QR SafeShare – Split and protect secrets in QR codes

QR SafeShare – 3D-printable QR codes for offline secret storage

QR SafeShare is a free tool that lets you split passwords, crypto recovery phrases, or notes into multiple QR codes.

Your secret can only be reconstructed when the required number of QR codes are combined. Individual shares are not sufficient to recover the original secret.

QR SafeShare supports both XOR splitting and Shamir’s Secret Sharing, and all processing happens locally in your browser. Nothing is sent to a server.

A unique feature is that you can export the QR codes as 3MF files and 3D-print them, creating durable physical backups that can be stored completely offline.

🔐 Use case 1: A crypto recovery phrase

If you own crypto, you know how important your recovery phrase is. Traditional backups each come with their own risks:

• A metal backup is durable, but if someone finds it, they may immediately gain access to your full recovery phrase.

• A digital backup can be copied, leaked, corrupted, or accessed by malware.

• Simply splitting a recovery phrase into separate visible sections still exposes part of the original phrase in every location.

With QR SafeShare, you can use Shamir’s Secret Sharing instead:

• Create 3 QR codes with a 2-of-3 threshold.

• Any two QR codes are enough to recover the original phrase.

• A single QR code is not sufficient to reconstruct the secret.

• Export the shares as 3MF files and 3D-print them.

• Store the shares in separate locations, for example in a safe, another secure location, and with a trusted person.

If one backup is lost, the remaining two can still be used to recover the secret.

🔑 Use case 2: Sending a password to a client

Sometimes you need to send a password to a client without putting the complete password in a single email or message.

With XOR 2-of-2 splitting, QR SafeShare divides the password into two shares. Both are required to reconstruct the original password.

For example:

• Send one share through WhatsApp or SMS using a special link that opens the Combine page with the first share already loaded.

• Send the second QR code separately by email.

The client combines both shares locally in their browser.

If only one communication channel is compromised, the attacker does not have enough information to reconstruct the password.

🧩 How it works

1. Go to qr.sshare.eu

2. Choose Split and enter your secret, such as a password or recovery phrase.

3. Select a splitting method:

   • Shamir’s Secret Sharing → choose how many shares to create and how many are required for recovery.
     Example: create 3 QR codes and require any 2 to restore the secret.

   • XOR splitting → creates exactly 2 shares and requires both for recovery.

4. Export each QR code as a 3MF file.

5. In your slicer, add a color change just above 2 mm. Print the base in white and the QR layer in black.

6. Print the QR codes on your 3D printer.

7. Later, scan or upload the required shares using the Combine page to reconstruct your secret.

🛡 Extra protection

To reduce the risk of casual scanning, use the QR SafeShare Sleeve.

Slide the printed QR code inside and secure it with a small padlock. A determined attacker could still physically damage or force open the sleeve, but it helps prevent quick or unnoticed scanning.

⚡ Key benefits

• Local processing – splitting and reconstruction happen entirely in your browser.

• No server-side secret storage – your secret is not uploaded or stored by QR SafeShare.

• Offline capable – the application can be used locally after it has been loaded.

• Durable backups – 3D-printed QR codes can last much longer than paper.

• Flexible recovery – supports both Shamir’s Secret Sharing and XOR splitting.

• Distributed storage – shares can be stored in different physical or digital locations.

• Open source – the complete source code is published on GitHub and can be independently reviewed.

Disclaimer

QR SafeShare is provided as is. Use is entirely at your own risk.

You are responsible for securely storing and backing up your shares. Losing too many shares may make recovery impossible.

The creators of QR SafeShare accept no liability for loss or damage resulting from the use of this tool.