Glacier's Abrupt Descent Unveiled, Leaving Ledger Users in Anticipation for Resolution
Cardano's Midnight Glacier Drop for the $NIGHT tokens has commenced, but users of the Ledger hardware wallet are currently unable to participate due to a message-size incompatibility. However, a temporary workaround has been implemented by developers, allowing Ledger users to claim their tokens using a null transaction method.
In a statement, Cardano Stake Pool Operator Giovanni EASY1 confirmed that Keystone supports Ledger derivation paths, making it possible for Keystone Wallet users to claim their $NIGHT tokens via the Eternl Wallet without any reported issues.
The issue at hand stems from the fact that the Glacier Drop payload is 251 bytes, which exceeds the 31-byte limit supported by Ledger for CIP-8 message signing. To address this, affected Ledger users will claim their NIGHT tokens by signing a zero-value ("null") transaction that includes the required airdrop payload as transaction metadata instead of as a signed message.
This workaround allows Ledger users to complete the token claim without needing to change their Ledger firmware, which remains incompatible for this message size. The solution is being integrated into the official Glacier Drop claim portal, with a secure fix targeted by the week of August 25, 2025.
Charles Hoskinson, co-founder of Cardano, has acknowledged the issue and notified Ledger about it in July. He has reassured users that the two-month window ensures no one will lose their chance to claim the $NIGHT tokens.
In light of this, Ledger users are advised to wait for the August update in the claim portal, use the official Glacier Drop portal to claim NIGHT tokens via the zero-value transaction method, and avoid third-party or unverified claiming attempts.
The complexity surrounding multi-chain launches, such as the Glacier Drop, highlights the excitement and the need for interoperability. Hardware wallet support has become a crucial user requirement, making interoperability and developer coordination necessary instead of optional concerns.
It's important to note that CryptoQuant has unveiled 4 new tools to track smart money activity, but these are not directly related to the Glacier Drop.
In summary, the Glacier Drop serves as a key example of the need for interoperability and coordination in multi-chain launches. Affected Ledger users are advised to return at the end of August, as there is no benefit in rushing.
- Cardano's $NIGHT token claim process, which is currently unavailable for Ledger hardware wallet users due to a message-size incompatibility, will be addressed by signing a zero-value ("null") transaction using the official Glacardio Drop portal, allowing Ledger users to complete the token claim.
- Despite CryptoQuant introducing 4 new tools to track smart money activity, the complexity surrounding multi-chain launches, such as the Glacier Drop, underscores the need for interoperability, with hardware wallet support becoming a critical user requirement, emphasizing the importance of interoperability and developer coordination.
