#Ledger tutorial. Ledger stuck in Bootloader or Update mode: what to do

Ledger stuck in Bootloader or Update mode after a firmware update? In most cases, this does not mean the device is broken or that you have lost access to your crypto. Start by checking the cable, USB connection, and Ledger Wallet before moving on to firmware repair or a factory reset.

The Ledger app is now called Ledger Wallet — it was previously known as Ledger Live. Menu names can change between versions, so this guide focuses primarily on the recovery process itself rather than relying on one specific interface layout.

First things first: your funds are still there

If your Ledger displays Bootloader, Update mode, or remains in a service mode after restarting, that alone does not mean your crypto is gone.

Your coins and tokens are not stored inside the Ledger device. They remain on their respective blockchains. The device protects the private keys that allow you to control those assets.

The most important thing in this situation is having a reliable backup of your Secret Recovery Phrase. We cover this in more detail in our guide on how to store a seed phrase safely. As long as your recovery phrase is secure, you can restore your wallet even if the original device stops working completely.

Why Bootloader does not mean your seed phrase has been exposed

On classic Ledger Nano devices, sensitive cryptographic data is protected by the Secure Element. Your private keys and Secret Recovery Phrase remain protected inside this chip, while a separate microcontroller handles peripherals and communication between device components.

Entering Bootloader mode during an update does not give your computer access to the seed phrase or PIN. It is a service mode used as part of the firmware update process.

Do not search Google for a Ledger Support phone number

A device stuck during an update creates an ideal situation for scammers: you are worried, looking for an urgent fix, and may be more willing to follow instructions from someone claiming to be support.

Ledger does not provide technical support by phone. If someone in Google Search, Telegram, Discord, X, or another platform offers to “recover your Ledger” over the phone, through remote access to your computer, or by asking you to enter your 24 words on a website, that is not an official recovery procedure.

• Never enter your Secret Recovery Phrase on a website, in a chat, or in an application on your computer.
• Download Ledger Wallet only from the official Ledger website.
• Do not install third-party tools such as “Ledger Repair Tool,” “Recovery Utility,” or similar software from forums or advertisements.
• Official Ledger Support will never ask you for your Secret Recovery Phrase or PIN.
• Do not trust a caller simply because you received a genuine automated Ledger email shortly before they contacted you.

Troubleshooting before you start a repair

Before starting Repair — and especially before resetting the device — rule out the simplest causes. The problem is often related to the USB connection or your computer rather than the Ledger itself.

Check the cable

Not every USB-C cable supports data transfer. Some cables are designed for charging only. If possible, use the cable supplied with your Ledger or another cable that you know can transfer data.

Connect Ledger directly to your computer

For troubleshooting and recovery, connect the device directly to a USB port on your computer. Avoid USB hubs, docks, adapters, and USB ports built into monitors where possible.

Update Ledger Wallet

Install the latest version of Ledger Wallet and restart the application completely. An outdated version may not work correctly with a newer Ledger OS release or the current recovery process.

Close other wallet applications

Close any other software that may be trying to access a hardware wallet over USB, such as Sparrow, Electrum, MetaMask, or similar applications. On Windows, make sure they are not still running in the background.

Check the battery level

Charge your Ledger Nano X, Flex, Stax, or Nano Gen5 before trying the update again. A deeply discharged battery adds another possible point of failure to a process that should not be interrupted.

The Ledger Nano X has a 100 mAh battery. If the device has been stored unused for a long time, Ledger recommends charging it periodically.

If your Nano X displays an E7 error, let the battery charge properly and follow Ledger’s battery recovery procedure before considering a wallet reset. We also have a separate guide on Ledger Nano X battery and charging problems.

Level 1: restart the device and retry the update

If the cable, USB port, and Ledger Wallet all appear to be working correctly, start with the least disruptive option: restart the device and allow Ledger Wallet to resume the interrupted update.

Ledger Nano S Plus

Disconnect your Ledger Nano S Plus, wait a few seconds, and reconnect it directly to your computer. Open Ledger Wallet and go to My Ledger. If the app detects an unfinished update, allow it to continue.

Ledger Nano X

If your Ledger Nano X still responds to its buttons, try shutting it down normally through Control Center and then switch it back on. Reconnect the Nano X by cable and open My Ledger.

If Bootloader remains on the screen or the device is still completing a startup process, avoid disconnecting it unnecessarily. In some cases, a service-mode startup can take considerably longer than a normal boot.

Ledger Flex, Stax, and Nano Gen5

The touchscreen models use a different recovery process from the Nano S Plus and Nano X. If one of these devices becomes stuck during an update, start with a normal restart using the power button, connect it to Ledger Wallet Desktop, and try to resume the update.

You may also see Protection Mode on these devices. Do not follow random instructions involving the left button that were written for older Nano models when troubleshooting a Flex, Stax, or Nano Gen5.

What happens to your apps after a Ledger OS update

Cryptocurrency apps installed on the device may be temporarily removed during a Ledger OS update. This does not affect your Secret Recovery Phrase, private keys, or access to your crypto assets.

After a successful update, Ledger Wallet reinstalls the apps automatically. If one of them is not restored because the update was interrupted, you can install it again through My Ledger.

The accounts shown in Ledger Wallet are not the crypto assets themselves either. If necessary, you can add them again and Ledger Wallet will rediscover the addresses derived from the same Secret Recovery Phrase.

Level 2: use Repair in Ledger Wallet

If restarting the device does not help, move on to the built-in recovery tool in Ledger Wallet. Repair is designed for situations where a firmware update did not complete correctly.

Connect the device by cable and open Ledger Wallet Desktop. On Windows, if you are having problems with USB access, try running the application as an administrator.

In the current interface, open the profile menu, go to My Ledger, and wait for the blue Repair button to appear. In some versions, the same tool may also be available under Settings → Help → Repair your Ledger device. If your interface looks different, follow Ledger’s official instructions for a device stuck in Update or Bootloader mode.

Then follow the instructions shown in Ledger Wallet. Do not disconnect the device or allow the computer to enter sleep mode while the firmware is being reinstalled.

If Repair does not start

• Restart the computer completely.
• Try another USB port and a cable that supports data transfer.
• If possible, test the device on another computer.
• On Windows, check whether the operating system detects the Ledger over USB.
• Close any other applications that may be accessing the hardware wallet.
• If the problem continues, try Ledger Wallet on another supported operating system.

Level 3: factory reset — only with a verified backup

A factory reset should be the last step. Do not proceed until you have confirmed that you have a usable backup of your wallet.

A factory reset removes the private keys, settings, and installed apps from the device. You can restore the same wallet using your Secret Recovery Phrase or, on compatible devices, a Ledger Recovery Key that you configured beforehand.

Do not use one universal button combination for every Ledger model. The way you enter a service or recovery mode depends on the specific device and Ledger OS version. If Repair requires a particular mode, follow the instructions displayed by the current version of Ledger Wallet for your device.

Do not try to guess a forgotten PIN either. After three incorrect PIN attempts, a Ledger device automatically resets to factory settings.

How to restore your wallet after a reset

After resetting the device, choose the option to restore an existing wallet and enter your Secret Recovery Phrase directly on the Ledger. Then install the apps you need and add your accounts back to Ledger Wallet.

Your balances are not restored from the memory of the old device. Ledger Wallet scans the relevant blockchains again and finds the addresses derived from the same Secret Recovery Phrase.

If the original Ledger has failed completely, a BIP39-compatible recovery phrase can be restored on another compatible hardware wallet. It does not have to be another Ledger of the same model.

However, default account types and derivation paths can differ between wallet manufacturers. If some of your old addresses do not appear immediately after recovery, that does not necessarily mean your seed phrase is incorrect.

A special case: the original Ledger Nano S

The original Ledger Nano S has been discontinued and is no longer part of Ledger’s current device lineup. New versions of some apps and features are no longer available for it, which means its practical compatibility continues to become more limited as blockchains and software evolve.

If a Nano S is stuck in Bootloader, it is still worth going through the basic troubleshooting steps and trying the standard Repair process in Ledger Wallet. If the device cannot be recovered, the more practical option is to restore the same wallet from your Secret Recovery Phrase on a current device such as the Ledger Nano S Plus.

Ledger Flex, Stax, and Nano Gen5: do not use old Nano instructions

Ledger Flex, Ledger Stax, and Ledger Nano Gen5 use touchscreen controls and a different device design, so instructions written for the Nano S Plus or Nano X should not automatically be applied to them.

If one of these models becomes stuck during a Ledger OS update, the overall approach is the same: charge the device, perform a normal restart, connect it to Ledger Wallet Desktop, and try to recover or resume the update.

Ledger also uses Protection Mode on its touchscreen models. If your device enters this mode, follow the instructions in Ledger Wallet for your specific model rather than old Nano guides based on button combinations.

What you need to know about Ledger Recovery Key

Ledger Nano Gen5, Flex, and Stax support Ledger Recovery Key, a separate NFC card that can hold a protected backup of your Secret Recovery Phrase.

If you set up a Recovery Key in advance, you can use it as one recovery option with a compatible Ledger device. You should still keep a separate offline copy of your Secret Recovery Phrase: Recovery Key complements your primary backup rather than replacing it.

When the problem is likely hardware-related

If software recovery does not help, check for signs that the problem may be with the hardware itself.

• The Ledger is not detected on several computers with different known-good cables.
• The screen or controls do not respond at all.
• A Nano X will not hold a charge even after a proper charging cycle.
• Battery errors return after every restart.
• Repair fails at exactly the same stage even when you use another computer.

At that point, repeatedly reinstalling the firmware may no longer be useful. If your recovery phrase is safe, access to your funds does not depend on whether this particular device can be repaired.

Warranty and support

Ledger devices purchased from Lwallet come with a 24-month warranty. If your device has a hardware fault or still cannot be recovered after basic troubleshooting and the standard Repair process, contact us. We can help diagnose the issue and advise you on the next steps for warranty service.

If the Ledger still works and you have already verified your Secret Recovery Phrase backup, you can reset the device to factory settings before handing it over for service.

How to reduce the risk of problems during your next update

Update Ledger OS when you have enough time to let the process finish without having to disconnect the device halfway through.

• Before updating, make sure your Secret Recovery Phrase is accessible and correctly recorded.
• Use a reliable USB cable that supports data transfer.
• Connect the Ledger directly to the computer rather than through unnecessary USB hubs.
• Charge your Nano X, Flex, Stax, or Nano Gen5 before starting the update.
• Do not close Ledger Wallet or disconnect the device while Ledger OS is being installed.
• If a Ledger has been sitting unused for a long time, periodically check that it still works and that the battery is charged.

Most importantly, if your Ledger stuck in Bootloader or Update mode during an update, do not panic. If your wallet backup is safe, first rule out cable and computer issues, then use the standard Repair process in Ledger Wallet, and only after that consider a factory reset or replacing the device.

FAQ: Ledger stuck in Bootloader or Update mode

What should I do if my Ledger is stuck in Bootloader or Update mode?

Start by checking the USB cable, USB port, and whether Ledger Wallet is up to date. Then try to resume the update or run Repair. Bootloader is a service mode used for firmware operations, so seeing it does not automatically mean your seed phrase or crypto has been lost.

Can a failed Ledger update make me lose my crypto?

Your crypto is not stored inside the Ledger device itself. Even if the device has to be replaced completely, you can restore access using your Secret Recovery Phrase as long as it has been backed up correctly.

What if Ledger Wallet cannot detect my device in Bootloader mode?

Check the USB cable, connect the Ledger directly to another USB port, update Ledger Wallet, close other hardware wallet applications, and restart your computer. If that does not help, test the device on another computer.

Does a Ledger OS update erase the Secret Recovery Phrase?

A normal Ledger OS update is not supposed to erase your Secret Recovery Phrase. You should still have a verified offline backup before every update because a failure may eventually require a factory reset and full device recovery.

Can I restore a Ledger wallet on a device from another manufacturer?

A standard BIP39 recovery phrase can be restored on a compatible hardware wallet. When moving between manufacturers, you may need to account for different address types or derivation paths to locate all of your previous accounts.

What if I used a passphrase?

To recover accounts created with a passphrase, you need both the Secret Recovery Phrase and the exact same passphrase. Restoring only the standard 24 words will show the standard accounts, but not the separate set of addresses protected by the additional passphrase.