TL;DR
- Ledger will stop providing software updates for the Nano S, with just 320 KB of memory that can no longer support modern features.
- The hardware will still allow basic operations and fund recovery through the 24-word seed phrase on other compatible devices.
- The decision divided the community: some accused the company of pressuring users to upgrade, while others supported ending support after nearly a decade.
Ledger confirmed it will end software support for its Nano S hardware wallet, a device launched nine years ago that, according to the company, no longer has enough capacity to incorporate current security features. Although the model was officially retired in 2022, it continued to receive limited updates, which will now be fully discontinued.
Charles Guillemet, Ledger’s Chief Technology Officer, explained that the device has only 320 KB of available memory, a figure almost entirely occupied by Bitcoin, Ethereum, and exchange applications. This limitation prevents adding new tools like multi-app environments, advanced signing, or integrated swaps through decentralized protocols. According to Guillemet, these features are essential for improving operational clarity and security.
👉 Your Ledger Nano S still works, and the Ledger Nano S Plus remains fully supported.
The Nano S had an incredible run, it was officially retired in 2022. Since then, we’ve been gradually phasing out its full support. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/OqFNsHL9ti
— Charles Guillemet (@P3b7_) June 26, 2025
How Does This Affect Users?
Users will still be able to use their Nano S devices for basic operations like sending and receiving cryptocurrencies or simple swaps. Additionally, the private keys created on these devices will remain recoverable via the 24-word seed phrase on any other compatible Ledger hardware or BIP-39-based wallet.
Following the announcement, the crypto community expressed mixed opinions. Some users accused the company of pushing clients toward new models, while others found it reasonable to stop supporting limited hardware after nearly a decade in circulation. Aave contributor Marc Zeller remarked that these types of withdrawals are standard in the industry, though he questioned why Ledger continued selling the Nano S for so long.
Ledger Launched the Recovery Key
At the same time, the company launched its Recovery Key this week, an additional physical key designed to help recover wallets in case of loss or damage to the main device. This tool complements the security options for users who choose to upgrade their equipment.
