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Antminer s21+ faces high failure rates: uptime concerns

Antminer S21+ | Users Report Growing Concerns Over Reliability and Repairs

By

Fatima Al-Banna

Jan 4, 2026, 01:56 PM

Edited By

Tina Roberts

Updated

Jan 5, 2026, 12:45 PM

2 minutes reading time

A close-up of the Antminer S21+ mining machine with visible warning signs indicating malfunction

A surge in reported failures with the Antminer S21+ units has miners worried. Nearly 70% of machines are being sent back for repairs, leading to frustrations over uptime and reliability with Bitmain's new model.

Operational Stability in Question

Users are raising alarms about their experience with the S21+, stating that about 70% of their units have been returned to Bitmain for repairs. One miner emphasized the dilemma, noting, "I'm missing out on mining revenue, so my investment is looking a bit tired at the moment." Access restrictions to hosted machines leave many not knowing the nature of the failures.

In contrast, some miners highlight their success with other models. "I have S21 Pros and L9s running flawlessly without downtime," shared another miner, reflecting a common sentiment among several users. Despite claims of reliability, the S21+ continues to face issues that undermine earnings potential.

User Experiences Vary Widely

Feedback from forum users reveals a mix of frustration and disappointment:

  • Fragility Concerns: One owner reported a dead motherboard in their S21 200th Anniversary Edition just six months in.

  • Repair Challenges: A user explained their experience with an S21 Pro, which became "unrepairable" after two months—resulting in a $4,000 loss. They felt let down by Bitmain, stating, "They don’t replace it even though it was under warranty. I'm never buying Bitmain again."

  • Quality Referrals: Some have turned their clients away from the S21+, citing it as a "sensitive and poorly made miner." They instead recommend models like the S21 Pros or A15 series for better durability.

"It's not the hosting. These boards just suck in general," noted a user, further questioning build quality.

Key Points from the Community

  • 🔹 High Repair Rates: Nearly 70% of S21+ units are sent back for repairs.

  • 🔸 Quality Concerns: Users spotlight ongoing issues with the S21+'s build, especially compared to reliable models like S21 Pro.

  • 📉 Community Sentiment: Users are increasingly worried about investment losses, with many expressing frustration over lost revenue.

As the mining community grapples with these issues, the impact on Bitmain’s reputation in the market appears to be growing. An overwhelming sense of urgency is present as miners prepare to engage with their hosting providers.

The Road Ahead for S21+

Bitmain must confront these durability concerns directly to maintain consumer confidence. As nearly 70% of returned units suggest systemic problems, the pressure mounts for more transparency in their repair and quality assurance processes. Experts predict a notable shift in Bitmain's approach within the coming months if trends continue.

In the current climate, the fallout from these issues might jeopardize Bitmain's standing in the competitive crypto mining scene. As miners come together, community voices echo the demand for accountability and product improvements—an outcome reminiscent of past tech failures where collective action led to significant brand shifts.

Is Bitmain prepared to respond effectively to these growing concerns about the S21+? Only time will tell as the community awaits action.