Hardware wallets are built to last, but “last” is not the same as “indefinitely.” The Ledger Nano S, still present in many Korean holders’ drawers, received its final significant firmware branch in 2023. Devices on older branches remain functional for signing transactions, yet they accumulate risk factors that a rotation ledger should track.
Physical Indicators
Inspect the USB port for looseness. A port that no longer holds a cable firmly can interrupt firmware updates mid-process — a scenario that has sent more than one holder to our office for an unplanned archive session. Screen dimming on OLED models is cosmetic but often correlates with age-related capacitor degradation.
Firmware Branch Status
Check your device’s firmware version against the manufacturer’s current release notes. When a branch stops receiving security patches, we typically recommend scheduling rotation within twelve months, regardless of whether the device still powers on reliably.
The Re-flash Alternative
Re-flashing can extend useful life on some models. We document re-flash dates in the rotation ledger as a distinct event — not a replacement, but a milestone that resets the interval clock. Holders who re-flash should still plan for eventual retirement; the ledger entry makes that date visible years later.
Practical Next Step
If your oldest device predates 2019, schedule an inventory review before assuming it belongs in the active column of your ledger. The review takes two hours and often surfaces devices that should move to archive status.