Secure your crypto with this straightforward update process
Pre-Update Prep
Before starting, gather essentials and double-check critical items. First, ensure your Ledger Nano S Plus has at least 50% battery—low power during updates can cause glitches. Last month, my neighbor tried updating with 10% battery and his device froze mid-process; he had to wait for it to drain, then retry once charged. Next, confirm you have your 24-word recovery phrase stored safely on paper, not in a digital note. A few weeks back, a friend named Jake skipped this step and panicked when the update asked for the phrase; he luckily had a physical copy he hid in his home safe. Also, close any other apps that connect to your Ledger, like browser extensions or other crypto wallets, to avoid connection conflicts.
Key Pre-Update Checks
Don’t rush past these checks—they prevent most common issues. First, update Ledger Live to the latest version. For desktop users, click the small update icon in the top right corner; mobile users can find the update prompt in the app’s settings. Using an outdated Ledger Live can lead to failed updates or compatibility errors. Next, inspect your Nano S Plus: make sure the USB cable is in good shape (no frayed wires) and the device’s screen turns on when connected. Avoid using third-party USB cables; use the one that came with your Ledger, as cheap cables often have connectivity problems. Most importantly, never download firmware from sites other than Ledger’s official platform. I once saw a Reddit thread where a user installed a fake firmware from a random link and lost all their altcoins—stick to Ledger Live for everything.
Step-by-Step Firmware Update
Follow these steps exactly to get it right. First, open Ledger Live on your computer or phone, then connect your Nano S Plus via USB. Unlock the device by entering your 4-8 digit PIN. Once the device is connected, go to the “Settings” tab in Ledger Live, then select “Device” from the menu. Look for the “Firmware Update” option—click it, and you’ll see a prompt to start the process. Next, a unique code will appear on both your Ledger Nano S Plus screen and Ledger Live. You must verify these codes match exactly; if they don’t, stop immediately and reconnect. This is a critical security feature to prevent fake firmware attacks. Once confirmed, click “Update” in Ledger Live, then go to your Nano S Plus and press the right button to select “Accept” when prompted. Wait 2 to 5 minutes for the update to complete—do not unplug the device or close Ledger Live during this time. My colleague once unplugged his device mid-update, and he had to go through a recovery process, which took him an hour. Patience here saves you hassle.
Post-Update Verification
After the update, take these steps to confirm everything works. First, your Nano S Plus will automatically restart. Once it turns on, unlock it and go to the “Settings” section, then “About” to check the firmware version. Compare this to the latest version listed on Ledger’s official blog—if it matches, you’re good. Next, open Ledger Live and check all your crypto assets. For example, I always verify my Ethereum and Bitcoin balances right after an update; last time, everything was exactly where it should be. To be extra safe, test a small transaction—send 0.001 ETH to a test address (like a burner wallet) to confirm the device signs transactions correctly. If all checks pass, you’re done. If not, you can retry the update, or contact Ledger support via their help center for quick guidance. This final step ensures your update didn’t disrupt your access to funds, a small effort that gives big peace of mind.
