Ledger Wallet Limitation Blocks ADA Holders from Glacier Airdrop

Some ADA holders missed out on the Glacier Airdrop due to a technical limitation in Ledger hardware wallets. The issue lies in Ledger’s implementation of Cardano’s CIP-8 message signing protocol, which only allows for messages up to 31 bytes. The Glacier Drop payload, however, is 251 bytes, making it incompatible with Ledger’s current firmware. Charles Hoskinson, co-founder of Cardano, explained on X that this limitation was identified in July but no timeline has been provided by Ledger for a fix [1].

Midnight Foundation President Fahmi Syed confirmed the issue and stated that the foundation is working closely with Ledger and the Cardano team to resolve it. Syed emphasized that security is a top priority and that the foundation is cautious about the risks involved in altering how CIP-8 messages are handled [1]. While the Ledger issue persists, Cardano developers are implementing a workaround: using a null transaction to include the Glacier Drop payload as metadata. This method will be integrated into the airdrop protocol, enabling affected users to claim their tokens [1].

The Glacier Airdrop is a large-scale event distributing NIGHT tokens to eligible wallet holders across eight blockchain ecosystems, including Cardano, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. ADA holders were expected to receive half of the 24 billion NIGHT tokens being distributed, with eligibility based on holding a minimum of $100 worth of each of the eight tokens at the time of the June 11 snapshot [2]. However, those using Ledger wallets without CIP-30 compatibility were unable to proceed with the standard claiming process.

To accommodate these users, the Midnight Foundation has opened a 60-day claim window. Syed noted that the affected users represent a small minority and that the foundation plans to implement a secure solution by the week of August 25 [1]. Users are being advised to avoid unofficial workarounds or unverified platforms, as Syed warned of fake sites and scams attempting to exploit the situation. No private keys or asset transfers should be required to claim the tokens [1].

The airdrop has already seen high participation, with over 120 million tokens claimed in just a few hours across all eight ecosystems. Syed emphasized that this is not solely a Cardano event but an initiative promoting cross-chain collaboration [1]. Despite the Ledger issue, the airdrop continues to progress as planned, with the claim window remaining open for the full two months.

The event has also generated broader interest in the Cardano ecosystem. In early July, the full distribution of NIGHT tokens began, marking a significant milestone in the project’s timeline. While Hoskinson’s specific role in the airdrop remains unclear, his involvement has been highlighted as a catalyst for the event’s acceleration [3]. Meanwhile, ADA’s price has shown some volatility, dropping around 3% in mid-July amid broader market trends and uncertainty over the long-term impact of the airdrop [6].

ADA holders who successfully claim their NIGHT tokens are required to do so over a 365-day vesting period, with tokens unlocking every 90 days. This structure aims to ensure a gradual and steady distribution of tokens, encouraging continued engagement with the Cardano network [5].

As the airdrop continues, attention is also turning to institutional adoption of Cardano. Reports show over $73 million in institutional inflows in the first half of 2025 [4], and Grayscale’s application for a Cardano spot ETF in the U.S. has raised expectations for regulatory developments. While the future of the ETF remains uncertain, the airdrop is seen as a key driver for increased activity and exposure for the Cardano network [4].

Source:

[1] Cardano Founder Explains Why Some ADA Holders Missed Out on Glacier Airdrop https://decrypt.co/333670/cardano-founder-explains-some-ada-holders-missed-glacier-airdrop

[2] Cardano Opens Midnight Airdrop Claim Portal for XRP and ADA Users https://thecryptobasic.com/2025/08/05/cardano-opens-midnight-airdrop-claim-portal-for-xrp-and-ada-users/

[3] Midnight Airdrop Launches 24 Billion Token Distribution https://www.ainvest.com/news/midnight-airdrop-launches-24-billion-token-distribution-8-blockchains-2508/

[4] 3 Reasons Why Cardano ADA is READY TO PUMP? https://www.altcoinbuzz.io/reviews/3-reasons-why-cardano-ada-is-ready-to-pump/

[5] When Will the Midnight Airdrop Happen — And How Can You Hear It Before Everyone Else https://coingape.com/trending/when-will-the-midnight-airdrop-happen-and-how-can-you-hear-it-before-everyone-else/

[6] Cardano Drops 3% as Market Sell-Off Persists, Midnight Airdrop Sparks Volatility https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/08/05/cardano-drops-3-as-market-sell-off-persists-midnight-airdrop-sparks-volatility