How to add a custom network like Polygon to Ledger Live?

Understanding the Need for Adding Custom Networks

Many cryptocurrency users who hold assets on non-native blockchains, such as Polygon (MATIC), often find that their preferred wallet — in this case, Ledger Live — does not automatically support these networks. This limitation means users must manually add the network to interact with decentralized applications (dApps) or manage tokens outside Ethereum's mainnet. Polygon, being a popular Layer 2 scaling solution, requires specific RPC settings and chain identifiers to function properly within Ledger Live.

Checking Compatibility and Requirements

Before attempting to add a custom network like Polygon, ensure your Ledger Live application is up-to-date. Older versions may lack the functionality required for custom network integration. Also, verify that you are using the latest firmware version for your Ledger hardware wallet, whether it's a Nano S, Nano X, or Nano S Plus. Additionally, make sure you have the Ethereum app installed on your device, as Polygon interacts with Ethereum-based standards.

• Ensure Ledger Live Desktop is installed
• Confirm Ethereum app is installed via Manager in Ledger Live
• Keep recovery phrase and PIN handy for authentication

Accessing the Network Settings in Ledger Live

To begin adding Polygon as a custom network, open Ledger Live and navigate to the Settings menu. From there, locate the Experimental Features section. Within this area, you'll find an option labeled 'Custom Networks'. Enable this feature if it’s not already active. Once enabled, return to the main screen and click on the Accounts tab. Here, you should see an option to Add Account, which will allow you to select a network once it's added.

• Open Ledger Live
• Go to Settings
• Navigate to Experimental Features
• Toggle on Custom Networks

Entering Polygon Network Parameters

With Custom Networks enabled, proceed to input the correct configuration details for Polygon. These include the Network Name, Chain ID, Currency Ticker, RPC URL, and Explorer URL. Entering incorrect parameters can lead to errors or inability to interact with the network. Use the following verified values:

• Network Name: Polygon Mainnet
• Chain ID: 137
• Currency Ticker: MATIC
• RPC URL: https://polygon-rpc.com/
• Explorer URL: https://polygonscan.com/

Ensure each field is entered exactly as shown, without any trailing spaces or typos. After filling in all fields, click Save or Add Network depending on the interface prompt.

Adding a Polygon Account After Network Integration

Once the Polygon network has been successfully added, go back to the Accounts section and click Add Account again. You should now see Polygon listed among the available networks. Select it, then choose the Ledger device account you wish to associate with this network. A confirmation prompt will appear on your Ledger hardware wallet, asking you to approve the connection. Use the buttons on your device to confirm. Wait for the process to complete before proceeding.

• Return to Accounts
• Click Add Account
• Select Polygon
• Choose the desired Ledger account
• Confirm transaction on Ledger device

Interacting with MATIC and ERC-20 Tokens on Polygon

After successfully adding the Polygon network and linking an account, you’ll be able to view your MATIC balance and send or receive transactions directly from Ledger Live. Additionally, if you hold ERC-20 tokens on Polygon (e.g., USDC, AAVE), they should also appear under the same account. However, some tokens may require manual addition via the Token Management feature inside Ledger Live. To do so:

• Go to your Polygon account
• Click Manage Tokens
• Search for the token symbol (e.g., USDC)
• Toggle it on and wait for synchronization

Always double-check the token contract address when adding manually to avoid scams or incorrect balances.

Troubleshooting Common Issues When Adding Polygon

Occasionally, users might face issues when trying to connect to the Polygon network through Ledger Live. Some common problems include:

• Network not showing after addition: Restart Ledger Live and re-enable Custom Networks
• Incorrect Chain ID or RPC URL: Recheck and re-enter the exact values
• No balance appearing: Ensure funds were sent to the correct Ledger address
• Transaction signing failures: Update the Ethereum app on your Ledger device

If none of these solutions work, try resetting Experimental Features or reinstalling Ledger Live while backing up your accounts beforehand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different RPC provider for Polygon instead of polygon-rpc.com?Yes, you can use alternative RPC providers like Infura or Alchemy, provided they support Polygon Mainnet. Replace the default RPC URL with the one provided by your chosen service.

Q: Why don’t my ERC-20 tokens show up automatically on Polygon?Some tokens aren't auto-detected due to limited metadata availability. You need to manually add them using the contract address via the Manage Tokens feature.

Q: Is it safe to add custom networks to Ledger Live?Yes, as long as you input trusted and verified parameters. Avoid copying settings from unverified sources to prevent potential security risks.

Q: Can I remove a custom network once added?Yes, go to Settings > Experimental Features > Custom Networks, select the network, and click Remove.