The SeedQR format

In the world of cryptocurrency, your seedphrase 🔗 is the ultimate key to your funds. Typically composed of 12, 18, or 24 words, it allows you to recover your wallet if your hardware device is lost or damaged. Protecting it is crucial — losing your seed phrase means losing access to your funds forever. Traditionally, people write it down on paper, but this method has its limitations: it can be damaged, lost, or read by prying eyes.

Enter SeedQR 🔗, a standard developed by the SeedSigner project 🔗. Instead of writing your seed phrase word by word, SeedQR converts it into a QR code.

This allows for:

• Compact storage: all words are encoded into a single QR image.
• Convenience: quickly scan the code into compatible wallets without manually typing each word.
• Error reduction: eliminates the risk of miswriting or misreading words.
• SeedQR works by taking your mnemonic seed phrase and encoding it in a standardized QR format that hardware wallets can read.

Currently, SeedQR is supported by wallets that are compatible with the SeedSigner ecosystem.

This includes:

• SeedSigner;
• Specter DIY wallets;
• Jade by Blockstream;
• And some other hardware wallets that have implemented the SeedQR decoding feature (support is expanding as adoption grows.

Before using it with any wallet, check whether your device supports SeedQR, as not all hardware wallets have adopted the standard yet.

Pros:

• Reduces human error when backing up or restoring a seed phrase;
• Makes seed storage more compact and visually manageable;
• Can speed up wallet recovery significantly;
• Encourages a more standardized and secure workflow for offline storage.

Cons:

• Requires devices that support SeedQR, limiting compatibility with some wallets;
• Digital copies of QR codes can be risky if not stored offline securely;
• Anyone who scans the QR has immediate access to your wallet, so physical security is still critical.

Most of these cons can be mitigated by using Seedkeeper 🔗, a specialized device designed to securely store SeedQR codes offline. Seedkeeper ensures your QR codes remain safe from digital attacks while maintaining the convenience of quick scanning when needed.

SeedQR offers a modern, convenient way to store and transfer seed phrases, bridging the gap between security and usability. While it's not a replacement for careful physical security, it is a strong tool for minimizing human error and streamlining wallet management. As more hardware wallets adopt the standard, SeedQR could become a widely accepted method for secure, efficient seed phrase handling.