Keeping your Ledger firmware up to date is one of the most important things you can do as a crypto holder. Firmware updates patch security vulnerabilities, add new coin support, improve device stability, and unlock new features in Ledger Live. Skipping updates leaves your device exposed to known exploits and can prevent you from using newer apps.
This guide walks you through every step of the update process, explains what to check before you begin, covers common errors you might hit, and shows you how to verify the update completed successfully.
Why Firmware Updates Matter
Ledger’s development team regularly releases firmware updates for the Nano X, Nano S Plus, and Stax. These updates are not optional in the long run — older firmware versions eventually lose compatibility with Ledger Live and third-party apps.
Here is what each update typically contains:
Ledger publishes release notes for every firmware version on their support site. Reading these before updating gives you a clear picture of what has changed.
Before You Update: Critical Checklist
Do not skip this section. Firmware updates are safe for the vast majority of users, but there is a small risk of something going wrong. If that happens and you do not have your recovery phrase backed up, you could permanently lose access to your funds.
Verify Your Recovery Phrase Backup
- Locate your 24-word recovery phrase (or 12-word, depending on when you set up your device)
- Confirm the words are written down legibly — not just stored digitally
- Do a spot check: if your phrase says word 7 is “gravity”, can you read it clearly?
- Never store your recovery phrase on a computer, phone, or cloud service
If you do not have your recovery phrase, do NOT proceed with the update. Instead, move your funds to another wallet, reset the device, set it up fresh, and record the new phrase before continuing.
Other Pre-Update Checks
How to Update Ledger Firmware via Ledger Live
Step 1: Open Ledger Live and Connect Your Device
Open Ledger Live on your computer. Connect your Ledger via USB and enter your PIN on the device to unlock it.
Step 2: Navigate to My Ledger
In the left sidebar, click My Ledger. Ledger Live will connect to your device and display its current firmware version, serial number, and any pending updates.
Step 3: Check for Available Updates
If a firmware update is available, you will see a banner at the top of the My Ledger screen that reads something like: “Firmware update available: X.X.X”. Click the Update firmware button.
Step 4: Read the Update Notes
Ledger Live will display the changelog for the new firmware version. Read this carefully — it tells you what is changing and whether any installed apps will be removed during the update (they usually are, but they can be reinstalled immediately after).
Step 5: Confirm the Update on Your Device
After clicking Continue in Ledger Live, your Ledger device will display the update details. Use the right button to scroll through the information, then press both buttons simultaneously to confirm you want to install the update.
Step 6: Wait for the Update to Install
The update process takes between 1 and 5 minutes depending on your device and the size of the firmware file. During this time:
- Ledger Live will show a progress bar
- Your device screen may go blank, show a loading animation, or display the Ledger logo
- Do not disconnect, press any buttons, or close Ledger Live
Step 7: Enter Your PIN After the Update
Once the update completes, your device will restart. You will need to enter your PIN again. This is normal — the device wipes its running state after a firmware flash.
Step 8: Reinstall Your Apps
After a firmware update, installed apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) may be removed. Go back to My Ledger > App catalog and reinstall any apps you need. Your accounts and funds are NOT affected — only the apps on the device are removed. Your seed phrase remains intact.
Step 9: Verify the Update
Go to My Ledger again and confirm the firmware version now shows the new version number. You can also check this on-device by navigating to Settings > Device information > Firmware version.
Common Firmware Update Errors and Fixes
| Error | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| MCU firmware not genuine | Device stuck in bootloader mode or corrupted MCU | Unplug, hold the left button, plug back in (enter recovery mode), then retry update |
| Device not recognised | USB driver issue or faulty cable | Try a different USB port or cable; use a data cable, not a charging-only cable |
| Update failed / interrupted | Connection dropped during update | Unplug, re-enter bootloader mode, reconnect, and retry |
| Wrong firmware version shown | Ledger Live cache issue | Close Ledger Live, clear cache in Settings, reopen and retry |
| Apps missing after update | Normal post-update behaviour | Reinstall from My Ledger > App catalog |
| Ledger Live out of date error | Ledger Live version too old | Update Ledger Live first, then retry firmware update |
| Device asks for PIN before update | Normal security behaviour | Enter PIN, navigate to dashboard, then retry from My Ledger |
| Update stuck at 0% | USB power issue | Use a direct USB port on your computer (not a hub), try a different cable |
Entering Recovery Mode (MCU Firmware Error)
If you see the “MCU firmware is not genuine” error or your device is stuck:
- Unplug the USB cable from your device
- Hold down the left button on your Ledger (on the Nano X, this is the left button near the screen)
- While holding the left button, plug the USB cable back in
- Release the button
- In Ledger Live, the update process should restart automatically
If this does not work, try a different USB cable and a different port. Avoid USB hubs.
Understanding Ledger Firmware Version Numbers
Ledger firmware versions follow a format like 2.2.3 for the Nano X or 1.1.1 for the Nano S Plus. The numbers represent major version, minor version, and patch level. Ledger also maintains separate firmware versions for the MCU (microcontroller unit) and the Secure Element chip — Ledger Live handles both.
You should generally always be on the latest stable firmware. Ledger does not push breaking changes to stable firmware without extensive testing, and they maintain a strong track record of update reliability.
What If the Update Fails and Your Device is Unresponsive?
In rare cases, a failed update can leave the device displaying a loading screen or an error. Here is what to do:
- Disconnect the device from USB
- Wait 30 seconds
- Try to enter bootloader/recovery mode (hold left button while plugging in)
- If the device shows a bootloader screen, Ledger Live should detect it and offer to resume the update
- If none of this works, contact Ledger Support directly — provide your device serial number and describe the exact error
Ledger Support can issue a replacement device if a confirmed firmware update causes hardware failure, though this is extremely rare.
Verifying the Firmware Update is Genuine
Ledger uses a cryptographic verification system called Genuine Check to confirm that the firmware on your device is authentic Ledger code. When you connect to My Ledger, Ledger Live runs this check automatically.
After an update, if the genuine check passes (you see a green checkmark or “Your device is genuine” message), the update was successful and the firmware is authentic.
If the genuine check fails after an update, do not enter your PIN or access any accounts. Contact Ledger Support immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will updating my firmware erase my crypto?
No. Your funds are stored on the blockchain, not on the device itself. Your recovery phrase is the only thing that controls access to your funds. Firmware updates do not affect the recovery phrase or your account balances.
Q: Do I need to update firmware before using my Ledger for the first time?
Yes — when you first set up a new Ledger, Ledger Live will prompt you to update to the latest firmware before proceeding. This is normal and recommended.
Q: How often does Ledger release firmware updates?
Approximately 3–6 times per year, though this varies. Major security patches are released as needed, sometimes outside this schedule.
Q: Can I skip firmware versions?
Yes. Ledger Live handles version skipping automatically. If you are several versions behind, it will update you to the latest stable version in one or two steps.
Q: What happens to my installed apps during a firmware update?
Most firmware updates require removing and reinstalling apps. This is normal. Your accounts and funds are NOT deleted — only the apps on the device are removed, and you can reinstall them from My Ledger in minutes.
Q: Is it safe to update firmware if I have funds on my device?
Yes, as long as your recovery phrase backup is verified and secure. The firmware update does not touch your private keys or seed phrase.
Q: Should I update to beta firmware if Ledger offers it?
No — unless you are a developer or advanced user who understands the risks. Stick to stable firmware releases for everyday use.
Q: My update is stuck at a percentage — what do I do?
Wait at least 10 minutes before doing anything. If it is still stuck, carefully disconnect and re-enter bootloader mode. Do not force-close Ledger Live while an update is in progress if you can avoid it.
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