If you’re having trouble turning on your Ledger Nano S Plus (or the predecessor Nano S, which is quite similar), you’re not alone. Numerous users have reported this issue, but fortunately, there are a few simple fixes that you can try on your own.
In this article, we’ll go over some of the most common reasons why your Ledger Nano S Plus may not be turning on, and how to fix them.
So without further ado, let’s get started!
Restart your PC or Phone
The first thing you should try is restarting your computer or phone. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve a variety of issues, including problems with the USB connection to your Ledger Nano S Plus.
Having been closely involved with PCs for more than 20 years, it’s not uncommon that USB ports sometimes go to a “bad state”. The reason for this is still unclear to me, but what I do know, is that restarting is often the easiest and fastest way to fix the issue.
So go ahead and restart your PC (or phone). After your computer or phone has restarted, try establishing the USB connection with your Ledger Nano S Plus again.
Close Applications and Browser Extensions
Another common cause for the Ledger Nano S Plus not turning on is conflicting applications or browser extensions. This can include third-party wallets like Metamask, Daedalus, or MyEtherWallet, as well as any other applications or extensions that may interfere with the connection between Ledger Live and your Ledger Nano device.
To potentially fix this issue, try closing any applications or browser extensions that may be interfering with the USB connection to your Ledger Nano S Plus. You can do this by opening the Task Manager on your computer (by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete) and ending any tasks that may be causing the problem.
Once done, try re-connecting the USB cable between the devices and see if you have more luck now. Do notice that doing a restart might also be a good idea beforehand.
Check the USB Cable
If the problem persists, the next thing to check is the USB cable you’re using to connect your Ledger Nano S Plus to your computer.
Ideally, you should use the original USB cable that came with your Ledger Nano S Plus. If you don’t have the original cable, make sure you’re using a cable that enables data transfer, not just charging.
Additionally, try using multiple different cables to ensure that the current one is not broken.
Another common solution for the Ledger Nano S not powering on is to make sure that the USB cable is inserted fully into the Ledger device (don’t overdo it but do notice that it takes a bit of force to fully insert the cable).
Try Different USB Ports
If you’re using a PC, another rather common issue is the USB port itself. Sometimes, a particular USB port may not be working properly, which can prevent your Ledger Nano S Plus from turning on.
The thing to keep in mind here is that a specific USB port might actually work with other devices, whilst not working with your Nano S Plus. Sometimes a restart can solve the issue, sometimes it’s a permanent issue (related to conflicting drivers, etc).
To fix this, try using different USB ports on your computer and see if your Ledger Nano S is able to power on with any one of them.
Remove USB Hubs or Dongles
If you’re using a USB hub or dongle to connect your Ledger Nano S Plus, this could also be causing the problem. In some cases, these devices can interfere with the connection between your Ledger device and your computer (or phone).
To fix this, try connecting your Ledger Nano S Plus directly to your computer without using a USB hub or dongle. I do understand, that the USB Hubs are probably there for a reason in your setup, but it’s essential for troubleshooting, that you also try without them.
If it works without the additional connection node, you can then start thinking how to rearrange your setup as the permanent solution.
Run Ledger Live as Administrator
Even though the Ledger Nano S Plus should actually be perfectly able to power on without launching your Nano S Plus (it does for me), some users have stated otherwise.
So as the next solution I want you to try running Ledger Live as an administrator. To do this, right-click on the Ledger Live icon on your desktop and select “Run as administrator.”
This will give Ledger Live the necessary permissions to access your Ledger device (and maybe in some rare cases help the device power on in the first place).
Check for Ledger Live and Ledger Firmware Updates
If you’ve tried all of the above steps and your Ledger Nano S Plus still won’t turn on, it’s possible that there’s a problem with the Ledger Live software or the firmware on your Ledger device.
To fix this, make sure you have the latest version of Ledger Live installed on your computer. You can download the latest version from the Ledger website.
Additionally, check for updates to the firmware on your Ledger Nano S Plus. To do this, open Ledger Live and connect your Ledger device. If there are any firmware updates available, Ledger Live will prompt you to install them.
Turn off Anti-Virus and VPN
Another possible cause of the Ledger Nano S Plus not turning on is interference from anti-virus or VPN software. To fix this, try turning off any anti-virus, firewall, and VPN software on your computer.
Once you’ve done that, try again to access My Ledger or perform the genuine check. If that works, whitelist Ledger Live in your anti-virus software. And if you’re using Windows Security, make sure to add Ledger Live to the list of exclusions.
Try Connecting Your Ledger to Another Device
If all else fails, try connecting your Ledger Nano S Plus to another device, such as another PC or your phone or tablet. This will help you determine whether the problem is with your Ledger device or with your computer.
If your Ledger Nano S Plus works on another device, the problem is likely with your computer. In that case you know that the Nano S Plus itself is fine and you can concentrate your efforts into troubleshooting the other device.
If your Ledger Nano S Plus still won’t turn on, the problem may be with the hardware wallet itself. In that case, you’ll need to contact Ledger support for assistance.
Contact Ledger Support
If you’ve tried all of the above steps and your Ledger Nano S Plus still won’t turn on, it’s time to contact Ledger support for assistance. You can find help and support articles on the Ledger website at the following link: https://support.ledger.com/hc/en-us/articles/4423020306705?support=true
In conclusion, if your Ledger Nano S Plus isn’t turning on, we hope one of the solutions listed in this article was able to help you fix the issue. From restarting your computer or phone, to checking the USB cable and trying different USB ports, there are a number of possible causes for this problem, and a number of ways to fix it.
If none of the solutions listed above worked for you, we recommend contacting Ledger support for assistance. They’ll be able to help you diagnose and solve the issue with your Ledger Nano S Plus. With their help, you’ll be able to get your device up and running again in no time.