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Exploring bip 85: wallet derivation questions

BIP 85 Sparks Debate | Dual Wallet Derivations Confound Some Users

By

Francesca Rossi

May 14, 2026, 09:21 PM

Updated

May 15, 2026, 03:22 PM

2 minutes estimated to read

A side-by-side view of two wallets showcasing 12-word and 24-word seed phrases, highlighting differences in wallet derivation.
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A growing coalition of people is pushing back against the confusion surrounding BIP 85, specifically regarding wallet derivation from a single seed. Recent discussions have stirred mixed reactions, especially around the concept of creating wallets with different word counts from the same seed phrase.

Wallet Derivation Path Overview

One user detailed the wallet derivation paths:

plaintext

m/83696968'/39'/0'/12'/3'

m/83696968'/39'/0'/24'/3'

These paths illustrate that 12-word and 24-word wallets can arise from a single seed, but users remain hesitant about reusing sequence numbers due to potential recovery pitfalls.

Key Insights from the Forum

  1. Potential for Duress Wallets

    One comment raised a provocative question regarding a duress wallet: "Is it possible for a duress wallet to point to an existing wallet that contains funds?" This new angle indicates further complexities in wallet management.

  2. Flexibility in Entropy Creation

    "BIP-85 is just a specification for generating entropy. There’s no limit to the entropy you can generate," shared one commenter, emphasizing the many configurations possible within technical limits.

  3. Navigating Recovery Challenges

    Many agree on being cautious. A participant noted, "There is an issue in reusing the same sequence number for other purposes, but it's not recommended as it may confuse recovery."

"The derivation path includes the number of words, not just the sequence number," added another participant, reinforcing the importance of clarity in these discussions.

Community Sentiment

The tone among comments blends curiosity with caution. While potential benefits are highlighted, users express valid concerns regarding complications that might arise during wallet recovery.

Key Takeaways

  • πŸš€ BIP-85 allows varied wallet derivations from a single seed phrase.

  • ⚠️ Reusing the same sequence number can complicate recovery processes.

  • πŸ”‘ The seed phrase is a versatile tool, capable of diverse configurations.

As discussions unfold, clarity in wallet derivation is under the spotlight, especially given the permanence of Bitcoin and implications for users' funds.

Looking Ahead: Wallet Dynamics in Crypto

With the evolving discourse around BIP 85, there's a solid chance that more frameworks for wallet derivation will enter the conversation soon. Experts predict about a 70% likelihood that developers will provide clearer guidance on managing sequence numbers and addressing recovery challenges. This push may be fueled by the increasing number of people sharing their experiences on forums, calling for better user resources.

A Historical Parallel: Analog Devices Encountering Issues

Reflecting on the early 2000s digital time reset problems during daylight saving adjustments, the current challenges with wallet derivations appear similar. Just as devices grappled with time changes, people managing BIP 85 variations may find themselves in tricky spots due to complex recovery paths. This analogy underlines the pressing need for clear guidelines, just as consumers benefited from timely clarifications with their tech devices in the past.