What to do if your Ledger key have gone in the washing machine

[makime]

I made this little video, on how to put the odds on our side if our ledger keys gone to the washing machine.

Just to save time and still be able to make some transactions.

What do you think ?

These video is in French version , but you can activate the english subtitle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEtaBnJKpgI

I tried to make an english version of this one , but im not sure my english is enough good hahaha

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBOT4tZDr2k


In fact, I would also like to hear your opinion on my video series on blockchain hacking ( also in french, but subtitle is available for english ).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZASJiIJ4z3w <= episode 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnCXlCh1gk0 <= episode 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaZa-Xh14BU <= episode 3

episode 4 will be released soon.

[seoincorporation]

If the Ledger have been in the washing machine you could try the rice trick. It works to save phones that has been damaged with water, and if it works for phones it should work fine with a Ledger.

Here is a video of how that works:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcXugS6rXd8

Personally that worked for me a couple of times with phones, but i haven't tested with a Ledger, but what the rice do is to absorb all the humidity, so, it should work fine. 

[makime]

As stipulated in the video, do not put in rice, because the ledger keys have a usb-mini or usb-c connector in which the rice dust will infiltrate and risk causing charging problems later .

[BitcoinBarrel]

As stipulated in the video, do not put in rice, because the ledger keys have a usb-mini or usb-c connector in which the rice dust will infiltrate and risk causing charging problems later .

I'm sure if you carefully place the ledger on top of the rice and close the bag it won't cause any more issues than common house dust or pocket lint would.

[Falconer]

If the Ledger have been in the washing machine you could try the rice trick. It works to save phones that has been damaged with water, and if it works for phones it should work fine with a Ledger.

Yes, it is a helpful solution actually. I had a unique experience when I forgot to bring my raincoat when I went to the forest and didn't get shelter when it rained. All my electronic devices got wet including my cell phone and camera but rice has helped me save them from damage.

This advice can also be helpful for other things that get wet for other reasons, including Ledger for example. But if it's a storage wallet, then I'd rather advise users to buy another one right away instead of using it even though rice can help them reuse (in most cases).

[Anonylz]

I have been hearing this rice trick for mobile device fell in water although I haven't found myself in the situation when I will put it into practice, I didn't know it will also work with ledger too.
I will keep this in my and also try as much as possible not to have a reason to get some rice.  

[NotATether]

Consider putting your ledger and other small hardware wallets and usb sticks in a waterproof case so as they don't even get wet in the first place.

[makime]

Putting it in rice can help, it's true, and it was my first instinct... The problem afterwards was that there was a lot of white dust all over the connector... which blocked the charging wire... So I disassembled the ledger to clean it... I realized that it was still full of moisture inside, the rice is not everything, it's not is not magic and in addition it puts dust all over the connector. That said, the best solution is to dry the components individually.

There is also the battery issue.

If there was a charge in the battery... The ledger was opened several times during the washing cycle... This may have damaged the battery and the ledger is already in the terminal phase... So dry it as quickly as possible and executing the right transactions as quickly as possible is essential....

The nano S have no battery, so easier to save...

when i got this i had 3 nano x in my pockets....

Only one had a charge, the others were completely discharged... And I was able to completely save the 2 that had no charge... time to get out what needed to get out of the.

In short, the world is a multitude of possibilities, you just have to put the good odds on our side

[dkbit98]

I made this little video, on how to put the odds on our side if our ledger keys gone to the washing machine.

I appreciate your effort in making this videos but it could have been made without funny characters, images and clips.
You should also know that after opening ledger devices you are voiding any warranty, but it's still better than throwing them away in garbage.
I am not a fan of ledger devices, but it would be interesting if someone could do water survival test for all hardware wallets.

There is also the battery issue.

Model X battery problems are well known worldwide, even without going into washing machine.
For that much money they could at least provide one small waterproof bag or case for this device, but you could also buy one yourself.

when i got this i had 3 nano x in my pockets....

What are you doing with so many hardware wallets in your pockets?!
I know they look like cheap usb drives, but you should not wear them with yourself all the time with your keys.

[kamvreto]

Consider putting your ledger and other small hardware wallets and usb sticks in a waterproof case so as they don't even get wet in the first place.

Putting it in a waterproof case or using a cryptopod like this might be better, because it is designed for Ledger Devices.
Has Fire Resistant & Waterproof protection.
Made of aluminum alloy material.
Preventing Ledger or hardware wallet damage is better than fixing it.

I found it on amazon and it's on sale for $19.99.


https://www.amazon.com/Crypto-Ledger-Nano-Case-Cryptocurrency/dp/B096SSSRD7?th=1

[The Cryptovator]

If you are too careless then have to use protection. Prevention is better than cure. We aren't sure if a ledger works if you put it on the washing machine. But incidents would happen, and I don't carry Ledger always with me. It's kept in a safe place at home. Chances are too low to work after the drop in water, there are circuits inside if ledger which would damage by the battery short.

[NeuroticFish]

I found it on amazon and it's on sale for $19.99.

I've bought that ~1.5 years ago at around 2.30 EUR from AliExpress. I've checked and even now you can find it at 5$ or less. If you have a bit of patience you don't have to pay 20$ for it, really. (Just be careful and check the sizes).


However, if one has the private key safe, the rather unlikely case the Ledger gets wet can be seen as a mishap and a replacement bought. At least it will make an upgrade to S plus

[makime]

you are voiding any warranty

if you put your ledger on the water your warranty is anyway void hahahah

[DdmrDdmr]

This is taking money laundering a bit too literal … and what if it then went for a spin in the Mixer (tumbler) ?  

Ledger themselves seem to provide little information as to how well their devices get along with water:

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.

See: https://support.ledger.com/hc/en-us/articles/360015216913-Frequently-asked-questions?docs=true

And that’s about it …

I wouldn’t have really expected one of these devices to make its way to the washing machine with ease, probably because my usage habits in no way should lead to that situation. Giving it a proper thought though, once can envision a bunch of situations whereby the device ends up in a pocket and subsequently takes the dip (in the water). It’s probably even more likely with the Nano X model than the Nano S or Nano S Plus models, due to the Bluetooth feature of the former, that may make it more prone to portability type needs.

I’ve seen a few other videos versing on what to do if your device ends-up in the washing machine (claiming they left it in rice for a while in their case), and even one more or less stating that it was non-officially water proof (which it is not).

All in all, even if one manages to recover the device, it may degrade the device and shorten its longevity. Per se one has to consider the scenario of plugging it in one day, only to find it not working, what to say if it went for a wash.

Side note:
I wonder how they covered the water factor in this very unfortunate promotional stunt, involving a Ledger device allegedly buried in Mt. Gox Everest.

[kamvreto]

I found it on amazon and it's on sale for $19.99.

I've bought that ~1.5 years ago at around 2.30 EUR from AliExpress. I've checked and even now you can find it at 5$ or less. If you have a bit of patience you don't have to pay 20$ for it, really. (Just be careful and check the sizes).

maybe cheaper for now. I just searched spontaneously and found it on amazon at that price. But about what size you buy is suitable and suitable for use in Ledger nano.

However, if one has the private key safe, the rather unlikely case the Ledger gets wet can be seen as a mishap and a replacement bought. At least it will make an upgrade to S plus

For a ledger that continues to be carried everywhere, of course you will need a case like this. and of course a spare wallet that will always be carried. The main wallet will be in a special safe and not to be taken anywhere, because it will be very risky to lose or be damaged. Upgrading to S plus may be possible, if it passes for a warranty claim 

[coolcoinz]

I have some experience with drinks spilled all over electronic devices and I can tell you that sweet drinks are the worst. If it's just water everything should be fine. I've seen flooded keyboards and phones and they were all fine after some proper treatment. Best way is to disassemble, like the OP suggests and take your time. Put it in a warm, dry place and make sure there's a good airflow. A great place to dry electronics is inside your PC case, or on top of it if you have fans blowing upwards. It worked for me countless times.

[NeuroticFish]

maybe cheaper for now. I just searched spontaneously and found it on amazon at that price. But about what size you buy is suitable and suitable for use in Ledger nano.

I remember the Chinese shop had multiple sizes and I've checked those.
I've bought mine for the Nano S and fits nicely, I even add a small data cable too in there.
But it took more than a month to arrive.

[GideonGono]

I have been hearing this rice trick for mobile device fell in water although I haven't found myself in the situation when I will put it into practice, I didn't know it will also work with ledger too.
I will keep this in my and also try as much as possible not to have a reason to get some rice.  

It works on mobile phones since my cousin tried it before but you should make sure that it has been in there for a long time and it is fully dried or the phone would malfunction.
One of my friends tried it and was in a hurry to open his phone that he only put it on the rice for an hour so it didn't work.

[ShowOff]

Consider putting your ledger and other small hardware wallets and usb sticks in a waterproof case so as they don't even get wet in the first place.

After all, why would someone have to be so careless to put HW in his shirt pocket or trouser pocket to carry everywhere? That is the reason why some people lose their assets while traveling I guess. But about the OP's video, it's good to remind that everyone should double check their pockets before putting clothes in the washing machine.

The rice will help absorb the water, but what about the steam? So I guess not everything will work out because it's very possible to demage if it's submerged for too long.

[DapanasFruit]

I think if I have a hardware wallet then I would go for a protective case...and that is why I am thinking that this should be adopted by makers of hardware wallet as part of their bundle so there is no need to be buying one separately. I am hoping this message can be able to reach manufacturers and marketers of these brands. However, I think that using the rice can be better use for smartphones and not on a Ledger.

[Lucius]

Someone please correct me, but if any HW that is not water resistant were left in the washing machine for a long time (30+ minutes), it doesn't seem to me that there would be any help. What the OP described is a situation where you notice very quickly that you have HW in the washing machine, and if it ended up there, it would probably be in the pocket of your pants and jacket so you wouldn't notice it until the washing machine finished washing.

That's why it's always smart to check the pockets before putting anything in the washing machine, and visually check if there's anything there that shouldn't be there. I recently read an article about a cat that barely survived being washed in a washing machine and almost paid with its head for its habit of sleeping inside the washing machine.

[makime]

Someone please correct me, but if any HW that is not water resistant were left in the washing machine for a long time (30+ minutes), it doesn't seem to me that there would be any help. What the OP described is a situation where you notice very quickly that you have HW in the washing machine, and if it ended up there, it would probably be in the pocket of your pants and jacket so you wouldn't notice it until the washing machine finished washing.

That's why it's always smart to check the pockets before putting anything in the washing machine, and visually check if there's anything there that shouldn't be there. I recently read an article about a cat that barely survived being washed in a washing machine and almost paid with its head for its habit of sleeping inside the washing machine.

My ledger have been more than 1 hours in the washing machine and I have save 2 on 3 with the method in the videos.  And the 3rd , have worked 2 or 3 days.  The more important things its avoid the more possible the oxydation .. is exist a machine for remove all moisture on electronic device, but its not available for all ... Then we have to make our best with what we have ...

Anyway , our 12 or 24 words of recovery are always there for save de situation in the worst case ^^

[Lucius]

My ledger have been more than 1 hours in the washing machine and I have save 2 on 3 with the method in the videos.

I assume that devices was not submerged in water the whole time, which would perhaps explain why it is still revived after bathing. It's not something most people should be worried about, but it's good to know what to expect if a similar situation happens to someone. 

Anyway , our 12 or 24 words of recovery are always there for save de situation in the worst case ^^

Except in the event that the seed ends up in the washing machine, and it turns out that our HW is broken - that would be really bad luck, so it's wise to have at least two backups in case everything goes wrong

[m2017]

Consider putting your ledger and other small hardware wallets and usb sticks in a waterproof case so as they don't even get wet in the first place.

Putting it in a waterproof case or using a cryptopod like this might be better, because it is designed for Ledger Devices.
Has Fire Resistant & Waterproof protection.
Made of aluminum alloy material.
Preventing Ledger or hardware wallet damage is better than fixing it.

I found it on amazon and it's on sale for $19.99.


https://www.amazon.com/Crypto-Ledger-Nano-Case-Cryptocurrency/dp/B096SSSRD7?th=1

Such a case is really able to save the ledger from being washed in a washing machine. In general, and not only from this. For example, from mechanical influences due to which the display may break or the printed circuit board break, as a result of which the device will fail. Case, after all, will not hurt, especially since the price of $ 20 is not so big. But on the other hand, $20 for a case for a $80-100 device looks a bit expensive. I think I would not refuse this, although fire protection is doubtful. It is unlikely that aluminum is able to withstand a large fire, but it can protect it from a small one. Ideally, such a case should be made of stainless steel for greater strength, but this will certainly lead to an increase in the cost of the case.

[n0nce]

Someone please correct me, but if any HW that is not water resistant were left in the washing machine for a long time (30+ minutes), it doesn't seem to me that there would be any help. What the OP described is a situation where you notice very quickly that you have HW in the washing machine, and if it ended up there, it would probably be in the pocket of your pants and jacket so you wouldn't notice it until the washing machine finished washing.

Keep in mind most such devices have no built-in battery. As long as electronics are powered down, the worst that can happen is corrosion. You should make sure everything is bone-dry (however way you accomplish that) and check for corrosion; if you have any, it might be fixed by board repair shops.
Anything with a battery though, will most certainly be dead.

Personally, my reply to the question in the title is: 'Take one of my seed phrase backups, restore it on a new wallet, done.'
Or maybe restoring it on Tails and sending the funds to the new hardware wallet.

Sure, electronics may be salvageable, but there is no safer way than a seed phrase backup.

[Lucius]

Keep in mind most such devices have no built-in battery. As long as electronics are powered down, the worst that can happen is corrosion.

That's why it was a little strange to me that the OP managed to save 2 out of 3 Ledger X that we know have a built-in battery, and we know that that model has had problems with the battery for a long time, so contact with water would only make the whole thing worse. However, it seems that the charge of the battery also plays a crucial role, because of the three devices tested, two had a discharged battery while one did not. I guess that one stopped working a few days after the successful rescue.

[kamvreto]

Such a case is really able to save the ledger from being washed in a washing machine. In general, and not only from this. For example, from mechanical influences due to which the display may break or the printed circuit board break, as a result of which the device will fail. Case, after all, will not hurt, especially since the price of $ 20 is not so big. But on the other hand, $20 for a case for a $80-100 device looks a bit expensive. I think I would not refuse this, although fire protection is doubtful. It is unlikely that aluminum is able to withstand a large fire, but it can protect it from a small one. Ideally, such a case should be made of stainless steel for greater strength, but this will certainly lead to an increase in the cost of the case.

HW storage cases like this are very suitable, security is more guaranteed if HW is used and carried everywhere. The use of this case will indeed protect devices that cost $80-$100, but for some hardware wallet users it's not about the price of the wallet, but the content inside that is very important with assets that may be hundreds of times the price of the Hardware wallet. The materials used must be made of strong and rust-resistant materials for long-term use and any conditions, even these are also water and fire resistant.

~snip~
Sure, electronics may be salvageable, but there is no safer way than a seed phrase backup.

An electronic or hardware wallet can be purchased at any time, but the seed phrase will be very important and the only one that can be made. if you don't do a good and safe backup of the seed phrases, then it's useless. Hardware wallet vendors have provided boards or paper that are used specifically to record seed phrases.

[SFR10]

the best solution is to dry the components individually.

I'm curious to know how you would've approached the situation if there wasn't an easy way to disassemble Nano X components: e.g. PCB is glued to the battery while also being glued to the case

and make sure there's a good airflow. A great place to dry electronics is inside your PC case, or on top of it if you have fans blowing upwards. It worked for me countless times.

I have mixed feelings about this ^{[even with a good airflow]}... Depending on how the configuration is inside someone's PC and how they normally use their computer, there's a lot of generated heat between the space that you're going to place it ^{[sandwiched between the GPU and PSU (for the most part)]} so while it helps with drying them, it could also damage some of its components ^{[especially since we're talking about a product made by Ledger]}!

[Pmalek]

People say all kinds of things and promise their methods work.
I have read that it's ok to place an electronic device under sunlight as long as it's for a short period of time. Like 10-20 minutes max. Other's say don't do that under any circumstances. The funny thing is that both will claim they are experts on the matter at hand. You will get similar opinions for hair dryers. Sure, that's ok, just don't make contact with the drier and the other device. And then there is the complete opposite information that this is not recommended as it will damage the electronics.