Approval Set Formation
Create a new approval set with founding members.
Prerequisites
- SplitSecure mobile app installed and paired with Web App
- At least 2 approval set members, each with SplitSecure mobile app installed
- All members able to scan the QR code and approve within a 24-hour window
Overview
Approval set creation in SplitSecure uses threshold cryptography to distribute control among members:
| Participant | Requirements | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Dealer | Mobile app + Web App | Initiates creation, configures approval set |
| Other Members | Mobile app only | Join via QR code, approve formation |
The Dealer uses the Web App to propose the approval set configuration, while other members scan a QR code with their mobile app. The approval set only forms when all founding members approve.
Start Approval Set Creation
In the Web App:
- Click Approval Sets in the sidebar
- Click Create Approval Set
Configure Approval Set Info
On the approval set info page:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Approval Set Name | A descriptive name for your approval set (e.g., “Engineering Approval Set”, “Finance Approvers”) |
| Device Policies | Which device types can participate |
Enter an approval set name and click Next to continue.
Add Founding Members
Share the QR Code
A QR code is displayed on screen. Have each founding member:
- Open the SplitSecure app on their mobile device
- Tap the scan button
- Point their camera at the QR code
If members can’t physically see your screen, you can verbally share the lobby code displayed below the QR code. They can enter it manually in the app.
Verify Members Join
As each member scans the code:
- Their device appears in the members table
- Their Short ID is displayed (click it to view the Full ID)
- Toggle the switch to include them in the approval set — scanning the QR code alone is not enough
The Dealer is responsible for verifying that each device’s Short ID matches the expected candidate member. Confirm the identity of each person before including them.
For each included member, enter their email address for identification.
Proceed When Ready
Once all founding members have joined and are included:
- Verify all expected members are in the table
- Confirm email addresses are correct
- Click Next to continue to share assignment
Assign Shares
Choose Assignment Mode
SplitSecure offers three share assignment modes:
Simple Mode (Recommended for most approval sets)
Each device gets 1 share. Ideal for approval sets where all members have equal authority.
Weighted Mode
The Dealer chooses how many shares each device receives. Use this when some members should have more voting power than others.
Bespoke Mode
Total control over share distribution, including the ability to assign the same share to multiple devices. See Advanced Configuration for detailed guidance.
Approval requires a threshold number of shares to be submitted. In Weighted and Bespoke modes, a single member with multiple shares contributes more toward reaching the threshold.
Configure Shares
Based on your chosen mode:
- Simple Mode: Review the default 1-share-per-device assignment
- Weighted Mode: Enter the number of shares for each device
- Bespoke Mode: Configure share distribution as needed
Click Next when share assignment is complete.
Review and Create
Review Approval Set Configuration
The review page shows:
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Approval Set Name | The name you entered |
| Members | All founding members with their email addresses |
| Share Distribution | How shares are allocated |
| Approval Criteria | How many shares are required for approval |
Verify all information is correct before proceeding.
Create the Approval Set
- Click Create Approval Set to initiate formation
- A proposal is sent to all founding members
- Each member must approve on their mobile device
All founding members must approve the approval set creation. The process cannot complete until everyone has approved.
Wait for Formation
The progress page shows:
- Which members have approved
- Which members are still pending
- Overall formation status
Once all members approve, threshold shares are automatically distributed to each device.
If the Dealer is using a mobile device and the app is not in the foreground when formation completes, they will receive a notification prompting them to open the app.
Completion
After all members approve:
- Shares are automatically distributed to each device
- Each device automatically accepts its membership
- The approval set is now fully formed and operational
Your approval set is ready when:
- The approval set appears in the Approval Sets list
- Members can view approval set details and other members
- The approval set can begin threshold operations
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Member’s device doesn’t appear | QR code not scanned correctly | Have them try scanning again, or use lobby code |
| Formation stuck at “Waiting for approval” | A member hasn’t approved yet | Contact pending members to approve on their device |
| “Not enough members” error | Fewer than 2 members included | Include at least 2 members in the approval set |
External Resources
- Web App Access the SplitSecure Web App
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