SeedSigner: A Different Approach to Key Sovereignty
Disclaimer
This post is educational. It does not constitute technical, legal, or financial advice.
Evaluate your own needs, knowledge level, and the threat model you face before choosing a self-custody solution.
More important than the device itself is understanding the seed and how to protect it.
Introduction: When Curiosity Overcomes Resistance
I’ve always been skeptical about hardware wallets.
My idea of self-custody has always been simple:
My idea of self-custody has always been simple:
“Protect your seed and use the wallet you prefer.
The fewer intermediaries, the better.”
However, since this isn’t only about opinions, I decided to give a chance to a DIY (do-it-yourself) alternative that has earned growing respect among technically minded bitcoiners: SeedSigner.
My Experience: From Skepticism to the Workshop
I got my unit at the SeedSigner Workshop, organized by the Bitcoin Paraguay community and the Bitcoin Unlocked Store.
Being able to get the wallet locally is a privilege:
- You avoid supply-chain risks (hardware being intercepted or tampered with during shipping).
- You receive personalized attention and hands-on learning from the community.
I chose the blue case, simply because I love blue — and because there’s also an emotional component to this: having a physical tool that feels yours.
What Is SeedSigner?
SeedSigner is a fully open-source, air-gapped cold-signing wallet that is also low-cost (≈ USD 70 if you build it yourself, not including shipping from the U.S.).
It never connects to the Internet:
It never connects to the Internet:
- No Wi-Fi, no Bluetooth, no persistent storage.
- The operating system (Raspberry Pi Zero) boots from a temporary microSD card.
- The seed is entered via QR code or manually, remaining only in volatile memory.
In essence: a disconnected signer, not a “custodian.”
Basic Components
- Raspberry Pi Zero v1.3 (no Wi-Fi)
- CSI camera to scan QR codes
- 1.3” or 1.54” TFT screen
- Physical buttons
- 3D-printed case (various colors)
Official Repository
Core Concepts
| Concept | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Air-gapped | The device never connects to the Internet. Data is exchanged only through QR codes. |
| PSBT | Partially Signed Bitcoin Transaction: a standard file containing a transaction ready to be signed offline. |
| QR-based workflow | SeedSigner displays a QR code with the signed transaction, which you then scan from your hot wallet (Specter, Sparrow, etc.). |
| Ephemerality | Once turned off, nothing is stored: each session is temporary. |
| DIY | You can build it yourself, audit every part, and easily replace components. |
Quick Step-by-Step (Usage Mode)
-
Generate a Seed
- Use physical dice or SeedSigner’s camera.
- The seed appears as BIP39 words.
- Write it down on paper (not digitally).
-
Create or Import a Wallet Descriptor
- Generate a new wallet or import an xpub from Sparrow or Specter.
- SeedSigner stores only the current session in RAM.
-
Receive Funds
- Your hot wallet (e.g., Sparrow) generates addresses from your xpub.
- SeedSigner never sees your UTXOs directly.
-
Sign a PSBT Transaction
- Export the PSBT from Sparrow as a QR.
- Scan it with SeedSigner, review, sign, and display the new QR.
- Scan it back in Sparrow to broadcast.
-
Power Off = Clean Slate
- Shutting down wipes everything.
- Only your physical seed (paper or metal) remains.
Real Advantages
✅ No supply-chain risk if bought or built locally.
✅ Zero connectivity, ideal for high security.
✅ Full auditability (software and hardware).
✅ Low cost compared to other hardware wallets.
✅ Perfect for Bitcoin education and learning.
✅ Zero connectivity, ideal for high security.
✅ Full auditability (software and hardware).
✅ Low cost compared to other hardware wallets.
✅ Perfect for Bitcoin education and learning.
Limits and Precautions
⚠️ Not for absolute beginners: requires understanding of PSBTs and seed backups.
⚠️ No persistent storage: lose the seed, lose everything.
⚠️ Manual process: more steps than commercial hardware wallets.
⚠️ DIY requires maintenance: updates, camera calibration, etc.
⚠️ Does not replace personal judgment: you remain responsible.
⚠️ No persistent storage: lose the seed, lose everything.
⚠️ Manual process: more steps than commercial hardware wallets.
⚠️ DIY requires maintenance: updates, camera calibration, etc.
⚠️ Does not replace personal judgment: you remain responsible.
Final Reflection
SeedSigner doesn’t try to be “just another wallet.”
It’s a tool for extreme sovereignty — removing intermediaries, forcing you to learn, and reconnecting you with Bitcoin’s original ethos.
It’s a tool for extreme sovereignty — removing intermediaries, forcing you to learn, and reconnecting you with Bitcoin’s original ethos.
I might still not be a fan of hardware wallets,
but I recognize that SeedSigner isn’t a third party — it’s a medium to truly understand what it means to sign your own transactions.
but I recognize that SeedSigner isn’t a third party — it’s a medium to truly understand what it means to sign your own transactions.
Value for Value
If this content brought you clarity or inspiration, give some value back:
comment, share, or support your local community.
As Lunaticoin says: “If you receive value, return value — in sats, time, or knowledge.”
🔗 Useful Links
- Official site: https://seedsigner.com
- GitHub: https://github.com/SeedSigner/seedsigner
- Bitcoin Paraguay Community: https://bitcoinparaguay.org
- Local store: https://store.bitcoin-unlocked.com/catalog/
- Tutorials and guides: https://docs.seedsigner.com