Users Face Hurdles Accessing Funds on Ledger Nano S | Firmware Update Risks Intensify

Liam O'Sullivan

May 2, 2025, 07:42 PM

Edited By

Alice Thompson

Updated

May 4, 2025, 10:14 PM

2 minutes needed to read

A person looks frustrated while trying to access Bitcoin on a Ledger Nano S device with an error message on the screen.

A growing number of people are struggling with accessing Bitcoin on outdated Ledger Nano S devices. Discussions are heating up as users highlight significant issues stemming from firmware updates and app compatibility.

Case Overview

One user, who has a friend that bought Bitcoin back in 2013, transferred BTC to a Ledger Nano S through the Chrome Bitcoin app before Ledger Live was available. Despite having the correct PIN, losing the seed phrase has made any firmware update a potential "bricking" risk. The Bitcoin is on a SegWit address, complicating efforts to retrieve the funds through Electrum due to an outdated Bitcoin app.

"Not updating is crucial as it may risk access to the account," expressed one concerned individual.

New Developments in User Experiences

Several commenters reported learning the hard way about the fallout from firmware updates. One user detailed their experience after a firmware update erased everything, forcing them to input their seed phrase again. They noted that their XRP was lost as a result and confirmed a similar perspective:

"The cryptos are on the blockchains, not in the ledger device. The only thing stored in the ledger is the seed phrase."

Another user revealed insights into the incompatibility of older wallet extensions with Ledger Live, and how this affects XRP accounts:

"This is a known issue, and the funds are recoverable. The old chrome ledger ripple wallet was using a derivation path scheme not supported by Ledger Live."

Community Sentiments

The community's response remains cautious. Users are warning against firmware updates, given the potential for loss. A user recalled losing XRP after a firmware update. Others voiced frustration in their attempts to reinstall the Bitcoin app, which Ledger Live fails to recognize as already installed.

Key Insights

⚠️ Many believe updating firmware could render devices useless.
🔄 Updates to older apps are increasingly problematic.
💡 "This knowledge could help recover funds," shared an informed user.

Despite the challenges, many affected users are encouraged to reach out to customer support for further guidance in retrieving their funds. With significant risks involved in updating firmware, the community remains vigilant.