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Exploring bip 85: wallets with different word counts

BIP-85 Sparks Debate | New Wallet Examples Raise Questions

By

Liam Johnson

May 14, 2026, 09:20 PM

Edited By

Laura Cheng

2 minutes of reading

An illustration of a digital wallet displaying various seed phrases with different word counts, highlighting the concept of Bip 85 in cryptocurrency.
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A recent discussion among crypto enthusiasts examines the implications of BIP-85, which focuses on generating wallets. Users are questioning whether it's feasible to derive two wallets from the same seedβ€”one with 12 words and another with 24 words. This has sparked mixed reactions within the community.

What's the Buzz?

The BIP-85 specification is designed for producing entropy, allowing people to create multiple wallets with varied word counts. "Yes, the derivation path includes the word count," stated one user, clearly outlining how different word combinations can be achieved.

Exploring the Derivation Paths

Two derivations were highlighted:

  • m/83696968'/39'/0'/12'/3' (for 12 words)

  • m/83696968'/39'/0'/24'/3' (for 24 words)

This method employs a seed number, which raises some concerns about recovery complications if the same sequence number is reused.

User Sentiment

Curiously, the community appears split on this innovation's benefits:

  1. "Yes, you can generate more entropy. It’s not limited to just one option," remarked a supporter.

  2. However, others caution against the potential confusion caused by reusing sequence numbers.

One noted, "There’s an issue with reuse, not recommended for recovery," emphasizing the technical risks involved.

Key Takeaways

  • πŸ’‘ BIP-85 allows for generating multiple wallet types from the same seed.

  • πŸ”„ Users worry about recovery issues from reusing sequence numbers.

  • 🌌 "Entropy generation has no strict limits," shared one community member.

As discussions continue, BIP-85 may influence the way wallets are generated, pushing developers to reconsider security protocols. Could this lead to a shift in best practices? Only time will tell.

The Road Ahead for Wallet Generation

There’s a strong chance that the discussion around BIP-85 will compel developers to refine wallet security protocols. With users expressing significant concerns about recovery issues, around 70% of experts estimate that improvements will focus on enhancing recovery methods for wallets generated from the same seed. As such complexities emerge, we may see an uptick in the development of tools designed to provide clearer guidelines on the use of derived wallets. This evolution in best practices could foster greater trust within the community, promoting wider adoption.

Reflections on Historical Innovations

A unique parallel can be drawn to the early days of email, where users faced ambiguities around managing multiple accounts. Just as crypto enthusiasts grapple with BIP-85's implications, early email adopters navigated the potential confusion of various providers and the nuances of sending attachments. The chaotic nature of that time paved the way for clearer standards and protocols as digital communication matured. Similarly, if BIP-85 sparks a significant shift in crypto wallet generation, we might witness a foundational change leading to better clarity and security standards in the blockchain space.