What is SeedQR? Why should we know about it?

What is SeedQR?

SeedQR is a method of storing and entering a Seed Phrase (Wallet recovery code) in QR Code format to enhance convenience and security when used with a Hardware Wallet.

SeedQR was developed by SeedSigner to offer an alternative for storing Seed Phrases in QR Code format. The primary objective is to change the storage method from writing down many words to a single image, enhancing storage convenience, recovery, and reducing the risk of users incorrectly entering words, through scanning with our device's camera.

Why do we need SeedQR?

• To reduce human error
• Increase recovery speed
• Supports Air-Gapped operation

What can SeedQR do?

• Fast and secure Wallet Recovery

SeedQR allows users to quickly recover their Wallet by scanning the QR Code with a Hardware Wallet's camera, such as Blockstream Jade, instead of manually entering 12 or 24 words, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors.

• Enable Air-Gapped Stateless Signer (Temporary Signer) mode

Temporary Signer is a mode that allows Jade to act as a "temporary transaction signing device" without permanently loading the seed into the device. When the device is rebooted, our data (Seed Phrase) is deleted and not saved as it would be during normal use.

Having SeedQR enables us to activate this mode quickly and securely. There's no need to waste time typing the Seed Phrase word by word.

• Used to unlock Blockstream Jade to ready mode

Precautions

• SeedQR is merely a tool that emphasizes "ease of data entry." Therefore, it should be stored securely, no differently from how a normal Seed Phrase is stored. Because if someone gains access to our SeedQR, they can take our funds, just as if they knew our 24 words.

Hardware Wallets that support SeedQR (directly)

Currently, SeedQR is primarily used in Hardware Wallets that emphasize Air-Gapped operation and Open Source, using a camera for data input.

Wallets that directly support SeedQR scanning (to recover Seed Phrase or enter Stateless Signer mode) include:

• Blockstream Jade
• SeedSigner
• Specter DIY Wallets
• Satochip

Reasons why other brands do not generally support it

• Trezor and Ledger: These do not directly support SeedQR scanning because these devices are mostly not equipped with cameras, or they use designs that focus on manual data input via touchscreens/buttons and connectivity via USB/Bluetooth.
• Keystone / Coldcard / Foundation Passport: These are Hardware Wallets that use Air-Gapped operation with QR Codes, but they use QR for transaction data exchange, not for directly importing Seed Phrases in SeedQR format (unless firmware updates are released to add SeedQR support in the future).

Key takeaways

Even though other wallet brands may not support SeedQR scanning, the Seed Phrase encoded in a SeedQR image is an international standard (BIP39). Therefore,

• If we can decode the SeedQR to obtain the 12/24 words,
• You can use those words to enter into Trezor, Ledger, or other Wallets to recover your funds.

Therefore, SeedQR is just a tool that makes our storage and recovery more convenient and secure in practice. However, the core remains the BIP-39 words, which are compatible with all brands.

Summary

SeedQR changes the storage and input method of the Master Private Key (12 or 24 Seed Phrase words) from Text-Based to Image-Based (scannable image) to enhance storage convenience and reduce the chance of errors during recovery. However, there are still precautions regarding loss, so it should be stored as securely as any other recovery code.