The Bitcoin blockchain split in 2017 created a new cryptocurrency—Bitcoin Cash (BCH)—and with it, a unique opportunity for holders of Bitcoin (BTC) at the time. If you owned BTC before the fork and stored them in a hardware wallet like Ledger or Trezor, you also gained ownership of an equal amount of BCH. However, claiming those coins isn’t automatic. You need to manually split or claim them using specific tools and procedures.
This guide walks you through the secure process of extracting your Bitcoin Cash from popular hardware wallets, ensuring you retain full control over both your BTC and BCH holdings.
Understanding the Bitcoin Cash Fork
In August 2017, a hard fork of the Bitcoin network led to the creation of Bitcoin Cash (BCH), designed to support larger block sizes and faster transaction processing. Anyone who held Bitcoin before the fork—especially in non-custodial wallets like Ledger or Trezor—was entitled to an equivalent amount of BCH.
Because hardware wallets are non-custodial and highly secure, they were considered one of the safest ways to protect funds during the split. But unlike exchange-held balances, where some platforms automatically credited BCH, hardware wallet users must take deliberate steps to claim their new coins.
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Extracting Bitcoin Cash from Ledger Devices
Ledger was among the first hardware wallet providers to release a dedicated tool for managing Bitcoin Cash. The process involves updating firmware and using Ledger’s application manager to access your BCH balance.
Step-by-Step: Claiming BCH on Ledger Nano S
- Update Firmware
Download the latest firmware (version 1.3.1 or higher) via the Ledger Live interface. Be aware: this update will wipe your device, so ensure you have your 24-word recovery seed ready. - Restore Your Wallet
After updating, reconnect your device, enter your PIN, and select “Restore Configuration.” Input your seed phrase carefully to regain access to your BTC and unlock eligibility for BCH. - Install the Bitcoin Cash App
Open the Application Manager in Ledger Live and install the Bitcoin Cash (BCH) app. This enables support for receiving, sending, and storing BCH. Choose Your Access Method
When opening the Bitcoin app on your device, you’ll be prompted to choose between:- Main (BTC only)
- Split (BCH access)
For better security and clarity, it's recommended to split your holdings.
- Transfer Your BCH
Generate a receiving address from your BCH wallet and send your coins to it from the main account. This separates your balances and reduces replay attack risks.
⚠️ Note: The Ledger interface may still label tabs as “Bitcoin” even within the BCH wallet, which can cause confusion. Always double-check addresses and networks before confirming transactions.
Claiming Bitcoin Cash Using Trezor
Trezor also rolled out support for BCH shortly after the fork, though initial tools required refinement. By August 3, 2017, a stable version was available through their beta wallet interface.
Step-by-Step: Accessing BCH on Trezor
- Use the Beta Wallet Interface
Visit beta-wallet.trezor.io and connect your device. Enter your PIN when prompted. - Update Firmware (Optional but Recommended)
While Trezor updates don’t erase data, having your recovery seed accessible is essential for safety. Install firmware version 1.5.1 if prompted. - Generate a BCH Receiving Address
Navigate to the “Receive” section and copy a fresh Bitcoin Cash address to your clipboard. - Claim Your BCH
Go to Trezor’s official BCH claim tool, authenticate your device, and authorize the claim process. This broadcasts a transaction moving your BCH to the address you generated. - Wait for Confirmation
Once sent, monitor your transaction in the wallet interface. Confirmation typically takes one block (about 10 minutes), but network congestion may delay it.
Unlike Ledger, Trezor requires you to use a separate claiming tool instead of integrating everything into the main wallet—adding an extra step but maintaining security.
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Alternative Storage Options for Bitcoin Cash
After claiming your BCH, you don’t have to keep it on your hardware wallet. Consider transferring it to:
- Electron Cash – A lightweight desktop wallet built specifically for BCH.
- Bitcoin ABC / Classic / Unlimited – Full-node clients offering advanced control.
- Exchanges – Platforms like OKX allow you to trade or convert BCH easily.
Storing BCH in a dedicated wallet enhances privacy and simplifies future transactions on the BCH network.
Common Questions About Claiming Bitcoin Cash
Q: Do I need technical skills to claim my BCH?
A: Basic technical familiarity helps, but both Ledger and Trezor provide user-friendly interfaces. As long as you have your seed phrase and follow instructions carefully, most users can complete the process successfully.
Q: Is there a risk of losing my BTC when claiming BCH?
A: Yes—if not done correctly. Replay attacks can occur if transactions aren’t properly signed on each chain. Always use the “split” method and avoid broadcasting identical transactions across both networks.
Q: Can I claim BCH without internet access?
A: No. The claiming process requires connecting your hardware wallet to a computer and accessing online tools or web wallets.
Q: What if I lost my seed phrase?
A: Unfortunately, without the recovery seed, you cannot restore access to your wallet or claim any forked coins. This underscores the importance of securely backing up your seed from day one.
Q: Are other hardware wallets compatible with BCH?
A: Yes. KeepKey and BitBox also released guides for extracting BCH using similar methods—updating firmware and installing BCH apps via their respective managers.
Q: Is there a deadline to claim Bitcoin Cash?
A: Technically, no. As long as you control the private keys (via your seed), you can claim BCH at any time—even years later.
Final Tips for Safe Coin Splitting
- Always verify URLs before downloading firmware or using online tools.
- Never enter your seed phrase on any website.
- Use air-gapped devices when possible during recovery.
- Double-check addresses before sending funds.
- Keep backups of all recovery phrases in secure, offline locations.
The ability to claim forked coins like Bitcoin Cash highlights one major advantage of using hardware wallets: full ownership and control over all assets derived from your original holdings.
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By following these steps carefully, you can successfully extract your Bitcoin Cash while preserving the security of your original Bitcoin holdings. Whether you choose Ledger’s integrated approach or Trezor’s external claiming tool, patience and precision are key.
Remember: cryptocurrency ownership comes with responsibility. Take time to understand each step, cross-reference official guides, and prioritize security above speed.