I Damaged my Ledger

[bul168]

I made a mistake and bought a Ledger Nano S from a reseller and decided to take it apart to check the hardware integrity. I compared it to the information they provided on the official site and everything seemed ok. But next time I connected it to my computer there was no display. When I reopened it I saw that the flex display cable was partially ripped. I thought I was gentle with it but looks like I wasn't. Is it possible to fix this kind of defect or will I have to buy a new one from the official site? 

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[HCP]

Most likely you're going to need to purchase a new one... given that attempting to repair it will incur the cost of the replacement part (assuming you can even identify it and a supplier) plus the cost of the labour involved (unless you do it yourself... and you've already discovered how delicate these parts can be).

Honestly, at this point, given the cost of a Nano S, you're probably better off just buying a new device... unless you're something of an electronics repair tech

[RickDeckard]

Most likely you're going to need to purchase a new one... given that attempting to repair it will incur the cost of the replacement part (assuming you can even identify it and a supplier) plus the cost of the labour involved (unless you do it yourself... and you've already discovered how delicate these parts can be).

Honestly, at this point, given the cost of a Nano S, you're probably better off just buying a new device... unless you're something of an electronics repair tech

Basically what HCP said. Albeit you tried really hard not to do any permanent damage to the Ledger, you probably damaged it somewhere midway the process of checking it's integrity.

Whatever way you present to the seller, he would probably tell/or see that you tampered with it and no refund would be given. And considering the cost of it, the most efficient / quickest way to have it again is simply to buy another one.

My tip for you is to buy from Ledger itself, cut the middleman. This would allow you to have an increased amount of trust, since Ledger itself even says that they recommend not buying from third party sellers.

Considering the fact that some database of Ledger has been hacked (through their Shopify link), have you considered trezor.io? They claim to erase your information after the 90 days of return expire, but I believe you can request them to be deleted even before.

[Husna QA]

I made a mistake and bought a Ledger Nano S from a reseller and decided to take it apart to check the hardware integrity. I compared it to the information they provided on the official site and everything seemed ok. But next time I connected it to my computer there was no display. When I reopened it I saw that the flex display cable was partially ripped. I thought I was gentle with it but looks like I wasn't. Is it possible to fix this kind of defect or will I have to buy a new one from the official site? 

I don't know if anyone sells Ledger Nano spare parts or not. Even, as far as I know, Ledger also doesn't sell spare parts for the internal components of the Nano.
And since the damage doesn't come from the manufacturer, I don't think there's any warranty for it.

-snip-
My tip for you is to buy from Ledger itself, cut the middleman. This would allow you to have an increased amount of trust, since Ledger itself even says that they recommend not buying from third party sellers. -snip-

Is there an official statement link from the Ledger that says so?
I bought the Ledger Nano X from a marketplace in my country considering the price and delivery costs, which is not a big difference compared to Ledger's. Of course, I first saw the reputation of the seller. Since the first time unboxing and using it until now, there is no problem, especially security. Make sure the PIN is new and has never been created before, likewise with seeds.

[bul168]

My mistake was buying from an unofficial seller. I knew my warranty would be void if I opened it but had to make sure it wasn't tempred with. Had I bought from the official site I wouldn't have had these kind of problems. Looks like I will have to purchase a new one. I'll look into trezor as well. Thank you guys for the suggestions.

[Lucius]

Husna QA, it would be quite illogical if Ledger ever said something like that, and at the same time you can find a list of official resellers on their website. Of course, there is always the possibility of someone modifying the device, but the probability of this is very small given that the one who does it must have the technical knowledge and enough time for such a procedure - and at the same time can not know who will buy such a device.


bul168, even when you buy directly from the manufacturer you can't be 100% sure that no one has modified the device - anyone in the supply chain can take the opportunity to do something bad. I don't know if that flex display cable can be replaced, is it something specially made for Ledger or something common that every electronics technician can replace?

[bul168]

Husna QA, it would be quite illogical if Ledger ever said something like that, and at the same time you can find a list of official resellers on their website. Of course, there is always the possibility of someone modifying the device, but the probability of this is very small given that the one who does it must have the technical knowledge and enough time for such a procedure - and at the same time can not know who will buy such a device.


bul168, even when you buy directly from the manufacturer you can't be 100% sure that no one has modified the device - anyone in the supply chain can take the opportunity to do something bad. I don't know if that flex display cable can be replaced, is it something specially made for Ledger or something common that every electronics technician can replace?

 

Yeah, that's why I decided to take it apart and see it for myself but I ended up damaging the device. I have no idea if that cable is specially made for ledger or it can be replaced, I had to use google to learn it's name. But when I get another device I'll certainly won't open it up 

[Husna QA]

Husna QA, it would be quite illogical if Ledger ever said something like that, and at the same time you can find a list of official resellers on their website. -snip-

Yes, I'm not sure if Ledger ever said that. That's why I asked @RickDeckard where did he get the statement:

-snip- since Ledger itself even says that they recommend not buying from third party sellers. -snip-

Instead, Ledger provides an opportunity for those who want to be affiliated or become a reseller of their products. https://www.ledger.com/partners

Yeah, that's why I decided to take it apart and see it for myself but I ended up damaging the device. I have no idea if that cable is specially made for ledger or it can be replaced, I had to use google to learn it's name. But when I get another device I'll certainly won't open it up 

You have to make sure the PIN code is new and create it yourself; use a new seed or seed from your old device; check the Ledger Nano's genuine during the installation process.

[bul168]

Husna QA, it would be quite illogical if Ledger ever said something like that, and at the same time you can find a list of official resellers on their website. -snip-

Yes, I'm not sure if Ledger ever said that. That's why I asked @RickDeckard where did he get the statement:

-snip- since Ledger itself even says that they recommend not buying from third party sellers. -snip-

Instead, Ledger provides an opportunity for those who want to be affiliated or become a reseller of their products. https://www.ledger.com/partners

Yeah, that's why I decided to take it apart and see it for myself but I ended up damaging the device. I have no idea if that cable is specially made for ledger or it can be replaced, I had to use google to learn it's name. But when I get another device I'll certainly won't open it up  

You have to make sure the PIN code is new and create it yourself; use a new seed or seed from your old device; check the Ledger Nano's genuine during the installation process.

Thank you

[Lucius]

I have no idea if that cable is specially made for ledger or it can be replaced, I had to use google to learn it's name.

Most of the parts are made in China anyway, as are most of the other parts for today’s electronics. You can't lose anything if you send an inquiry to Ledger and explain your problem, maybe that damaged part can be obtained very cheaply somewhere on the Internet.

btchip
Ledger Co-Founder
1 year ago

The hardware is manufactured in France and Asia. We're always looking to improve our manufacturing capabilities re. cost, quality and efficiency so we could balance to other countries / platforms in the future.

[bul168]

I have no idea if that cable is specially made for ledger or it can be replaced, I had to use google to learn it's name.

Most of the parts are made in China anyway, as are most of the other parts for today’s electronics. You can't lose anything if you send an inquiry to Ledger and explain your problem, maybe that damaged part can be obtained very cheaply somewhere on the Internet.

btchip
Ledger Co-Founder
1 year ago

The hardware is manufactured in France and Asia. We're always looking to improve our manufacturing capabilities re. cost, quality and efficiency so we could balance to other countries / platforms in the future.

Thank you for the information. I think It will be a hassle to get the new part and take it to an electronics shop to get it repaired. I'll just order a new device and be extra gentle when using it.

[dkbit98]

I don't understand how you could check integrity of hardware wallet by pocking and opening it like that if you are not some repair expert, and you clearly are not one.
Better don't waste your money ordering new ledger and get some other open source wallet, or if you decide to order than don't use your real name, address and main phone number or your data will probably be exposed in some new leak.

[bob123]

I don't understand how you could check integrity of hardware wallet by pocking and opening it like that if you are not some repair expert, and you clearly are not one.

Just because you don't know how to check whether the hardware has been tampered with, doesn't mean no one can.

It is actually quite easy to verify the hardware integrity.
There are multiple guides available on the internet.

[bul168]

I don't understand how you could check integrity of hardware wallet by pocking and opening it like that if you are not some repair expert, and you clearly are not one.
Better don't waste your money ordering new ledger and get some other open source wallet, or if you decide to order than don't use your real name, address and main phone number or your data will probably be exposed in some new leak.

I followed the instructions on this page.   https://support.ledger.com/hc/en-us/articles/115005321449-Check-hardware-integrity

It turns out mine was a revision 6 and markings on the chip matched when i compared it to mine. I've been using electrum without any problems but decided to get a hardware wallet for extra security. I'm aware of the Ledger leak and I will either get a Trezor or if I decide to get a Ledger I will take the precautions you mentioned. Thank you.

[bob123]

I'm aware of the Ledger leak and I will either get a Trezor or if I decide to get a Ledger I will take the precautions you mentioned.

Whichever hardware wallet you decide to get, make sure to check its downsides and potential vulnerabilities (e.g. Trezor seeds can be extracted within a minute or two if no BIP39 passphrase is used).
No hardware wallet is perfect. Each has its up- and downsides.

It's important to compare them and decide for yourself which matters the most in your specific case.

[bul168]

I'm aware of the Ledger leak and I will either get a Trezor or if I decide to get a Ledger I will take the precautions you mentioned.

Whichever hardware wallet you decide to get, make sure to check its downsides and potential vulnerabilities (e.g. Trezor seeds can be extracted within a minute or two if no BIP39 passphrase is used).
No hardware wallet is perfect. Each has its up- and downsides.

It's important to compare them and decide for yourself which matters the most in your specific case.

I will keep that in mind. Thank you.

[Pmalek]

-snip-
My tip for you is to buy from Ledger itself, cut the middleman. This would allow you to have an increased amount of trust, since Ledger itself even says that they recommend not buying from third party sellers. -snip-

Is there an official statement link from the Ledger that says so?

The Ledger co-founder has posted on reddit many times that it is not recommended to buy Ledger products from third-party merchants that are not part of the official reseller network. They are not saying you shouldn't purchase from any third-parties, just not from unofficial resellers. Especially if the deal sounds to good to be true and costs less than on the official shop.   

Here is one reddit post where the co-founder recommends physically checking the hardware of Ledger wallets purchased from unofficial vendors:

I wouldn't buy from a third party if the price is too low - just to avoid being scammed and not receive anything at all. If you're buying from a third party that's not officially listed as a reseller you should check the device integrity following https://support.ledger.com/hc/en-us/articles/115005321449-Check-hardware-integrity both physically and from software after updating to the latest firmware

Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/ledgerwallet/comments/auje8k/buy_a_ledger_nano_from_a_third_part_in_amazon_in/

[Husna QA]

Is there an official statement link from the Ledger that says so?

The Ledger co-founder has posted on reddit many times that it is not recommended to buy Ledger products from third-party merchants that are not part of the official reseller network. They are not saying you shouldn't purchase from any third-parties, just not from unofficial resellers. Especially if the deal sounds to good to be true and costs less than on the official shop. -snip-

Thanks for the explanation.
It makes sense, especially if the price offered is too low than the official price.
I think, if you don't have technical expertise, especially in hardware wallets, those who have already purchased from a non-official reseller before completely dismantling the Nano S to check hardware integrity can use an application to verify the authenticity of the Nano S.

Application verification
When opening an application, a Non Genuine warning is displayed if it is not signed by Ledger. A modified User Interface (as found in https://github.com/LedgerHQ/nanos-ui) will also display a warning message on boot.

[The Sceptical Chymist]

My tip for you is to buy from Ledger itself, cut the middleman. This would allow you to have an increased amount of trust, since Ledger itself even says that they recommend not buying from third party sellers.

Definitely agree with you on that piece of advice.  I think the Ledgers that are available on Amazon are actually sold through Ledger themselves (and please correct me if I'm wrong), and that's how I bought mine.  I'd never buy one either used or through a 3rd party seller, because you never know if the device has been fooled with--at least I'd be constantly paranoid that someone had the private keys or something.

The best way to buy a Ledger is right through the Ledger site itself.  You can even pay with bitcoin if you want to, so I don't see any reason why anyone wouldn't just do that.  And yeah, OP, I think you're going to have to just buy a new device and either use your old seed or create a new one.  The good thing is that they're pretty inexpensive (or at least the Nano S is; the Nano X is a bit pricey if you ask me).

[RickDeckard]

(tricky snip) I think the Ledgers that are available on Amazon are actually sold through Ledger themselves (and please correct me if I'm wrong), and that's how I bought mine.

Indeed you are correct. According to their retailer section of their page (https://shop.ledger.com/pages/retailers/) besides having offficial stores on each Amazon, they also list numerous stores that sell their devices throughout the world.

The best way to buy a Ledger is right through the Ledger site itself.  You can even pay with bitcoin if you want to, so I don't see any reason why anyone wouldn't just do that.  And yeah, OP, I think you're going to have to just buy a new device and either use your old seed or create a new one.  The good thing is that they're pretty inexpensive (or at least the Nano S is; the Nano X is a bit pricey if you ask me).

And yeah, it basically boils down to how much you trust the seller that you're interacting with. If you've got nothing to loose (in terms of having a huge difference in price) I can't stop recommending that you use the official website (for any hardware wallet) in order to buy their products. Think of it this way : Are you really willing, for a couple of dollars/Euro difference, to sacrifice your assets? If you take more than 3 seconds to choose then you should just buy in the official store.

As always you can always check their guide on how you can check if you got the real deal : https://support.ledger.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002481534-Check-if-device-is-genuine  (I would recommend staying away from the hardware integrity check this time :p )

Hope you've learned your lesson OP. By rule of thumb the smaller the device gets, the more delicate their components are.