Ledger Live Synchronization Error: How to Force a Refresh
A synchronization error in Ledger Live usually means the app is stuck on outdated account data and won't show your current balances or transaction history. Forcing a refresh clears the local cache and forces Ledger Live to pull fresh data from the blockchain. This page walks you through the steps to do that.
What causes a synchronization error
Ledger Live stores a copy of your account data on your computer or phone. When the app can't update that data - due to a network glitch, a corrupted cache, or a stalled sync process - it shows an error. The app might display "Synchronization error," a spinning icon that never finishes, or a balance that hasn't changed in hours or days.
The fix is to clear the cached data and let the app rebuild it from scratch.
Before You Start
- Make sure your computer or phone has an active internet connection.
- Check that Ledger Live is updated to the latest version. Go to Settings > About to see your version and update if needed.
- If you use a VPN, try disabling it temporarily. Some VPNs interfere with Ledger Live's connection to its servers.
How to Force a Refresh on Desktop
- Open Ledger Live on your computer.
- Go to Settings (gear icon in the top-right corner).
- Select the Accounts tab.
- Click Clear cache. This removes locally stored account data but does not delete your accounts or funds.
- Close Ledger Live completely.
- Reopen Ledger Live. The app will resynchronize all your accounts from the blockchain. This can take a few minutes, especially if you have many accounts.
How to Force a Refresh on Mobile
- Open Ledger Live on your phone.
- Tap the Settings gear icon (usually in the bottom-right corner on iOS, or in the top menu on Android).
- Scroll down and tap Clear cache.
- Confirm the action when prompted.
- Close the app completely (swipe it away from your recent apps list).
- Reopen Ledger Live. It will resynchronize your accounts.
If clearing cache doesn't work
Try these additional steps in order.
Restart Your Device
A simple restart of your computer or phone clears temporary system issues that can block Ledger Live from syncing.
Check ledger live's server status
Ledger's synchronization servers occasionally experience outages. Visit Ledger's status page (linked from their support site) to see if there is a known issue. If the servers are down, waiting is the only option.
Reinstall Ledger Live
Uninstalling and reinstalling the app removes all cached data and ensures you have a clean installation.
Important: Reinstalling does not delete your accounts or funds. Your crypto is on the blockchain, not in the app. You will need to re-add your accounts after reinstalling, but your recovery phrase and Ledger device are all you need to regain access.
Try a Different Computer or Phone
If the error persists on one device, install Ledger Live on another device and add one of your accounts. If it syncs correctly there, the problem is likely specific to your original device - not your accounts or the blockchain.
What not to do
- Do not enter your recovery phrase into Ledger Live or any other app. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. Any site or app that requests it is a scam.
- Do not reset your Ledger device. Resetting the hardware clears the private keys. You would need your recovery phrase to restore access, and if you do not have it, you lose your funds permanently.
When the error keeps returning
If you clear the cache and the synchronization error returns within a few hours or days, the issue may be:
- A corrupted account. Try removing the affected account from Ledger Live and re-adding it. Go to Accounts, select the account, click the gear icon, and choose Remove account. Then add it again using Add account and selecting your Ledger device.
- Network firewall or antivirus blocking Ledger Live. Some security software mistakenly blocks Ledger Live's connections. Temporarily disable the software to test. If that fixes it, add an exception for Ledger Live in your security settings.
- An outdated operating system. Ensure your computer or phone is running a supported version of its OS. Ledger Live drops support for older OS versions periodically.
When to contact ledger support
If you have tried all the steps above and the synchronization error continues across multiple devices, contact Ledger support through their official website. Provide details about the error message, the steps you have already taken, and your operating system and Ledger Live version numbers. Support can check whether your accounts are affected by a broader issue on their end.
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