Your hardware wallet is a computer. Like every computer, it runs software. And like every piece of software, it has bugs and vulnerabilities that the manufacturer discovers and fixes over time.
Firmware updates are how those fixes reach your device. Ignoring them is like leaving your front door unlocked because locking it takes 30 seconds.
What Firmware Updates Fix
Security Vulnerabilities
Researchers and manufacturers regularly discover potential attack vectors — ways that a sophisticated attacker might extract information from the device. Firmware updates patch these vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in the wild.
Bug Fixes
Sometimes wallet software has bugs that affect functionality: incorrect balance display, transaction signing issues, or compatibility problems with new blockchain features. Updates fix these.
New Features and Coin Support
Firmware updates often add support for new cryptocurrencies, new security features, or improved user interfaces.
How to Update Safely
This is crucial: firmware updates must come from the official source. A fake update is a common attack vector.
General Rules for All Wallets
1. Only download updates from the official manufacturer website or app
2. Never click update links in emails or messages — go to the official site directly
3. Verify you are on the correct website (check the URL carefully)
4. Back up your seed phrase before updating (in case something goes wrong)
5. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly
Tangem
Tangem cards update through the official Tangem app. Open the app, connect your card, and follow any update prompts. The app handles everything automatically.
Ledger
Use Ledger Live (official app) to check for firmware updates. Connect your device, navigate to Settings → Firmware update. Ledger Live guides you through the process.
Trezor
Use the Trezor Suite (official app). Connect your device and follow the update prompts.
What If Something Goes Wrong?
This is why you have a seed phrase backup. If a firmware update fails or causes issues, you can always:
1. Reset the device
2. Reinstall the firmware from scratch
3. Restore your wallet using your seed phrase
As long as you have your seed phrase safely stored, no firmware update can cause permanent loss of funds.
How Often to Check
Check for updates at least once a month, or enable notifications in your wallet’s official app. When a critical security update is released, install it as soon as practically possible.
The Right Hardware Wallet
🛡️ Get Tangem Wallet — Simple updates through the app. Use code LIORTEC for 10% off.
🔐 Get Ledger Wallet — Industry-leading security with Ledger Live.
📋 Firmware check is built into our Zero-Fail Transfer Checklist. Use it before every transaction.