Setting up a dedicated NEO wallet on your Ledger Nano S hardware wallet enhances both the security and accessibility of your NEO and NEP-5 tokens. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process to get your wallet operational.
Prerequisites for Setup
Before starting, ensure you have the following:
- A Ledger Nano S hardware wallet.
- The Ledger Live application installed on your computer.
- Your device is already set up with a PIN and recovery phrase. If not, complete the initial device configuration first.
- A USB cable to connect your device to your computer.
Downloading the NEO App via Ledger Live
The first step is to install the NEO application onto your Ledger Nano S device.
- Open the Ledger Live application on your computer.
- Connect your Ledger Nano S using the USB cable and unlock it by entering your PIN code.
- Navigate to the "My Ledger" tab within Ledger Live. This section manages applications on your device.
- Your device will show as "Connected." Scroll through the list of available applications until you find NEO (NEO).
- Click the "Install" button next to the NEO app. Ledger Live will now download and install the application onto your device.
- Once installed, you will see the NEO icon appear in the app menu on your Ledger Nano S's screen.
Installing the NEON Wallet Software
To interact with your NEO holdings on the blockchain, you need a client interface. The recommended software is the NEON Wallet, developed by the City of Zion community.
- Using a web browser, go to the official NEON Wallet website.
- Download the latest version of the wallet for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
- Once downloaded, install the application on your computer. The NEON Wallet is an interface; your private keys remain secure on your Ledger device.
Accessing Your NEO Wallet
With both the device app and desktop software ready, you can now access your wallet.
- Open the NEON Wallet application on your computer.
- On the initial login screen, select the option to "Login using a Ledger".
- Connect your Ledger Nano S to your computer and unlock it with your PIN if you haven't already.
- On your Ledger Nano S, navigate to and open the NEO app. The device screen will display the message "Wake Up, NEO…" indicating it is active and ready.
- The NEON Wallet will now detect your device. Once recognized, the "Login" button will become active.
- Click "Login" to access your wallet dashboard.
Locating Your Public NEO Address
Your Ledger device generates a unique public address for receiving NEO and NEP-5 tokens.
- After logging into the NEON Wallet, click on the "Receive" button in the top menu.
- A pop-up window will appear, displaying your public NEO address (starting with an 'A').
- You can click the copy icon next to the address to easily paste it elsewhere. This is the address you provide to send funds to your secure Ledger wallet.
To deposit funds, simply transfer your NEO or NEP-5 tokens from your existing exchange or software wallet to this new public address. 👉 Explore more strategies for managing your digital assets
Resolving Common Connection Issues
Sometimes, the software may have trouble communicating with your hardware wallet.
Error: "No device found"
- Cause: This typically means the Ledger Nano S is not connected, not unlocked, or the wrong application is open.
- Solution: Ensure the USB cable is securely connected at both ends. Unlock your device by entering your PIN. Finally, open the NEO app on the device so it displays "Wake Up, NEO…".
Error: "Hardware Device Error" or similar
- Cause: The computer can see the Ledger device, but the NEO app is not active on it.
- Solution: Navigate to and open the NEO application on your Ledger Nano S. Keep it open on the "Wake Up, NEO…" screen while using the NEON Wallet.
For the highest level of security, always verify the sending and receiving addresses on your Ledger Nano S's screen before confirming any transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NEON Wallet the only option for Ledger with NEO?
While the NEON Wallet is the most popular and user-friendly choice, other wallets like O3 also support Ledger Nano S for managing NEO assets. However, NEON is often recommended for its robust support of NEP-5 tokens.
Do I need to keep the NEO app installed on my Ledger at all times?
No. You can uninstall the app using Ledger Live to free up space for other cryptocurrency apps. Your funds are safe on the blockchain and can be accessed anytime by reinstalling the NEO app; your private keys are derived from your recovery seed.
Can I stake NEO (generate GAS) using a Ledger Nano S?
Yes. When your NEO is held in a wallet whose private keys are secured by your Ledger, such as through the NEON Wallet, you are still eligible to claim the GAS that your NEO generates.
What happens if I lose my Ledger device?
Your crypto assets are not stored on the physical device. They are on the blockchain. Your Ledger simply secures the private keys that access them. As long as you have your 24-word recovery phrase, you can restore your entire wallet, including your NEO, onto a new Ledger device.
Why can't the NEON Wallet see my Ledger?
First, check all physical connections. Then, ensure you have granted Ledger Live permission to access the device if prompted by your computer's operating system. Finally, try using a different USB cable or port, as some cables are for charging only and lack data transfer capabilities.
Are NEP-5 tokens automatically supported?
The NEON Wallet has built-in support for many major NEP-5 tokens. Your tokens will appear in the wallet interface once you have a balance. For very new or obscure tokens, you may need to manually add their contract hash to see them.