Hardware Wallet Guide

Hardware wallets keep your private keys on a physical device that never connects to the internet. Even if your computer is compromised, an attacker cannot sign transactions without physical access to the device. For significant POKT holdings, this is the most secure storage option available.

Compatibility at a Glance

Part 1: Ledger Setup for Native POKT

Uses the Ledger Cosmos app + Keplr browser extension.

Requirements: Ledger device (set up with PIN and seed phrase saved), Ledger Live, Keplr browser extension, Chrome or Brave recommended.

Step 1: Install the Cosmos App

Open Ledger Live → connect device → “My Ledger” → search “Cosmos” → Install.

Step 2: Connect Ledger to Keplr

1. Open Keplr → account icon → “Add Wallet” → “Connect Hardware Wallet” → “Connect Ledger”
2. Unlock Ledger, open the Cosmos app (“Cosmos ready” on screen)
3. Select “Cosmos App (recommended)” → name your wallet
4. Select chains — check Pocket Network → “Next” → approve on Ledger

Step 3: Add Pocket Network (if not in default list)

Go to chains.keplr.app → search “Pocket” → “Add to Keplr” → approve in popup. Your pokt1... address appears in Keplr.

Receiving and Sending Native POKT

Receive: In Keplr, select Pocket Network → “Receive” → share your pokt1... address.

Send: “Send” → enter recipient and amount → review → click “Send” → verify all details on the Ledger screen → approve by pressing both buttons.

Part 2: Ledger Setup for wPOKT (Ethereum/Base)

Uses the Ledger Ethereum app + MetaMask. The Ethereum app covers Base and all other EVM chains.

1. Install Ethereum app: Ledger Live → “My Ledger” → search “Ethereum” → Install
2. Connect to MetaMask: Account selector → “Add account or hardware wallet” → “Hardware wallet” → “Ledger” → unlock device, open Ethereum app → select account → “Unlock”
3. Add wPOKT: “Import tokens” → paste verified contract address from CoinGecko
4. Every transaction requires physical Ledger approval — this is the core security benefit

Using DeFi with Ledger

Connect MetaMask to any DEX (Aerodrome, Uniswap). The DEX sees your Ledger-backed account. Every swap, LP deposit, or approval requires physical sign-off on the Ledger device, preventing browser-based attacks from draining your wallet.

Part 3: Ledger Setup for wPOKT (Solana)

1. Install the Solana app via Ledger Live
2. Open Phantom → “Connect Hardware Wallet” → “Ledger”
3. Unlock Ledger, open Solana app → Phantom detects and generates a Solana address
4. Add wPOKT SPL token via Phantom’s token management

Trezor — wPOKT on EVM Only

Trezor does not support Cosmos SDK chains, so native POKT cannot be secured with Trezor. For wPOKT on Ethereum/Base:

1. Install Trezor Suite and connect device
2. Connect to MetaMask: account selector → “Hardware wallet” → “Trezor” → follow pairing flow
3. Add wPOKT token contract from CoinGecko
4. Every transaction requires physical Trezor confirmation

Security Practices

Seed Phrase — The Most Important Thing

• Never photograph it. Camera rolls sync to cloud. Cloud gets compromised.
• Never type it into any website or app. The only legitimate use is restoring to a new physical device. Ledger Live and Keplr will never ask for it.
• Write on paper. Two copies in separate physical locations. Consider a fireproof safe.
• Steel backup options. Cryptosteel, Bilodal, and similar products protect against fire and water.
• Test your recovery before holding significant funds.

PIN and Physical Security

Use a strong PIN (at least 6 digits). Never share it. Store the device securely — treat it like cash. After several wrong PIN attempts, Ledger wipes itself (security feature).

Transaction Verification

Always read the Ledger screen. If anything looks wrong, reject it. Watch for address substitution attacks — verify first and last characters of addresses on the Ledger screen.

Troubleshooting

Keplr doesn’t detect Ledger: Cosmos app must be open (“Cosmos ready” visible). Try a different USB cable/port. Check WebUSB is enabled in Chrome.

MetaMask doesn’t detect Ledger: Ethereum app must be open. Ensure WebHID/WebUSB is enabled. For Bluetooth (Nano X), pair in OS Bluetooth settings first.

Pocket address looks different from old Morse address: Expected — Shannon uses Cosmos SDK bech32 format (pokt1...). Your Morse balance was migrated but uses a different address format. See Shannon Upgrade.

Transaction approved but nothing happened: Check status on POKTscan or Etherscan. Network may be congested — wait and refresh. If not visible on-chain, the broadcast may have failed — retry.