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Getting Started

This guide will walk you through setting up and using the Polkadot Migration Assistant for the first time.

Prerequisites​

Hardware Requirements​

  • Ledger Device - Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax
  • USB Connection - Cable to connect Ledger to your computer
  • Updated Firmware - Latest firmware installed via Ledger Live

Software Requirements​

  • Modern Web Browser - Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari (with WebUSB support)
  • Ledger Live - For installing the Polkadot Universal App
  • Internet Connection - For blockchain data and transactions

Step 1: Install Polkadot Universal App​

  1. Open Ledger Live on your computer
  2. Navigate to the Manager tab
  3. Search for "Polkadot" in the app catalog
  4. Install "Polkadot Universal" app
  5. Verify installation - The app should appear in your Ledger device apps

> 📝 Note: The Polkadot Universal App replaces individual chain apps (Kusama, Acala, etc.)

Step 2: Prepare Your Ledger​

  1. Connect your Ledger to your computer via USB
  2. Unlock your device with your PIN
  3. Open the Polkadot Universal App on your Ledger
  4. Ensure the screen shows "Polkadot Universal ready"

Step 3: Access the Migration Assistant​

  1. Open your web browser
  2. Navigate to https://polkadot.zondax.ch - The official Migration Assistant
  3. Allow browser permissions for WebUSB when prompted
  4. Verify secure connection - Look for HTTPS lock icon

Step 4: Connect Your Ledger​

  1. Click "Connect Ledger" in the Migration Assistant
  2. Select your device from the browser prompt
  3. Confirm connection on your Ledger device if prompted
  4. Wait for connection - You should see a success message

Troubleshooting Connection Issues​

Ledger not detected:

  • Check USB cable connection
  • Try a different USB port
  • Restart your browser
  • Close Ledger Live (it may conflict)

Browser permissions denied:

  • Refresh the page and try again
  • Check browser settings for USB permissions
  • Try an incognito/private window

Step 5: Account Discovery​

Once connected, the Migration Assistant will:

  1. Scan for legacy apps - Detect old Polkadot/Kusama/parachain apps
  2. Discover accounts - Find accounts with assets across different chains
  3. Analyze balances - Show tokens, NFTs, staking positions, and other assets
  4. Assess migration status - Indicate which accounts need migration

What You'll See​

  • Account List - All discovered accounts with their balances
  • Migration Status - Green checkmarks for migrated, yellow warnings for pending
  • Asset Summary - Total value and breakdown by asset type
  • Action Items - Specific steps needed for each account

Step 6: Review Migration Plan​

Before starting migration:

  1. Review all accounts - Ensure all expected accounts are detected
  2. Check asset totals - Verify balances match your expectations
  3. Note special operations - Some accounts may require unstaking or identity removal
  4. Understand fees - Each transaction will require network fees

Important Considerations​

Staking Accounts:

  • May need to unstake tokens first
  • Unbonding period applies (varies by network)
  • Plan for the time required

Identity Accounts:

  • On-chain identities may need removal
  • Check for parent/child relationships
  • Consider impact on reputation

Multisig Accounts:

  • Require coordination with other signers
  • May need multiple approval rounds
  • Plan with your co-signers

Step 7: Begin Migration​

  1. Select accounts to migrate - Choose which accounts to process
  2. Review transaction details - Check fees and operations
  3. Confirm on Ledger - Verify each transaction on your device screen
  4. Monitor progress - Watch the status updates in real-time
  5. Complete follow-up actions - Handle any additional operations needed

Transaction Verification​

Always verify on your Ledger:

  • Transaction type and method
  • Amount being transferred
  • Destination address
  • Network fees
  • Any additional parameters

Never confirm if:

  • Details don't match what you expect
  • Amounts seem incorrect
  • Destination addresses are unfamiliar
  • You're unsure about any aspect

Step 8: Post-Migration​

After successful migration:

  1. Verify account access - Test with small transactions
  2. Update your records - Note new derivation paths
  3. Test applications - Ensure compatibility with wallets/dApps
  4. Backup considerations - Your seed phrase remains the same

Next Steps​

  • Explore features - Try staking, governance, or DeFi protocols
  • Update bookmarks - Remove old app shortcuts
  • Share experience - Help others with their migration

Common Issues & Solutions​

Connection Problems​

  • Device not found → Check USB connection and browser permissions
  • App not ready → Ensure Polkadot Universal App is open on Ledger
  • WebUSB not supported → Try a different browser (Chrome recommended)

Migration Errors​

  • Insufficient balance → Ensure enough tokens for fees
  • Transaction timeout → Network congestion, try again later
  • Ledger timeout → Complete transaction more quickly

Account Issues​

  • Missing accounts → Check if using different seed phrase
  • Zero balances → Verify network connectivity and data refresh
  • Wrong derivation → Ensure using Polkadot Universal App

Support & Resources​

Self-Help​

  • Review error messages carefully
  • Check browser console for technical details
  • Try refreshing the application
  • Restart browser and reconnect Ledger

Further Assistance​

✅ You're ready to migrate! Take your time, verify everything on your Ledger device, and don't hesitate to pause if you need to research anything further.

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