Ledger Bridge
Go to the official Ledger website (e.g. ledger.com/start) to download Ledger Bridge. Always make sure you are on the correct URL.
Install Ledger Live and the appropriate firmware on your hardware device. Without updated firmware, some features may not work correctly when using Bridge.
Run Ledger Bridge on your computer. It may run as a small background application. Some dApps will prompt to open or connect through Bridge automatically.
Unlock your Ledger device and open the relevant coin or app on device (for example Ethereum app if interacting with Ethereum‑based dApps).
Approve connection prompts both in your browser and physically on your Ledger device. Always double check that the address or operation matches what you expect.
Important: Ledger Bridge alone does **not** ask for your recovery phrase. If any prompt ever asks for your 24 words, you are likely facing a phishing attack. Ledger will never require this.
Security Best Practices
Always download Ledger Bridge and Ledger Live from the official Ledger.com site or verified sources.
Keep your Ledger firmware updated. Updates often patch security vulnerabilities.
Only connect to software/dApps you trust. Malicious dApps can request unintended transactions. Confirm all transaction details on the device screen.
Use strong, unique passwords for Ledger Live, email, and system accounts. Enable any additional protection like passphrases or local encryption.
Regularly monitor security advisories from Ledger Support, especially for Bridge, firmware, and dApp integration issues.
Use USB over Bluetooth when possible (USB is generally more reliable and less susceptible to interference or pairing issues).
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes things may not work as expected—here are fixes for frequent problems:
Bridge not detected by the browser: Ensure Ledger Live is running, that Bridge service is active, and browser permissions (e.g. firewall, security settings) are allowing local connections.
Ledger device not showing in dApp: Unlock device, open the specific coin app (e.g. Ethereum app), sometimes Bluetooth or USB permissions need adjustment.
Firmware‑incompatible errors: Update firmware via Ledger Live; ensure both the device’s app (on ledger) and the computer’s software are current.
Connection failure via Bluetooth: Try USB if possible; remove previous pairing; reset Bluetooth pairing from device settings.
Sign transaction without correct confirmation: Always verify transaction details on the device screen—not just the browser.
Using Ledger Bridge with Web3 / dApps
When you use Web3 applications—decentralized exchanges, NFT marketplaces, DeFi protocols—the workflow usually involves:
Open the dApp in your browser and choose “Connect Wallet.”
Select “Ledger” or “Hardware Wallet” option.
If prompted, ensure Ledger Bridge is running to facilitate the connection.
Your browser will communicate with Bridge, which in turn talks to your Ledger hardware device.
You’ll see a prompt on your Ledger device: verify the address and operation on screen, then approve or reject.
After approval, the dApp proceeds with signed transactions; your private key remains on the Ledger device itself.
This process ensures the sensitive parts (private keys, confirmation) happen physically on device, maintaining security.
Alternatives & Deprecations
Ledger occasionally updates its approach to browser integration. For instance, some features formerly in “Ledger Extension” or separate browser extensions are being integrated into more unified flows (Ledger Live + Bridge + WalletConnect). Always check Ledger’s “Explore Features” and “Support” sections for current info. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
FAQs
Is Ledger Bridge safe?
Yes. If you download it from official sources and use it properly, Bridge is a secure intermediary. It does not access your recovery phrase, nor does it expose private keys. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Do I always need Ledger Bridge?
You may not need it for basic Ledger Live usage. But to connect Ledger to certain browser‑based dApps (for example Web3 sites), Bridge helps facilitate that secure connection. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
What happens if I lose my device or it’s damaged?
You restore access using your 24‑word recovery phrase on a new Ledger device. Your Bridge setup or dApp connections will need to be re‑established. Always keep your recovery phrase safe and offline. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Will Ledger Bridge ever ask for my 24‑word seed (recovery phrase)?
No. Ledger Bridge will never ask for your recovery phrase. If anything ever does, it is a scam. Always verify you are using official software. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Conclusion
Ledger Bridge plays a key role in modernizing how Ledger hardware wallets connect with the Web3 world. It bridges (pun intended) the gap between secure hardware‑based private key storage and the interactive, rich experiences of dApps and decentralized applications. When used correctly—with official software, up‑to‑date firmware, careful verification—it allows you to extend your Ledger security into browsers without compromising safety.
For more up‑to‑date guidance, always consult the Ledger Support site, firmware release notes, and official documentation. Stay safe, and happy securing your crypto journey!