Ledger Nano S support ends – 7 important steps now!

Ledger Nano S support ends: What users need to know now!

Ledger Nano S support is being discontinued – this has been officially announced by Ledger. For many users of the popular hardware wallet, the question now is: What does this mean for my security and my coins? In this article, we explain, highlight possible risks and give you 7 specific recommendations on how best to proceed now.

What does “end of Ledger Nano S support” actually mean?

When a company discontinues support for a product, this usually means that there are no more software or security updates. This is exactly the case with Ledger Nano S support. Although the device continues to work, without support, future changes in the crypto sector can lead to problems – especially in terms of security.

Ledger states that no new firmware updates for the Nano S will be released. In addition, possible bugs will no longer be fixed. In the long term, this can lead to incompatibilities with newer versions of the Ledger Live software, third-party software such as DApps or security vulnerabilities.

What are the risks for current users?

The discontinuation of Ledger Nano S support entails several risks. As firmware updates will no longer be released, known and potential security vulnerabilities will remain. If a new vulnerability is discovered, it will no longer be patched on the Nano S.

There may also be incompatibilities when using new coins or tokens. Some functions within Ledger Live may no longer be supported over time. This is a serious problem for security-conscious users.

Comparison: Ledger Nano S vs. Ledger Nano S Plus & Nano X

Ledger has already launched successor models on the market that are significantly more powerful and future-proof:

• Ledger Nano S Plus: Larger memory, modern architecture, support for more assets
• Ledger Nano X: Bluetooth functionality, mobile use, stronger security components

Both models continue to receive regular updates and are compatible with the latest security standards.

What should users do now?

A particularly important step is to check your seed backup. Within Ledger Live you can use the Recovery Check app on the ledger to test whether your 24 words have been written down correctly. The app does not display the words, you have to enter them directly on the ledger and the app will tell you if they are correct.

This is absolutely essential: If you can no longer transfer later – for example after an update of a crypto network – because your ledger software is too old (Ledger Nano S support end), you will be forced to use a new hardware wallet. If your seed backup does not work, you risk the complete loss of your coins & tokens. Now there is still time to test your backup and, if necessary, transfer your assets to a new address secured by a hardware wallet.

If you are still using a Ledger Nano S, you should act now. This is the best way to proceed:

1. Check the backup of your wallets (recovery check)
2. Write down and store the seed phrase securely
3. Check the compatibility of your coins with the new device
4. Keep Ledger Live up to date
5. Buy Ledger Nano S Plus, X or another hardware wallet
6. Migrate coins & tokens securely to the new device
7. Dispose of the old device safely (factory reset and destroy) or keep it as a spare

Can the Ledger Nano S still be used?

Technically speaking: Yes. You can continue to use your Ledger Nano S. But this is not recommended in the long term. Without security updates, the risk increases with every month. It becomes particularly critical when a crypto network carries out an update that requires a new ledger update – in such cases, it is possible that you will no longer be able to move your coins without first transferring them to a new device. Especially for large crypto amounts or long-term investments, a switch is strongly recommended.

Alternatives to the Ledger Nano S: These options are now available

Ledger itself recommends switching to the Ledger Nano S Plus after the end of Ledger Nano S support. Other alternatives are:

• Trezor Model T
• BitBox02
• OneKey

Here you will find an overview of my top 6 hardware wallet alternatives: Crypto hardware wallets: The 6 most fascinatingly secure models!

Here is an article on how to set up a hardware wallet, with expert tips that hardly anyone does: Hardware crypto wallet: 7 tips for secure setup!

All of these devices offer more modern security standards, more memory and actively supported software solutions.

Recommendations: How to protect your coins despite Ledger Nano S support end

Here are 7 important recommendations on how to optimally protect your cryptocurrencies even after the end of Ledger Nano S support:

1. Replace your device with a current or different model
2. Use a reliable backup strategy
3. Use official wallet software
4. Avoid third-party software or firmware
5. Keep yourself regularly informed about security vulnerabilities
6. Avoid internet connection for seed management
7. Document all steps for relatives or emergencies

Conclusion: Ledger Nano S support ends – take action now

Support for the Ledger Nano S is ending – this is a clear sign that users now need to look at alternatives. The risks posed by outdated software are real. Switching to the Ledger Nano S Plus or other up-to-date hardware wallets is strongly recommended. Acting now will protect your assets in the long term.

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If you need help recovering or migrating your Multibit wallet, check this out: Recover Multibit Wallet.

Disclaimer: This article does not constitute technical, financial or investment advice. Despite careful research, we assume no liability for the topicality, completeness or accuracy of the information provided. Users act at their own risk.