How my Ledger protects my TAO in Crucible Wallet

Overview

When you connect a Ledger to Crucible Wallet, your funds are secured by your hardware device, even when you don't see activity on the Ledger screen. This article explains how the relationship between your Ledger and the extension works.

The mailbox analogy

Think of your wallet address like a public mailbox slot. Anyone can drop mail (TAO) into it anytime, no key needed.

But your Ledger holds the only key that can open the mailbox and take anything out.

Why didn't my Ledger show the incoming transfer?

When you sent TAO from your exchange to your Ledger-connected address, the TAO arrived safely. Your Ledger didn't show anything because receiving funds doesn't require your approval.

Your Ledger only activates when you need to authorize an outgoing action, such as:

• Sending TAO to another address
• Staking to a subnet
• Unstaking
• Any transaction that moves funds out of your wallet

How do I know my TAO is protected?

If you imported your Ledger into Crucible Wallet, every outgoing transaction from that wallet must be signed on your physical Ledger device. Without your Ledger connected and your physical button press, no one can move those funds.

The extension is simply a window to view your balance and prepare transactions. It cannot sign anything on its own.

Quick reference

Action

Ledger required?

Receiving TAO

No

Viewing balance

No

Sending TAO

Yes

Staking

Yes

Unstaking

Yes

Common questions

Q: My Ledger screen didn't show the receive address when I clicked "Receive." Is that normal?

Yes. For receiving, you only need to copy the address from the extension. The Ledger doesn't need to verify incoming transactions because no signature is required.

Q: What if someone steals my extension password?

Your extension password only unlocks the view of your wallet. It cannot authorize transactions. Your Ledger's physical approval is still required for any outgoing action.

Q: Is my "Free" balance protected even if I haven't staked yet?

Yes. All TAO in your Ledger-connected wallet, whether staked or free, is protected by your Ledger. The Ledger is the gatekeeper for everything leaving your wallet, not everything entering it.

Important: Never share your Ledger recovery phrase with anyone, including Crucible support. We will never ask for it.