New GUI + Transition Phase Explained
As the IOTA network just underwent the first public Snapshot after the exchange launch, we are now also releasing the newly prepared GUI which will help guide users through our transition phase.
Before we proceed in this, please download the latest GUI version from Github: https://github.com/iotaledger/wallet/releases/tag/v2.4.0
As the IOTA protocol has been upgraded to Kerl (full spec + tests available here: https://github.com/iotaledger/kerl) we have to transition from the old scheme to the new one. This involved sending the balance from your old seed to a new seed as an extra security precaution. The GUI has a step by step process which is there to guide you through some of the difficulties which you would normally face.
For those that do not use the GUI, we will be providing scripts to automatically do this in NodeJS and Python.
First things first, when you log into the GUI you will be seeing a login screen which notifies you about the transition period. If you close this modal, you can easily go back to it by going to Tools -> Transition.
In this screen you have to enter your current seed and hit the “Search Address Space” button. What happens now is that in the background, you are generated 50 addresses which are then checked if they contain any balance. Once this process is completed, you will see a new screen pop up that now shows the balance which was generated from the first 50 addresses.
If your balance is correct: Great! Just click on “Balance is complete”. If your balance is not fully complete yet, don’t worry, all we have to do is widen the search space and search another 50 addresses. Do so until you have your full balance.
After this, you will see the screen where you now have to enter your new seed. What this means is that you are required to move from your old seed, to a new seed. When it comes to generating a new seed, the same rules as previously apply. Make sure that it’s securely and randomly generated (there are tools on the forum for that), and then safely stored somewhere offline.
Once you’ve done that, you will be preparing and making the transaction which involves doing the Proof of Work. After that is completed, you can now login with your new seed and your balance will most likely be confirmed within a few minutes.
There are already some videos that were made by some community members about the transition phase, in case you’re interested in learning more about how to do it with a visual guide, feel free to check one out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGTF0eclG-4
Yes. This upgrade is mandatory and it is generally advised to go through with it as swiftly as possible, as the IOTA Team will be conducting more protocol upgrades until the end of the year. But needless to say that this transition phase is the most extensive in terms of user participation — so all future protocol upgrades will be faster and easier.
Yes. This is a safety precaution that we have taken to ensure that everything happens smoothly. If you have any problems with generate a new seed, please just ask on the forum or the Slack for help.
Simply replay it, it should be confirmed within a few minutes.
