Curious about the Universal Polkadot app? Here's what you need to know

As the release of the Universal Polkadot app approaches, we at Zondax have been inundated with questions from the community, Ledger users, and parachains alike. To ensure transparency and provide clear information for everyone, we've decided to compile these questions in one comprehensive resource. This blog will serve as your go-to guide for all things related to the Universal Polkadot app, addressing the most pressing inquiries and offering insights into its exciting new features.

1. Is it officially up and running? Do I have to update my Ledger?
   
   The application is live on Ledger, Ledger Live, Nova Wallet, Talisman and Subwallet. However, it is up to each parachain to upgrade to the latest runtime to be able to be compatible.
   

2. Will it work with Wallet Connect and the XEnergy Web marketplace?
   
   We are currently collaborating with SubWallet App, Talisman, Nova Wallet App and Ledger (as well as Ledger Live), (Polkadot.js to be compatible with this new application)
   

3. Will it work with Ledger and the parachain of my choice? You need to:

• Be compatible with at least Polkadot-SDK v1.1.0 

• Make sure your runtime supports metadata v15. 

• Add a new SignedExtension to your runtimes check https://github.com/paritytech/polkadot-sdk/pull/4619

1. Will it work with old ledger addresses on all parachains or should we generate new ones?
   
   If you have previously created an account with Ledger (parachain, system chains or Polkadot apps) you'll have to use a migration app that will also be available at the same time of releasing this new Polkadot app.
   

2. So, where do I open this app? Is it on Ledger Live or where?
   
   The app will be available on all Ledger devices as well as Ledger Live
   

3. Will it be possible to sign XCM transactions with the new app?
   
   Yes - it will. Very large transactions or transactions nested as batch calls may be rejected but due to a limitation of the device resources (storage or ram) and not because the app does not support them.
   

4. Will people immediately have access to their funds sent on "wrong networks" like $DOT on Assethub, Bifrost, etc?
   
   In order for the app to work on chain X, first that chain will have to be updated to include the signed extension CheckMetadataHash. If that is done, using the migration app you will be able to sign transactions on any chain.
   

5. There are multiple apps, which app should I use?

• If you have an old parachain app and:
  1. The parachain hasn't undergone runtime updates, you can continue using it as usual
  2. If the parachain has updated to the runtime, you will need to use the Migration app to migrate your funds.
  

• Migration app:
  
  1. Before you use the migration app, make sure the chain you want to connect with supports the Universal Polkadot app. Each parachain will update on its own, so check their social media to know when you can use the migration app.
  2. After you've moved your account addresses to the standard Polkadot format, you won't need the Migration App anymore. You can uninstall it from your Ledger device and install the Universal Polkadot app instead.
  

• Universal Polkadot app version:
  
  1. The Universal Polkadot app version will become the main app for all substrate-based chains in the future.
  2. Once the Polkadot and Kusama runtimes have been upgraded to support it, you will be able to use it on your Ledger device instead of the old Polkadot app version.
  3. For Parachains, some will need to go through a migration process. If the chain you want to connect with is among them, please use their Migration app first, or you won't see any token balances in your account. Don't worry! Just migrate your accounts to the new standard.
  

1. I was using a dedicated application to manage my Polkadot SDK chain coins. What steps do I need to take to manage them with the new Polkadot application?
   
   If you were using one of the parachains applications (see the list below), you’ll find on My Ledger a specific Migration application to migrate your funds to the Polkadot derivation path. This will enable you to manage your coins directly from the Universal Polkadot application.

Here is the list of parachains applications:

• Acala

• Ajuna

• Aleph Zero

• Astar

• Bifrost

• Centrifuge

• Darwinia

• Edgeware

• Hydradx

• Karura

• Khala

• Kusama

• Nodle

• Parallel

• Phala

• Pendulum

• Polkadex

• Polymesh

• Statemine

• Statemint

• Unique

• xx network

In conclusion, we hope this blog has answered your key questions about the upcoming Universal Polkadot app release. At Zondax, we're committed to providing the information you need for a smooth transition. With its enhanced features and compatibility, the new app promises an improved user experience. Stay tuned for the official launch post-Polkadot runtime upgrade around July 1st. Thank you for your support and enthusiasm as we look forward to this exciting release!