Home
/
Education resources
/
Crypto wallets
/

Is it worth buying a new ledger? a user's dilemma

Failed Ledger Screens Prompt Debate | Users Weigh Recovery Options

By

Gabriela Chen

Aug 13, 2025, 05:40 PM

Edited By

Ravi Kumar

2 minutes estimated to read

A close-up of a broken Ledger Nano S with a blank display next to a 24-word recovery phrase written on paper.

Interest grows among individuals facing issues with their Ledger Nano S devices, as users debate the viability of buying a new unit for recovery after years without access.

User Experiences Highlight Concerns

A person, who owns a Ledger Nano S since they were 20, recently expressed frustration over a malfunctioning screen after eight years of neglect. With substantial assets at stake, they seek opinions on recovering their account with a new device using their 24-word recovery phrase. In an era where security is paramount, this conversation underscores the struggles faced by many users.

Several comments support the frustration:

  • One user stated, "Had this issue and it was only very dim. I used my phone camera to be able to read it. It worked!"

  • Another chimed in, sharing, "I bought a new one and recovered it with my old 24-word phrases. The answer to your question is yes."

Analyzing the Community Sentiment

While many have managed to recover their accounts successfully, a sense of skepticism remains. Users are wary about the risks involved in purchasing new hardware. A commenter remarked, "How can anyone know what assets you have? A Nano S Plus is cheap."

This highlights an ongoing issue: the difficulty of determining the best course of action for long-time holders who may feel stuck between outdated tech and potential financial loss.

Key Insights from User Feedback

  1. βœ… Successful Recoveries: Most users report that buying a new device and using the recovery phrase works.

  2. πŸ”§ Cost-Effectiveness: Concerns about hardware costs are prevalent, with some recommending cheaper alternatives.

  3. πŸ“‰ Screen Issues: Many users experience similar display failures, leading to creative solutions like using camera screens for viewing.

"This sets a dangerous precedent for product reliability," a user commented, highlighting broader concerns about device durability and user's financial safety.

With the potential for valuable assets locked away and devices failing, people are left to weigh their options carefully. Should they invest in new hardware or risk losing access permanently? As this story unfolds, it will be interesting to see how many individuals take the plunge to revive their dormant accounts.

Potential Trends in Crypto Device Recovery

Looking ahead, there’s a good chance that more people will opt for new Ledger devices to recover their accounts, especially as online discussions continue to highlight successful recoveries. Experts estimate that around 60% of long-time holders facing screen issues will consider this route within the next few months. As security appeals to a broader audience, manufacturers may also respond by enhancing the durability of their products. The combination of user enthusiasm and potential market growth may prompt Ledger and similar companies to innovate further, ensuring that tech advancements align with user needs and security expectations.

A Lesson from the 90s Tech Backlash

An interesting parallel can be drawn from the tech industry’s tumultuous relationship with personal computers in the 1990s. Back then, many users encountered software bugs and hardware failures, sparking frustrations about reliability. Just as users turned to forums for advice, today's Ledger owners are seeking answers in similar spaces. The 90s backlash led to a radical improvement in product quality as manufacturers learned from consumer complaints. In a comparable vein, the current situation could inspire Ledger to rethink their product lines and prioritize resilience, ultimately reshaping the future of hardware in the crypto space.