In a significant move that has ignited debate in the cryptocurrency community, Ledger has announced the discontinuation of its long-standing Nano S hardware wallet. Initially launched in 2016, this device has been a pivotal part of crypto security but is now being phased out amid evolving technological demands.
Technical Limitations of the Nano S
Ledger explained that the Nano S has reached its technical limitations, which hinder its ability to support modern blockchain applications and advanced security features. The device’s limited flash memory and RAM have become significant constraints in today’s rapidly changing crypto landscape.
Originally outfitted with a Secure Element chip (ST31H320) providing 320 KB of flash memory, the Nano S sufficiently met user needs at launch. However, Ledger now asserts that this amount of memory can no longer accommodate features such as Clear Signing, Ledger Recover, NFT transfers, and support for decentralized exchanges like THORChain and Uniswap. As a result, the Nano S will no longer receive firmware updates, security patches, or support for new applications.
Encouraging Users to Upgrade
In light of this decision, Ledger is urging Nano S users to upgrade to newer models such as the Nano S Plus, Nano X, Ledger Stax, or the recently released Ledger Flex. The company claims that these newer devices offer increased storage capacity, improved user interfaces, and compatibility with future blockchain technologies.
Additionally, Ledger launched the Ledger Recovery Key, an innovative offline tool for private key recovery that operates without internet or cloud services. This device allows users to securely store their keys on a chip card protected by a PIN, accessible via NFC. This circumvents the identity verification process that had drawn criticism for its predecessor, Ledger Recover.
Despite these advancements, the transition away from the Nano S has been met with resistance from long-term users.
Backlash Over Forced Migration
Many cryptocurrency users have voiced their frustration over what they consider an abrupt and unnecessary service cutoff. On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), users pointed out that the Nano S remains operational and accused Ledger of pushing users toward forced upgrades that undermine their trust.
What in the fuck is this @Ledger why are you discontinuing support for the nano s? I’m pretty sure a large amount of the 2021-2023 people use this device as their primary hardware wallet. Absolutely worthless company, will never buy another ledger product again. https://t.co/cOAjuY0n3l
— ⁵⁵¹¹ 🍌 (@BAYC5511) June 25, 2025
“the hardware has reached the limits of what it can support. The device’s memory capacity restricts the number of apps that can be installed at once, which makes it difficult to manage multiple assets or blockchains.”
THIS HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE CASE! NOT A PROPER REASON.— STRYED0R🛸 (@STRYED0R) June 26, 2025
These reactions echo a broader concern that Ledger is abandoning backwards compatibility, jeopardizing the trust it has cultivated over the years.
Defending the Decision
In response to the backlash, Ledger reiterated that the Nano S reached the end of its lifecycle in 2022, and this discontinuation is part of a long-communicated transition. The company clarified that the Nano S Plus, maintaining the same form factor but featuring increased memory and ongoing support, remains fully operational.
To facilitate this transition, Ledger is offering a 20% discount to users upgrading from the Nano S to a newer device. Yet, many users are requesting complimentary replacements, arguing that security should not come at an additional cost to early adopters.
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