2026-01-09 00:13:44

Bitmain's Antminer series miners have recently pushed out a wave of firmware updates, which include a pretty critical change—disabling the microUSB port on the control board directly.

This change has already spread to several mainstream ASICs. S19k Pro, S21, and S21 Pro are all affected, with the earliest detection on the S21 XP. For miners still using these machines, this is definitely something to pay attention to.

What does disabling the microUSB port mean? Simply put, the way to directly access the control board through this port has been blocked. This has a significant impact on miners who want to perform firmware modifications, custom configurations, or in-depth maintenance. Some may also want to flash other firmware versions via this port, but now that’s no longer an option.

From Bitmain’s perspective, this might be for security and control reasons, but this move indeed limits the flexibility of the miners. Miners should keep an eye on their firmware versions and consider whether an update is necessary.

View Original

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.

17 Likes

Reward
17
6
Repost
Share

Comment

0/400

ForkTongue

· 01-11 07:10

Bitmain's move this time is just trying to tie the hands of miners. Now they can't even tinker with their own mining machines, feeling sidelined. It's the same old trick again, prioritizing control.

View OriginalReply0

GasFeeCrying

· 01-10 21:47

They're blocking our way again, disabling USB ports? Are they planning to lock everything down completely? Anyway, the mining machines are owned by others, we're just long-term tenants. The S21 series are all affected, and now there's no room to modify the firmware anymore. Bitmain's move is really ruthless, their control desire is through the roof. Wait, what about the mining machines that previously flashed different firmware versions? Can't even roll back?

View OriginalReply0

ProposalDetective

· 01-09 00:41

Using this method again? Disabling the interface won't prevent cracking, you're overthinking it, buddy.

View OriginalReply0

FlyingLeek

· 01-09 00:40

Is it another round of cutting leeks? Disabling the interface is just a way to make us obediently pay the IQ tax. Bitmain's move is, frankly, an attempt to monopolize the discourse power. Miners can only passively accept it, with no choice. Once again, "for your good" actually means for their good. This is outrageous. Even the machines they bought are being restricted, feeling like being trapped. Hmm... it's better not to rush to update the new firmware, first see what the community says. Disabling microUSB is indeed disgusting. The autonomy of miners has been reduced once again, very frustrating. As expected, as soon as "security" is mentioned, everything can be justified.

View OriginalReply0

AirdropHunter007