Ledger’s Retirement of Nano S Sparks Backlash and Security Questions
Crypto users vent frustration over the end of support for the widely trusted Ledger Nano S wallet.
A Trusted Hardware Wallet Nears Its Final Days
Ledger’s Nano S, one of the earliest and most widely used hardware crypto wallets, is being officially retired. The company confirmed in a May 30 Spring Update that it is ending support for the Nano S, effectively sunsetting the device.
Originally launched in 2016, the Nano S helped define personal crypto security at a time when mainstream awareness was still growing. Now, nearly a decade later, Ledger is cutting off new applications, app updates, and feature submissions for the device.
A separate April notice urged users to transition to newer models like the Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X, warning that the aging device’s limited storage capacity can no longer keep up with the evolving crypto ecosystem.
Users React: “Very Uncool” and “Major Bummer”
Despite Ledger’s early notice, many users on social media only recently caught on—and they’re not happy.
On Wednesday, Ethereum ecosystem developer Pcaversaccio took to X, calling the decision “very uncool,” accusing Ledger of forcing users to migrate wallets and re-enter seed phrases into new hardware.
“You’re one of the few trusted parties out there, and now you start censoring new features and access because of business rationale,” Pcaversaccio posted.
Another X user, Beau, who works with Pudgy Penguins, called it a “major bummer”, warning users to back up their 24-word seed phrase and consider moving their assets before updates cease.
“Don’t want to be caught with a broken device after updates stop,” Beau cautioned.
Security Risks and User Concerns Rise
The end of support raises questions about security vulnerabilities for users who continue using the device.
“It will probably still work, but the device won’t be receiving updates,” Beau noted, adding that over time, lack of firmware upgrades could expose users to risks.
Ledger has confirmed that ongoing use of the Nano S without updates means users won’t benefit from the latest security patches or blockchain compatibility features. The company maintains that the crypto space has grown beyond the capabilities of the older device.
Still, some long-time users aren’t worried. Tornado Cash developer Roman Semenov, currently considered a fugitive by U.S. authorities, said:
Share This“I stopped updating my Ledger years ago… It doesn’t really need any updates to work.”
