Ledger 1.4.1 Upgrade Tutorial
Description
Ledger Nano S 1.4.1 Firmware Upgrade has been released. This huge upgrade allows the addition of up to 18 coins on the Nano S. Make sure you back up your device. WARNING: Upgrading firmware involves ...
AI Analysis
Upgrading your Ledger Nano S to firmware version 1.4.1 is a pretty big deal, bringing a massive improvement in how many cryptocurrencies you can store on your device. This update bumps the capacity from just a handful of coins to potentially up to 18, which is a game-changer for anyone trying to manage various altcoins without needing multiple Ledgers. However, it's also an update that comes with significant risks, so it's super important to follow the instructions carefully and prioritize your backups.
Here's a breakdown of what you need to know about this major Ledger Nano S upgrade:
* Why You Should Upgrade:
* The most compelling reason is the huge increase in storage capacity. Previously, you could only hold about three to four cryptocurrency apps (like Ethereum or Bitcoin) on your Ledger Nano S before running out of space. With firmware 1.4.1, you can now store anywhere from 10 to 18 apps, depending on the space each coin's app takes up. This means you likely won't need to buy multiple Ledgers just to manage different altcoins.
* There are also important security updates included in this new firmware, enhancing the overall protection of your digital assets.
* Crucial Cautions Before You Begin:
* This is a significant overhaul of the Ledger's operating system, and the update process carries a risk. Some users have reported their Ledger devices being "bricked" (rendered unusable) after the upgrade.
* It is absolutely essential to have your 24-word backup recovery phrase (seed phrase) readily available and verified before starting. This phrase is your only way to restore your funds if something goes wrong or your device gets wiped.
If your Ledger is currently running on a very old firmware version (pre-1.3), the upgrade will completely reset your device. This means all your installed coin apps and private keys will be wiped. If this is your situation, you must move all your coins off the device to a different wallet or exchange before* attempting the upgrade, then restore them using your seed phrase after the update is complete. Make sure you know what firmware version you're on.
* The Installation Walkthrough:
* Get the Ledger Manager: First, you need the Ledger Manager application, which is a Chrome extension. You can find it on the Ledger website. Install it by adding it to Chrome.
* Prepare Your Device: Once the Ledger Manager is open, unlock your Ledger Nano S device. To make space for the update, you might need to delete some of the existing cryptocurrency apps (like Ethereum or Bitcoin) from your Ledger. Don't worry, deleting an app doesn't delete your actual coins; they are still secured by your recovery phrase. This step is necessary because the update package itself needs room.
* Start the Firmware Update: In the Ledger Manager, click "Install" to begin the firmware update. The manager will display a prompt asking you to confirm the firmware update. Double-check that the identifier starts with "2E88" and the version is "1.4.1."
Enter Bootloader Mode: This is a critical step. The Ledger Manager will tell you that the "MCU is outdated." To proceed, you need to unplug your Ledger, then hold down the left button* (the one closer to the USB port) while plugging the device back into your computer. Your Ledger screen should then display "bootloader."
* DO NOT UNPLUG: Once the update process starts (you'll see "installing firmware" on your Ledger screen), it is paramount that you do not unplug your device, turn off your computer, or interrupt the process in any way. Doing so can irreversibly damage your Ledger device. The update can take up to 15 minutes, or even longer if your internet connection is slow, so be patient. For some, it might only take about three minutes with a fast connection.
* Confirmation: After the update completes, your Ledger will show the new firmware versions: Secure Element 1.4.1 and MCU 1.5.
* Checking Out the New Features:
* Reinstall Apps: After the firmware update, you'll need to reinstall all the cryptocurrency apps you had before (e.g., Ethereum, Bitcoin, NEO). Go back into the Ledger Manager and install them one by one.
* Verify Your Coins: Once an app (like Ethereum) is reinstalled, open its corresponding wallet application (e.g., the Ethereum wallet). Unlock your Ledger, confirm the connection, and you should see your coins exactly where you left them. This confirms the update was successful and your funds are safe.
* Test the Capacity: A really cool part of this update is seeing how many apps you can now fit. It was tested that you can easily get 10 apps on the device, and potentially more, up to the advertised 18. The exact number depends on how much space each individual coin's app consumes.
* Final Thoughts:
* This is definitely a challenging upgrade, so it’s highly recommended to read all official instructions carefully.
Always verify your backup phrase is intact. If you had a 12-word backup phrase on an older device, be aware that the new firmware might require a 24-word phrase, meaning you absolutely must* move your coins off the device before the upgrade and then restore with the new 24-word phrase generated after the wipe.
* If you encounter any issues or have questions, it's a good idea to seek out community support or official Ledger resources.
Transcript
Hey guys, in this video I'm going to update the firmware 1.4.1 on my Ledger Nano S. This is a very, very huge upgrade and the process has been a little bit complicated. So I will go through upgrading this myself and I'm going to link some instructions, the official instructions for updating the Ledger as well. One of the biggest reasons why you want to upgrade is that you can add more coins onto your Ledger. So before you can add three to four coins, your Ethereum or Bitcoin, and maybe it's jus...