Loading a Mnemonic
Once you have either a 12- or 24-word mnemonic, choose Load Mnemonic on Krux's start menu, and you will be presented with several input methods:
Input Methods¶
Via Camera¶
You can choose to use the camera to scan a QR code or Tiny Seed metal plate backup.
QR Code¶
It's unpleasant having to manually enter 12 or 24 words every time you want to use Krux. To remedy this you can instead use the device's camera to read a QR code containing the words. Krux will decode QR codes of four types:
- Plain text QR: The mnemonic words encoded as text, with words separated by spaces.
- SeedQR: Basically, it is the mnemonic words of the respective BIP-39 numbers concatenated, encoded as text.
- Compact SeedQR: Basically, it is the mnemonic words bits concatenated as bytes.
- Encrypted Mnemonic: A specification created by Krux that encrypts the mnemonic words bits and adds some information about the encryption used.
After opening your wallet via one of the manual methods you can use Krux to create QR codes of all types above, transcript them to paper or metal using the transcription helpers or attach a thermal printer to your Krux and print out the mnemonic. Check out the Printing section for more information. You can also use an offline QR code generator for this (ideally on an airgapped device).
Tiny Seed¶
Tiny Seed is a compact metal plate mnemonic backup method. Krux devices have machine vision capabilities that allow users to scan these metal plates and instantly load mnemonics engraved on them. To properly scan them place the Tiny Seed over a black background and paint the punched bits black to increase contrast. You can also scan the thermally printed version, or a filled template. Find templates to scan or print here.
Via Manual Input¶
Manually type Words, Word Numbers, Tiny Seed (toggle the bits or punches) or Stackbit (model 1248 metal plate backup).
Words¶
Enter each word of your BIP-39 mnemonic one at a time. Krux will disable impossible-to-reach letters as you type and will attempt to autocomplete your words to speed up the process.
On your 12th or 24th word, you can leave it blank to have Krux generate the final checksum word of your mnemonic for you. This is useful when you choose a manual method to generate your mnemonic and want the final BIP-39 checksum word to be valid.
Word Numbers¶
Decimal¶
Enter each word of your BIP-39 mnemonic as a number from 1 to 2048 one at a time. You can use this list for reference.
Hexadecimal and Octal¶
You can also enter your BIP-39 mnemonic word's numbers (1-2048) in hexadecimal format, with values ranging from 0x1 to 0x800, or in octal format, with values ranging from 01 to 04000. This is useful with some metal plate backups that uses those formats.
Final checksum word¶
On your 12th or 24th word, you can leave it blank to have Krux generate the final checksum word of your mnemonic for you. This is useful when you choose a manual method to generate your mnemonic and want the final BIP-39 checksum word to be valid.
Tiny Seed (Bits)¶
Enter the BIP-39 mnemonic word's numbers (1-2048) in binary format, toggling necessary bits to recreate each of the word's respective number. The last word will have checksum bits dynamically toggled while you fill the bits.
Stackbit 1248¶
Enter the BIP-39 mnemonic word's numbers (1-2048) using the Stackbit 1248 metal plate backup method, where each of the four digits of the word's number is a sum of the numbers marked (punched) 1, 2, 4, or 8. For example, to enter the word "pear", number 1297, you must punch (1)(2)(1+8=9)(1+2+4=7).
From Storage¶
You can retrieve mnemonics previously stored on device's internal flash or external (SD card). All stored mnemonics are encrypted, to load them you'll have to enter the same key you used to encrypt them.
Wallet loading sequence¶
Confirm Mnemonic Words¶
Once you have entered your mnemonic, you will be presented with the full list of words to confirm.
Passphrase¶
After confirming the mnemonic words, you can optionally choose to type or scan a BIP-39 passphrase. When typing, swipe left or right to change modes if your device has a touchscreen. For scanning, you can also create a QR code from your offline passphrase in Tools.
Fingerprint¶
The wallet's fingerprint, if you have it noted down, will help you make sure you entered the correct mnemonic and passphrase (optional) and will load the expected wallet.
Single-sig or Multisig¶
After loading your mnemonic and passphrase (optional), you will be asked if you want to use it as part of a Single-sig or Multisig wallet.
Your choice here will subtly change the generated xpub that is used to set up your device in your wallet coordinator software. You can learn more about the difference in the following guides for using single-sig and multisig wallets.
Now, onto the main menu...