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How do I upload a key using a QR code?

QR-based devices include Passport, SeedSigner, and Jade

Keys are required to create vaults and loans. You can use a compatible Passport, Jade, or SeedSigner device to upload an extended public key (XPUB) to your Unchained account without connecting the device to your computer.

Caution: QR key upload is an advanced feature, and support or troubleshooting may be limited. A successful upload confirms that the public information is formatted consistently. It does not prove that the QR came from your intended device and seed phrase. Additionally, it does not confirm that you can sign with the key. Uploading the wrong key could leave a vault unable to sign a transaction.

Some clients have successfully added a SeedSigner/Passport key using the QR feature, but Unchained does not provide technical support or troubleshooting for these devices.

What you'll need:

  • An approved Unchained account
  • A compatible Passport, Jade, or SeedSigner device
  • The device loaded with your intended seed phrase. We do not recommend using a passphrase.
  • A PC or Mac with a camera

Before you begin

Warning: Only scan the XPUB generated by the export process below. Never scan a SeedQR, seed phrase, private key, or recovery backup into the Unchained platform. Those contain secret information that could be used to spend your bitcoin.

Follow the export settings below exactly. Unchained requires a multisig XPUB in the m/45' derivation-path family. Common m/48' multisig exports are not compatible.

Always use account index 0. You do not need a different device account or account index for a personal, IRA, business, trust, or other Unchained account.

Upload your hardware-wallet key once. During the final review, you can make the key available to your other eligible Unchained accounts. You can also change your key’s availability across accounts later.

Review how Unchained uses XPUBs and how Unchained uses BIP32 derivation paths.

How to upload a key using QR

  1. Unlock your device using the intended seed phrase and optional passphrase. Confirm that the device is using bitcoin mainnet.
  2. Sign in to your Unchained account, click Keys on the left-side menu, and click Add a key.
  3. Select a key owner, enter a name for your key, and click Next.
  4. Choose QR as your device and click Next.
  5. Review the advanced QR workflow requirements shown by Unchained.
  6. Generate a fresh XPUB QR directly from your device:
      • Passport: Go to Manage Account > Connect Wallet > Sparrow > Multisig > QR Code.
      • Jade: Go to Options > Wallet > Export Xpub > Options, then choose:
        • Script: Legacy
        • Wallet: Multisig
        • Account Index: 0
      • SeedSigner: Firstly Settings > Advanced > Script types > enable Legacy
        Then once enabled, go to Seeds > Select seed > Export Xpub > Multisig > Legacy > Animated (QR)

    If your device asks for an account index, always enter 0. If you do not see the options listed above, stop and do not substitute a Native Segwit or Wrapped Segwit multisig export.

  7. Hold the QR code in front of your computer’s camera. Keep the entire code visible until Unchained finishes scanning all frames.
  8. Review the derivation path, root fingerprint, and XPUB shown by Unchained. The derivation path must begin with m/45'. Compare the information with your device when it is available.
  9. If you have other eligible Unchained accounts, choose which accounts can use this key under Key availability.
  10. Click Create Key.

If the QR does not scan or the path does not match

If the QR does not scan, keep the device steady, reduce screen glare, confirm that your browser has camera permission, and make sure the complete QR code remains visible.

If Unchained reports a path mismatch, return to your device and confirm:

  • You selected Legacy
  • You selected Multisig
  • You used account index 0
  • The device is using bitcoin mainnet

Do not change the advanced derivation path in Unchained simply to make an unexpected export fit. If the error continues, contact Unchained support.

That’s it!

You can now use your key to create vaults and loans. Keep the signing device, seed phrase backup, and optional passphrase secure so you can sign with this key when needed.

 

Choice of hardware device is a serious matter. Please do your own research before choosing a device and all use is at your own risk, as Unchained has not performed security review on the devices mentioned herein.