If you search for "ledger supported coins" or "which coins does ledger support", you're usually asking two things: which blockchains can the hardware wallet sign for, and which tokens can I manage with the companion apps or third-party wallets? I tested support across many networks over several months. What I found is pragmatic: the device handles the cryptographic signing for a wide set of blockchains (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, Tezos, Algorand, and more), while token management and NFT display often require an external wallet interface.
I believe a clear map of support types helps you decide whether a device will fit your portfolio. Below I lay out how that support works and give hands-on notes for networks people ask about most.
Broadly, support comes in two layers:
Different blockchains use different cryptography (secp256k1 vs ed25519, for example), so the device exposes chain-specific signing routines through installed apps. Some chains are supported natively by the companion app; others require connecting to a third-party wallet.
For step-by-step setup, see the setup guide and the firmware update guide.
Here is a compact table that I use when deciding if an account can be held on-device or if I need extra software.
| Network | Support type on device | Practical notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin | Native app (on-device signing) | Supports SegWit and legacy addresses via wallet UI (choose account type in UI). |
| Ethereum | Native app + token support via UI | ERC-20 and ERC-721 tokens handled through companion or third-party wallets. |
| Solana | Native app (ed25519) | Requires a compatible Solana wallet for NFTs and SPL tokens (see /ledger-and-solana-nfts). |
| Cardano | Native app | Staking usually handled through third-party wallet interfaces. |
| Tezos | Native app | Baking/staking support via partner wallets. |
| Algorand | Native app | Asset support and ASA management in UI. |
| XRP / Stellar / Tron / Polkadot | Native app or third-party integration | Some chains require specific wallet interfaces for advanced features. |
| Monero | Third-party integration (requires special setup) | Privacy coin support uses external GUI and account derivation (extra steps). |
(alt text placeholder: screenshot of app manager and installed blockchain apps)
I noticed that storage-management can be a practical hurdle on older models — you may need to uninstall and reinstall apps when switching between chains. But that process keeps your private keys safe because uninstalling an app does not erase accounts on the device.
Tokens follow token standards: ERC-20 for Ethereum, SPL for Solana, and chain-specific standards elsewhere. The hardware wallet signs the transaction, but many UIs will not show token balances unless the third-party wallet queries the blockchain and displays them.
Need to manage Ethereum DeFi or NFTs? Use a wallet that supports connecting to the device (see /ledger-and-ethereum-defi and /ledger-and-solana-nfts). I've used several wallets in testing; the flow is usually: connect, select account, approve the transaction on-device, and confirm the contract data on the hardware wallet screen.
For details on wallet integrations and troubleshooting, see using-ledger-with-wallets and app-integrations-phantom.
If you need a full setup walkthrough, the setup-ledger-step-by-step guide covers each screen and prompt.
Different chains use different elliptic curves — that’s why a Solana address and an Ethereum address are derived and signed with different algorithms. The hardware wallet’s job is to keep private keys inside its secure element and only expose signed transactions.
Passphrases (a.k.a. 25th word) create additional hidden accounts. They increase security but also increase risk of user error (loss of passphrase = loss of access). What I've found: many mistakes come from mismanaging passphrases, so read the passphrase-25th-word-guide and test recoveries on a small amount first.
For firmware authenticity and supply-chain security, check the firmware update guide and supply-chain-security-verification.
Multi-signature setups improve security by requiring multiple hardware wallets or keys to approve a transaction. They are excellent for shared custody or inheritance planning, but they add complexity (key distribution, backup strategies). See multisig-for-ledger for a step-by-step approach.
Staking is possible for several networks, though some require delegating through a third-party wallet. Consider whether you want rewards on-chain versus keeping full control of staking keys.
And small usability surprise: many users expect a full balance summary on the device. The device won’t show everything; the companion or third-party wallet does.
Q: Can I recover my crypto if the device breaks? A: Yes — your funds live on-chain and can be recovered from your seed phrase. See recover-if-device-lost for the process.
Q: What happens if the company goes bankrupt? A: Your private keys are yours if you hold the seed phrase. The device is a key manager; funds remain on the blockchain. See company-bankruptcy-what-happens.
Q: Is Bluetooth safe for a hardware wallet? A: Bluetooth adds convenience but increases the attack surface. Use it cautiously (and prefer USB or air-gapped methods when possible). See bluetooth-usb-nfc-security for details.
Who this is for:
Who should look elsewhere:
Supported coins cover the major blockchains and token standards, but practical management often depends on which wallet interface you pair with the device. In my testing, the combination of on-device signing plus a compatible wallet gives safe, flexible control — although you must plan for passphrase backups, app storage, and third-party integrations.
Want to set one up? Follow the setup guide and, if you’re comparing models, review the ledger-model-comparison. And if you need help with multisig or passphrases, check multisig-for-ledger and passphrase-25th-word-guide.
If you have a specific coin you care about, ask — I test individual chains and can add hands-on notes for particular networks (Solana, Cardano, or something more obscure).