Ledger Phases Out Nano S Amid Crypto Tech Shift, Debuts New Offline Key

- Ledger retires Nano S wallet, urging users to modernize with updated devices. - New NFC-enabled Recovery Key promises secure offline crypto access and backups. Between June 24 and 26, 2025, cryptocurrency hardware giant Ledger announced plans to phase out its Nano S wallet and also unveiled the Ledger Recovery Key, an offline solution for private key recovery. On June 26, Cointelegraph, Bitcoin.com News, and AInvest reported these updates, noting Ledger's aim to address evolving blockchain demands and advance security with these changes. In its Spring update notes in April 2025, Ledger had previously confirmed details about the Nano S. First launched in 2016, this wallet will no longer receive app updates, new feature submissions, or technical developments. Ledger attributed this decision to the Nano S's limited storage capacity and its inability to support emerging blockchain technologies. Consequently, the company has ceased manufacturing Nano S devices and urges users to transition to newer models such as the Nano S Plus, Nano X, Ledger Flex, or Ledger Stax. These upgraded devices offer improved storage and enhanced security protocols like Clear Signing; furthermore, they provide a seamless user experience and compatibility with NFT management tools and asset synchronization. Ledger advised Nano S users to safeguard their 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase to maintain access to their assets. However, Cointelegraph, Bitcoin.com News, and AInvest also reported on June 26 that some users expressed concerns on social media about the forced upgrade process and potential vulnerability risks associated with unsupported devices. Meanwhile, Ledger introduced the Ledger Recovery Key. This physical NFC-enabled smart card enables private key recovery for users of the Ledger Flex or Ledger Stax wallets. Unlike the previous cloud-based Ledger Recover service, the new Recovery Key remains entirely offline and does not require users to share personal information. The device connects securely with the Ledger Flex or Ledger Stax via NFC, allowing users to back up and restore their 24-word recovery phrase through a simple tap and PIN entry. Ledger built the Recovery Key using Secure Element technology, the same found in its existing wallets. Additionally, the Recovery Key’s app code is open-source. Ledger’s "Donjon" team conducted internal scrutiny, and cybersecurity firm Synacktiv performed external audits. Ledger CTO Charles Guillemet remarked on June 26 that security researchers have welcomed this innovation positively. Separately, on June 26, CoinMarketCap reported that Bitcoin (BTC) was trading at $31,207 as of 12:00 UTC, with its 24-hour trading volume showing a 1.8% decline. Similarly, Ethereum (ETH) was reported at $1,928, marking a 1.4% drop, while XRP (XRP) stood at $0.49, showing a modest 0.7% gain.