How does Unchained use BIP32 derivation paths?

A derivation path allows you to produce multiple different keys from the same seed phrase.

A seed phrase can produce and reproduce many different bitcoin keys, which can control the movement of bitcoin.

You can think of a derivation path as the pathway instructions to navigate from your seed phrase to the subset of keys you'll be using for a particular purpose (such as building a wallet). Learn more about derivation paths in our dedicated article.

Uploading the same hardware wallet key to multiple Unchained accounts.

Most Unchained clients should not edit the BIP32 derivation path when uploading keys. Instead, use our Connections feature to share a key to someone else's account.

If you have multiple accounts on your profile, such as a personal account and an IRA account, edit your key's availability.

Changing the BIP32 derivation path.

1. Sign in to your Unchained account.
2. Upload a new account key by clicking Add a key under the Keys page.
3. In the Export extended public key section, click the three dots at the top right corner. Then choose show advanced.
4. Enter a BIP32 path that has not been used yet. You can change the BIP32 path by changing the third depth number. (You can choose m/45'/0'/1' if it's the second time you're uploading a key from the same hardware wallet (m/45'/0'/0' being the first used.)
   • Note for Coldcard users: When exporting your xpub, the Coldcard may ask you to enter an "account number."  Always enter 0 for the account number, even when changing the BIP32 derivation path.
5. If you see an apostrophe after the depth number, do not remove it if you're using a Ledger or Trezor. Coldcards do not use apostrophes after the last digit.
6. Now that you've changed the derivation path, proceed with the key upload as normal. Because of the path change, your hardware wallet will share a different xpub.