Migrating from Legacy to Seed Phrase Account
A comprehensive guide to safely migrating your ZelCore legacy username/password account to a modern seed phrase (BIP44) account.
Overview
ZelCore is transitioning from legacy username/password accounts to modern seed phrase (BIP44) accounts. This migration provides:
- Better security: Industry-standard BIP44 protocol
- Full ownership: Complete control of your funds without reliance on ZelCore servers
- Portability: Use your seed phrase with any BIP44-compatible wallet
- Future compatibility: Legacy accounts are being phased out
- Modern FluxID: Access to the latest Flux ecosystem features
Time required: 30-60 minutes (depending on number of assets)
Difficulty: Moderate - follow steps carefully
Before You Begin
Important Warnings
- Never share your seed phrase with anyone - not even ZelCore support
- Write down your new seed phrase immediately - losing it means losing access to your funds
- Keep both accounts until migration is complete and verified
- This process does NOT happen automatically - you must manually transfer funds
- Double-check all addresses before sending funds
What You'll Need
Required:
- ✅ Access to your current legacy account (username and password)
- ✅ Paper and pen to write down your new seed phrase
- ✅ 30-60 minutes of uninterrupted time
- ✅ Stable internet connection
- ✅ Updated version of ZelCore
Optional but recommended:
- ✅ Second device to verify addresses
- ✅ Cryptocurrency for transaction fees (small amounts)
- ✅ Backup device or location for seed phrase copy
Understanding the Process
Migration involves:
- Creating a new seed phrase account
- Transferring all assets from legacy to new account
- Verifying all transfers completed successfully
- Securely storing your new seed phrase
- (Optional) Retiring your legacy account
This is NOT an automatic conversion - you're creating a new account and moving funds to it.
Prerequisites
Step 1: Update ZelCore
Ensure you have the latest version:
Desktop:
- Visit zelcore.io
- Download the latest version
- Install and restart
Mobile:
- Open your app store (iOS App Store or Google Play)
- Search for "ZelCore"
- Tap "Update" if available
Step 2: Verify Legacy Account Access
- Open ZelCore
- Log in with your username and password
- Verify you can see all your assets
- Write down all cryptocurrencies you hold (you'll need to transfer each one)
Step 3: Document Your Current Holdings
Create a list of:
- Each cryptocurrency you hold
- The amount of each
- Any custom tokens or assets
- Note any staking positions or locked funds
Example list:
- Bitcoin (BTC): 0.25 BTC
- Ethereum (ETH): 2.5 ETH
- Flux (FLUX): 1000 FLUX
- USDT (ERC-20): 500 USDT
Step 4: Check Transaction Fees
You'll need small amounts of each cryptocurrency for transaction fees:
- Bitcoin network: ~$1-5 in BTC
- Ethereum network: ~$5-20 in ETH (for ETH and ERC-20 tokens)
- Other networks: varies, usually under $1
Make sure you have enough for fees before starting.
Step-by-Step Migration Process
Phase 1: Create Your New Seed Phrase Account
Step 1: Access Account Creation
Option A: Using Account Switcher (Recommended)
- In your current ZelCore, look for account/profile menu
- Select "Add Account" or "Create New Account"
- Choose "Create New Wallet" or "Register"
Option B: On a Different Device
- Install ZelCore on another device
- Open ZelCore
- Choose "Create New Wallet" or "Register"
Option C: In Same App (Advanced)
- Note your legacy credentials
- Log out of legacy account
- Choose "Create New Wallet"
Use Option A (account switcher) if available - it's easiest to manage both accounts simultaneously.
Step 2: Create the New Account
- Choose "Create New Wallet" or "Register"
- Set up device authentication:
- PIN code (numeric)
- Password (alphanumeric)
- Biometric (if available)
- ZelCore will generate your seed phrase
Step 3: Write Down Your Seed Phrase
This is the most critical step:
- ZelCore displays 12 or 24 words
- Write ALL words on paper in exact order
- Number each word (1-12 or 1-24)
- Double-check spelling of each word
- Store paper in a secure location immediately
- Never photograph or digitally store your seed phrase
Example format:
1. word
2. example
3. correct
...
12. phrase
Step 4: Verify Your Seed Phrase
- ZelCore will ask you to confirm words
- Select words in the correct order
- Verify all words match what you wrote down
- If prompted, write the phrase down again for additional verification
Step 5: Complete New Account Setup
- Enable D2FA (recommended for security)
- Note your new account is empty (this is expected)
- You now have TWO accounts:
- Legacy account: Has your current funds
- New seed phrase account: Empty, waiting for transfers
Phase 2: Transfer Your Assets
Now you'll move each cryptocurrency from your legacy account to your new seed phrase account.
Important: Transfer Order
Transfer in this order:
- Base cryptocurrencies first (BTC, ETH, FLUX, etc.)
- Tokens second (ERC-20, BEP-20, etc.)
Why: You need base cryptocurrency for transaction fees when sending tokens.
Step 6: Set Up Asset Receiving
In your NEW seed phrase account:
- Select the first cryptocurrency to transfer
- If not already added, add it to your asset list
- Go to the Receive tab
- Copy the receiving address
- Verify the address is correct (check first/last 4-6 characters)
Pro tip: Send the address to yourself via secure note, or keep both accounts open side-by-side.
Step 7: Send From Legacy Account
Switch to your LEGACY account:
- Select the same cryptocurrency
- Go to the Send tab
- Paste your new account's receiving address
- Verify address is correct - compare carefully!
- Choose amount:
- First transfer: Send a small test amount (e.g., $10-20 worth)
- Subsequent transfers: Send remaining balance minus fee reserve
- Review transaction details
- Confirm and send
Step 8: Verify Transfer Completion
-
Wait for confirmation:
- Bitcoin: 10-60 minutes (1-6 confirmations)
- Ethereum: 1-15 minutes (12+ confirmations)
- Others: varies by network
-
Check new account:
- Switch to your new seed phrase account
- Run Smartify (Settings → Smartify)
- Verify the funds appear
- Check amount is correct
-
Verify on blockchain explorer:
- Copy your new account's address
- Check on appropriate blockchain explorer
- Confirm transaction shows as confirmed
Step 9: Repeat for Each Asset
For each cryptocurrency in your list:
- Add asset to new account (if not already added)
- Get receiving address from new account
- Send from legacy account
- Wait for confirmation
- Verify in new account
- Check off your list
- Move to next asset
For tokens (ERC-20, BEP-20, etc.):
- Make sure you have base cryptocurrency first (ETH, BNB, etc.) for fees
- Transfer base crypto first, then tokens
- Some tokens may need to be manually added in new account
Phase 3: Handle Special Cases
D2FA Migration
If you have D2FA enabled on your legacy account:
-
New account D2FA:
- Set up fresh D2FA in your new account
- Create a new D2FA PIN
- This is separate from legacy D2FA
-
Legacy D2FA:
- Keep enabled until all transfers complete
- Can disable after confirming migration success
Staked or Locked Assets
If you have staking positions:
-
Check lock periods:
- Determine when assets unlock
- Note any unstaking periods
-
Options:
- Wait for unlock: Keep legacy account until assets unlock, then transfer
- Unstake now: Unstake, wait for unlock period, then transfer
- Bridge after unlock: If there's a bridge function, use after unstaking
-
Document staking rewards:
- Note which assets generate rewards
- Set up staking in new account after transfer
Custom Tokens
For tokens not in default list:
-
Get token details from legacy account:
- Contract address
- Token symbol
- Decimals
- Network (ERC-20, BEP-20, etc.)
-
Add to new account:
- Go to asset management
- Select "Add Custom Token"
- Enter token details
- Verify before transferring
Large Holdings
For large amounts (personal risk threshold):
-
Test transfer first:
- Send small amount (1-5%)
- Verify receipt
- Then send remainder
-
Split into batches:
- Multiple smaller transactions
- Reduces risk
- Verify each batch
-
Transaction limits:
- Some blockchains have per-transaction limits
- May require multiple sends
Phase 4: Verification and Cleanup
Step 10: Complete Final Verification
Create a verification checklist:
-
Compare balances:
- Legacy account (should be near zero)
- New account (should have all funds)
- Total should match your original list
-
Check all assets transferred:
- Review your original holdings list
- Verify each asset appears in new account
- Confirm amounts match (minus transaction fees)
-
Test new account:
- Send a small test transaction
- Receive a small test transaction
- Verify Smartify works
- Check all features function
-
Verify seed phrase access:
- On a different device, import wallet using seed phrase
- Confirm all assets appear
- This proves your seed phrase works for recovery
Step 11: Secure Your Seed Phrase
Critical security steps:
-
Physical storage:
- Write on durable paper (or metal plate)
- Store in fireproof/waterproof safe
- Consider multiple copies in different locations
-
Never store digitally:
- No photos
- No cloud storage
- No password managers
- No digital notes
-
Consider additional copies:
- Second secure location (different building)
- Split across multiple secure locations (advanced)
- Metal backup plates for durability
-
Document for heirs (optional):
- Sealed envelope with trusted person
- Safe deposit box
- Estate planning documentation
Step 12: Legacy Account Handling
After confirming all transfers:
Option 1: Keep Legacy Account as Backup (Recommended for 30 days)
- Leave small amounts in legacy account
- Keep credentials secure
- Verify new account works perfectly
- After 30 days, retire legacy account
Option 2: Retire Legacy Account Immediately
- Withdraw all remaining funds
- Leave minimal amount (or nothing)
- Keep credentials stored securely just in case
- Legacy accounts remain accessible even if retired
Do NOT:
- ❌ Delete username/password credentials yet
- ❌ Share that you're no longer using legacy account
- ❌ Close or delete the account (ZelCore may need to deprecate it officially)
Common Migration Issues
"I can't remember my legacy password"
Solution:
- Try password recovery (if available in legacy system)
- Check for password hints or documentation
- Try common variations you might have used
- Contact ZelCore support for account recovery options
Prevention for future:
- Set up new account immediately if you can't access legacy
- Transfer funds once you regain access
"Transaction failed when sending to new account"
Possible causes and solutions:
Insufficient fees:
- Check you have enough for network fees
- Add more base cryptocurrency for fees
- Try during low network congestion
Wrong address:
- Verify you copied the correct address
- Check address is for correct network (BTC vs BCH, ETH vs BSC, etc.)
- Some addresses are network-specific
Amount too large:
- Network or wallet limits
- Try sending smaller amounts
- Split into multiple transactions
UTXO issues (for BTC-based coins):
- Too many small UTXOs
- See UTXO Consolidation Guide
"New account isn't showing transferred funds"
Solutions:
-
Run Smartify:
- Settings → Smartify
- Wait 1-3 minutes
- Check again
-
Check blockchain explorer:
- Verify transaction confirmed
- If confirmed on blockchain, it's a display issue
- If not confirmed, transaction may be pending
-
Wait for confirmations:
- Bitcoin: can take 10-60 minutes
- Ethereum: usually 1-15 minutes
- Check network status for delays
-
Verify correct network:
- ETH vs ERC-20
- BSC vs BEP-20
- Ensure asset added to correct network
"I wrote down the wrong seed phrase"
If you still have access to the account:
- Go to Settings → Security → Show Seed Phrase
- Write down the CORRECT seed phrase
- Verify it word by word
- Test recovery on different device
If you lost access:
- If no funds transferred yet, create new account
- If funds already transferred, contact ZelCore support immediately
- This is why test transfers are recommended
"I accidentally sent to the wrong address"
Immediate steps:
-
Check if transaction confirmed:
- If not confirmed, some wallets allow cancellation
- Usually via "Replace By Fee" (RBF) or similar
-
If confirmed:
- Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible
- If you sent to another address you own, access that wallet
- If sent to unknown address, funds are likely lost
-
Prevention:
- Always verify addresses character by character
- Use address book for frequent recipients
- Test with small amounts first
- Use copy/paste, never type manually
"Migration is taking too long"
Normal timeframes:
- Simple migration (1-5 assets): 30-60 minutes
- Complex migration (5-15 assets): 1-3 hours
- Very complex (15+ assets, staking, tokens): 3-6 hours
If genuinely stuck:
- Take a break, resume later
- Migration can happen over several days
- Keep both accounts until complete
- No rush - legacy accounts still function
"D2FA issues after migration"
Common problems:
D2FA PIN not working in new account:
- New account has separate D2FA
- Create new D2FA PIN for new account
- Old PIN was for legacy account only
Can't set up D2FA:
- Update ZelCore to latest version
- Check internet connection
- Try disabling and re-enabling
- Contact support if persistent
Migration Checklist
Use this checklist to track your progress:
Pre-Migration
- Updated ZelCore to latest version
- Verified legacy account access
- Created list of all holdings
- Confirmed sufficient funds for transaction fees
- Set aside 30-60 minutes uninterrupted time
Account Creation
- Created new seed phrase account
- Written down seed phrase on paper
- Verified seed phrase
- Stored seed phrase securely
- Set up device authentication
- Enabled D2FA (optional)
Asset Transfer
For EACH asset:
-
Asset 1: ________________
- Added to new account
- Copied receiving address
- Sent test amount
- Verified test transfer
- Sent remaining balance
- Verified full transfer
-
Asset 2: ________________
- Added to new account
- Copied receiving address
- Sent test amount
- Verified test transfer
- Sent remaining balance
- Verified full transfer
(Continue for all assets...)
Verification
- All assets transferred
- Balances match (minus fees)
- Test send/receive in new account
- Smartify works in new account
- Tested seed phrase recovery on different device
- Seed phrase securely stored in multiple locations
Cleanup
- Legacy credentials documented and stored
- Decided on legacy account handling
- Removed minimal/zero balance from legacy account
- Updated personal records with new account info
Best Practices
Security During Migration
-
Never rush the process
- Take your time
- Verify each step
- It's okay to pause and resume
-
Use test transactions
- Small amounts first
- Verify receipt
- Then send larger amounts
-
Keep records
- Note transaction IDs
- Keep copies of addresses used
- Document dates and amounts
-
Maintain access to both accounts
- Don't disable legacy until confirmed
- Keep credentials for both
- Verify everything works
Minimizing Fees
-
Consolidate before migrating:
- If you have many small UTXOs
- See UTXO Consolidation Guide
-
Monitor network fees:
- Use during low congestion times
- Check fee estimators
- Bitcoin: weekends often cheaper
- Ethereum: late night/early morning often cheaper
-
Batch token transfers:
- Send all ERC-20 tokens together if possible
- Minimize separate Ethereum transactions
Recovery Planning
-
Test your seed phrase:
- Import on different device
- Verify assets appear
- Then remove from test device
-
Document recovery process:
- Write down steps for family
- Note where seed phrase is stored
- Include in estate planning
-
Create recovery instructions:
- Simple guide for non-technical heirs
- Location of seed phrase
- How to access funds
After Migration
Recommended Next Steps
-
Security audit:
- Review all security settings
- Enable all available security features
- Set up transaction limits if available
-
Familiarize with new account:
- Explore new features
- Test all functionality
- Update personal documentation
-
Update external records:
- If you shared addresses with others, provide new ones
- Update any auto-pay or recurring payment addresses
- Update addresses on exchanges or services
-
Regular maintenance:
- Run Smartify weekly
- Keep ZelCore updated
- Verify seed phrase annually (check you can still read it)
Using Your New Seed Phrase Account
Key differences from legacy:
- No username/password: Only seed phrase for recovery
- Device-specific authentication: Each device has its own PIN/password
- Modern FluxID: Access to latest Flux ecosystem features
- Better portability: Works with other BIP44 wallets
Important habits:
- Never share seed phrase with anyone
- Store seed phrase offline only
- Use Smartify regularly for balance refresh
- Keep ZelCore updated
- Review security settings periodically
Getting Help
If You Get Stuck
-
Review this guide carefully
- Read relevant sections again
- Check troubleshooting section
- Verify you followed all steps
-
Check FAQ:
-
Contact support:
- ZelCore support: [email protected]
- Discord: discord.gg/runonflux
- Remember: Support will NEVER ask for your seed phrase
-
Community resources:
- Official ZelCore Discord
- Community forums
- Social media channels
Support Information to Provide
If contacting support, include:
- What step you're on in the migration process
- What you expected to happen
- What actually happened (error messages, etc.)
- Assets involved (which cryptocurrency)
- Transaction IDs (if applicable)
- Screenshots (never include seed phrase!)
Never include:
- ❌ Your seed phrase
- ❌ Your full private keys
- ❌ Your exact holdings amounts (for privacy)
- ❌ Login credentials
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I undo the migration?
No, cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible. However, you can:
- Transfer funds back to legacy account if needed
- Keep both accounts active
- Choose which to use going forward
Will I lose my transaction history?
Transaction history is stored on the blockchain, not in ZelCore:
- All transactions remain visible on blockchain explorers
- New account starts with blank in-app history
- Historical data isn't migrated, but transactions are permanent on blockchain
Do I have to migrate?
Not immediately, but:
- Legacy accounts are being phased out
- Future updates may not support legacy accounts
- Migration is recommended for security and compatibility
- Delay may limit future features
Can I use both accounts?
Yes:
- Both accounts can remain active
- You can use account switcher
- Useful during transition period
- Recommended until migration fully verified
What happens to my legacy account?
- Remains accessible
- You can leave minimal funds if desired
- May eventually be deprecated by ZelCore
- Keep credentials secure even if inactive
Will migration affect my tax records?
Migration involves transfers, which may be:
- Considered taxable events in some jurisdictions
- Should be documented for tax purposes
- Consult tax professional for your situation
- Keep records of all transaction IDs and dates
Summary
Migrating from a legacy account to a seed phrase account:
✅ Improves security with industry-standard BIP44 ✅ Increases portability across wallets ✅ Ensures future compatibility with ZelCore updates ✅ Provides full ownership of your funds
Remember:
- Take your time - no need to rush
- Test with small amounts first
- Verify every step
- Store seed phrase securely offline
- Keep both accounts until verified
With careful attention to detail, migration is straightforward and significantly improves your ZelCore experience.