Wallet Descriptors for Sovereign Recovery

At Casa, we prioritize your ability to access your bitcoin under any circumstances. In rare cases, such as if Casa’s app becomes unavailable or our services are interrupted, you can still recover and access your funds independently.

To make this process even easier, we’ve introduced a new feature called Wallet Descriptors. This guide will explain what Wallet Descriptors are, why they are important, and how to use them for a fast and a seamless recovery.

What is a Wallet Descriptor?

A Wallet Descriptor is a simple string of text (or QR code) that contains all the information needed to recover your bitcoin wallet. Instead of manually collecting public keys and configuring a new wallet in a third-party app, Wallet Descriptors allow you to quickly and securely import your wallet.

Why Use Wallet Descriptors?

In case of an emergency, such as:

• The Casa app being down or unresponsive
• Government restrictions or bans affecting Casa or Bitcoin
• Casa’s services being disrupted for any reason

Wallet Descriptors simplify the process of regaining access to your bitcoin by eliminating the need for manual public key management. You can quickly import your wallet using the descriptor with a compatible third-party wallet software.

How to Use Wallet Descriptors

1. Access Your Wallet Descriptor
   In the Casa app, navigate to your vault, tap on “Receive” and then tap on the three dots at the top right corner of the screen. There, you’ll find the “View Wallet Descriptor” option, either in text or QR code format.
   
   
2. Choose a Third-Party Wallet
   Choose a wallet app that supports importing via Wallet Descriptors. Some popular options include:
   • Sparrow Wallet
   • BlueWallet
   • Bitcoin Core

We recommend Sparrow Wallet!

1. Import the Wallet
   In your chosen third-party wallet app, locate the option to Import Wallet and select the option to input a Wallet Descriptor. When using Sparrow you can either:
   • Copy and paste the Wallet Descriptor string (if using text, click the "Edit" button seen on the image below)

1. • Scan the QR code (if using the QR format, click the QR button seen on the image below)
     
     

Verify Your Keys
Once imported, the wallet app will use your keys to build the wallet and display your bitcoin balance and transaction. 

Key Benefits of Using Wallet Descriptors

• Speed and Ease: No need to gather individual public keys or manually build a wallet.
• Compatibility: Wallet Descriptors work with popular third-party wallet software.
• Peace of Mind: You’re always in control of your bitcoin, even if Casa’s services become unavailable.