Building upon Ledger Nano S

Ledger Nano S has been a very successful product that will continue to be supported in the future as the benchmark of crypto security. It continues to be available at a price of $59 (excl. VAT) / 59€ (incl. VAT). This makes it a great option for users that want to get their first experience securing their own crypto or those that don't need the specific advantages offered by the Ledger Nano X.

Different device, different use

Ledger Nano X and Ledger Nano S each have their own advantages for different use cases:

• Ledger Nano X is intended as a mobile device that you can take everywhere you go. It wirelessly connects to your the Ledger Live companion app on your smartphone so you can make secure transactions everywhere you go.
• Ledger Nano S is the device you can use at work or at home. It can also serve as a backup device for those that use a Ledger Nano X. If anything happens to your mobile device, you could use the backup device to get safe access to your crypto assets.

Ledger Nano X advantages

Mobility

Ledger Nano X securely connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. The Ledger Live companion app on your smartphone allows you to install apps, add accounts and send secure transactions anywhere you are. It has a built-in battery, expected to deliver up to 8 hours of continuous use or  3 months when idle on a single charge.

More capacity

Ledger Nano X has 5 times more storage capacity compared to Ledger Nano S. This allows you to install many more applications at the same time.

Larger screen

The screen of a hardware wallet is key to display all transaction details so they can be easily verified before confirming a transaction. Ledger Nano X has been designed with a large display to improve visibility and readability of transaction details and to make it easier to use the device overall.

Enhanced hardware architecture

The Ledger Nano X architecture is an evolution of that of Ledger Nano S, thanks to its ST33 Secure Element chip. Besides having more memory this secure chip is directly connected to the display and buttons, leading to superior hardware architecture.

Control Center

Ledger Nano X features a Control Center available at any time to lock the device, to check the battery status, to access the settings and more. You can access Control Center anytime by pressing and holding both buttons.

Frequently asked questions

Mobility

Does Bluetooth affect the security of Ledger Nano X?
The private keys never leave the secure chip, therefore Bluetooth communication (BLE) does not expose the Ledger Nano X to any additional security threat. The BLE connection is end-to-end encrypted to protect user privacy. In the unlikely case, the BLE transport was to be compromised, an attacker would never be able to extract private keys or make users sign a transaction they do not wish to sign. Read more about Bluetooth security in our blog post.

Does Ledger Nano X work with a smartphone app?
Ledger Live, the companion app to your Ledger device, will see its mobile release on January 28th. The Ledger Live mobile app allows users to seamlessly manage their Ledger Nano X and the crypto it secures, anywhere they are. Ledger Live mobile requires smartphones with at least iOS 9 or Android 7.

Can the Bluetooth connection be deactivated?
Yes, Ledger Nano X can always be used with the included USB cable. Simply hold both buttons to access Control Center where Bluetooth can be directly disabled. Then connect the USB cable to your desktop computer.

Can I use Bluetooth to connect my Ledger Nano X with a computer? 
No, this is currently not possible. We're investigating adding this functionality at a later moment.

My Ledger Nano X displays Bootloader mode
Bootloader mode is entered after pressing the button next to the USB port for 5 seconds. You have to wait until the device automatically powers off. Then power on the Ledger Nano X normally by pressing the button next to the USB port until the Ledger logo appears (around 2 seconds).

What is the battery life? Is the battery rechargeable?
Ledger Nano X has a 100 mAh battery. The device will last several hours in use and a few months when idle on a full charge. The battery can be easily recharged by connecting the USB-C port to the USB port of a laptop or desktop computer with the cable that's included. The battery cannot be replaced. It is designed to last 5 years.

Can Ledger Nano X operate on its own?
Ledger Nano X requires either a desktop computer (at least 64-bit Windows 8, macOS 10.10 or 64-bit Linux) or a smartphone (at least iOS 9 or Android 7) to install apps, to add accounts, to check account balances and to manage secure transactions.

Capacity

How many apps can be installed on the device?
Ledger Nano X supports up to 100 simultaneously-installed apps. It has five times more available storage space for apps compared to Ledger Nano S, though the number of apps that can be installed depends on the size of the apps.

What apps does Ledger Nano X support?
By default, all apps supported on the Ledger Nano S also run on the Ledger Nano X by using the USB cable and a desktop computer. Moreover, all apps supported in Ledger Live have Bluetooth support and an SDK will be provided to developers of third-party apps to add Bluetooth support too.

Which Ledger device is for you?

Will the Ledger Nano X replace the Ledger Nano S?

The Ledger Nano S will continue to remain available alongside the Ledger Nano X at an attractive price. Both models have their own advantages, complementing each other and catering to different types of users. One could use a Ledger Nano X to manage their crypto on the go, and leave their Ledger Nano S at home or in a vault as a backup. As such, Ledger Nano S will continue to be fully supported in the future.

Is the Ledger Nano X more powerful than the Ledger Nano S?
The Secure Element chip in the Ledger Nano X (ST33) is more powerful than the one in the Ledger Nano S (ST31). The Ledger Nano X is a bit more responsive compared to the Ledger Nano S, even if its performance is generally comparable.

Can Ledger Nano X be used to manage crypto assets on a Ledger Nano S?
Yes. By restoring a new Ledger Nano X from an existing 24-word recovery phrase it can manage the same crypto assets. Ledger Nano X could serve on the go, while the Ledger Nano S is used as at home or in a vault as a backup.

Is the Ledger Nano X architecture different from that of Ledger Nano S?
The Ledger Nano X architecture is an evolution of that of Ledger Nano S, thanks to its ST33 Secure Element chip. Besides having more memory this secure chip is directly connected to the display and buttons, leading to superior hardware architecture.

Technical questions

What is the size of the display?
The Ledger Nano X display has twice the number of pixels of the Ledger Nano S display: 128x64 instead of 128x32. The larger display allows transaction details and receiving addresses to be more easily verified. It also increases the overall ease of use of the device.

What are the requirements to use Ledger Nano X?
Ledger Nano X requires a USB port to connect the USB C cable to. Any powered USB port can be used to charge it. The device requires a desktop computer (at least 64-bit Windows 8, macOS 10.8 or 64-bit Linux) or a smartphone (at least iOS 9 or Android 7).

Is Ledger Nano X waterproof?
Ledger Nano X does not have a weatherproof rating. A device that has come into contact with liquid should be immediately turned off and extensively dried before trying to use it again.

What Bluetooth version does Ledger Nano X use?
Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0.

What are the operating temperatures of Ledger Nano X?
Between 0° and 40° C (32-104° F).

Is Ledger Nano X compatible with Ledger Live desktop?
Yes, simply connect the Ledger Nano X with the included USB cable. Bluetooth desktop compatibility is not yet available but it’s being worked on.

Can Ledger Nano X be updated using the mobile app?
Yes, the Ledger Live mobile app features a functional device Manager. Installing apps can be done on your phone. The firmware update feature is not yet available.

What is the security certification of the Secure Element in the Ledger Nano X?
The Secure Element is rated CC EAL5+.

Advanced users
You can access the JTAG of the unsecured chip on Ledger Nano X, this allows you to verify the loaded firmware. Please note that upon any signed application launch, the JTAG channel will be permanently closed and cannot be reopened.

Owners of a Ledger Nano S or Ledger Blue

Are previous Ledger devices also compatible with Ledger Live mobile?
Android users will be able to use the On-The-Go cable kit to connect their Ledger Nano S or Ledger Blue to their smartphone. This functionality will later be added as a software update to the Ledger Live mobile app. iPhone users are out of luck due to restrictions of the iPhone's Lightning port. They can buy the Ledger Nano X to manage secure transactions on the go.

How to transfer crypto from another Ledger device to a Ledger Nano X?
Two possibilities exist:

• Restore a new Ledger Nano X from your existing 24-word recovery phrase. Learn more...
• Set up the Ledger Nano X as a new device and send your crypto using Ledger Live.