Ledger has officially announced that it will end support for its flagship hardware wallet, the Nano S, originally introduced in 2016. The company will discontinue firmware updates, security patches, app additions, and feature submissions. While existing units will continue to operate, users are warned that new blockchain protocols and app compatibility are not assured.
This step forms part of Ledger’s wider strategy to transition users to more advanced models—such as the Nano S Plus, Nano X, Flex, and Stax—that offer increased memory, enhanced security, and support for emerging blockchain technologies. Leading up to this shift, Ledger stated that the Nano S’s limited 320 KB memory and lack of sufficient RAM prevent it from accommodating modern features like Clear Signing, Ledger Sync, NFT management in Ledger Live, and swaps via Uniswap or THORChain.
In urging users to upgrade, Ledger emphasised the importance of keeping the 24‑word Secret Recovery Phrase secure. The firm reassured that even unsupported devices remain functional and that users can restore their seed phrase on a new Ledger or any BIP39‑compatible wallet.
The announcement has ignited strong criticism from the cryptocurrency community. On Cointelegraph, user “Pcaversaccio”, an Ethereum developer, called the move “very uncool” and accused Ledger of “effectively forc[ing] anyone to buy and enter the seed into a new device”. Another user, “Beau”, a safety project manager associated with Pudgy Penguins, lamented the development as a “major bummer”, urging users to back up recovery phrases and migrate assets promptly to avoid unexpected device failures.
Reddit discussions echo similar concern. A post titled “Is my Bitcoin still safe…” reassured users that funds remain secure as long as the 24‑word phrase is intact, but warned that app functionality—such as Bitcoin apps—may cease over time. One commenter said,
“you can continue to use the Nano S… over time app updates… may stop working”,
while another confirmed the importance of accurate seed-phrase backup.
Ledger’s internal guidance acknowledges the memory limitation challenges. A support note from May indicated that the Nano S would likely be retired soon following the introduction of the Nano S Plus.
Industry analysts note that Ledger is responding to the increasingly complex demands of blockchain ecosystems. Phasing out legacy hardware is consistent with broader tech trends where manufacturers sunset older models that lack capacity for modern enhancements.
Security experts warn users that continuing to rely on unsupported hardware introduces risks. Without firmware patches, vulnerabilities—from malware to address-spoofing exploits—could compromise transactions. Notable academic research highlights previously discovered threats like “EthClipper”, which subverts hardware wallets by manipulating the clipboard and tricking users into confirming malicious addresses. Though Nano S hardware resists many digital threats, absence of future updates could render it increasingly vulnerable.
Despite the controversy, some users remain calm. “I don’t think you really need to charge them…” a Redditor commented about battery concerns, downplaying the immediacy of issues. Others advised switching to alternatives like Bitcoin-only BitBox02 wallets, citing simplicity and reliability.
To mitigate transition disruptions, Ledger is emphasising seed phrase protocols and offering support materials on securely migrating assets. The company has not disclosed a cut-off date for update support but has urged users to upgrade promptly to ensure continued protection and functionality.