Part of the CustodyStress archive of observed Bitcoin custody incidents
CS-00636
The user had no access to their Bitcoin during the wait.
SurvivesCase description
A Ledger user found in March 2019 that their device's firmware update had failed and bricked the device. The seed phrase was stored securely and used to restore on a replacement device. However, the restoration process required ordering a new device from Ledger, which took three weeks during a period of high demand. The user had no access to their Bitcoin during the wait.
Custody context
| Stress condition | Device loss |
| Custody system | Hardware wallet (single key) |
| Outcome | Survives |
| Documentation | Unknown |
| Year observed | 2019 |
| Country | Unknown |
Structural dependencies observed
Outcome interpretation
Access remained possible under the reported conditions.
Source
Publicly Reported
Evidence type
Forum post
Evidence link
Related cases involving device loss
188 cases involve device loss
274 cases involve hardware wallet (single key)
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This archive documents observed custody survivability failures. It does not attempt to document all Bitcoin losses or security incidents.
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Framework references
Where Bitcoin Custody Intersects Legal and Fiduciary Authority
Where custody creates gaps in estate planning, fiduciary duty, and professional responsibility.
Professional Scope Boundary Matrix
What each professional or product covers, what they do not, and where gaps form between them.
The Independent Assessment Layer in Bitcoin Custody
How independent diagnostic layers emerge when multiple parties depend on shared infrastructure.
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