Knowledge Base
ObjectID mobile app
The ObjectID mobile app offers a secure way to validate ObjectIDs, providing greater protection than scanning a QR code directly. QR codes can potentially be tampered with, redirecting users to a fake ObjectID.io site that could falsely validate counterfeit or cloned ObjectIDs.
In contrast, the ObjectID mobile app independently verifies the authenticity of the scanned ObjectID and its associated security information, making it immune to such deception.
Furthermore, the app enables users to create their own Decentralized Identifier (DID). This functionality allows a product owner or authorized agent to assign ownership of a product simply by scanning the new owner’s DID.
Below are the instructions to activate the app and generate your personal DID:
As a first step, you need to set up a PIN code to securely access the app.
You can then access the app using the PIN or, if supported by your device, biometric authentication. Note that the PIN you set is specific to the app and is not the same as your device’s system PIN.
The app will now display the main menu. Buttons shown in grey are disabled when their function is not relevant to the current context.
If you haven’t configured an identity yet, the only available action is to scan a QR code containing an ObjectID.
By tapping the “Identity and Security” button, the app will present a menu where you can manage the technical and security settings of your app.
To generate a DID, you need a SEED. A SEED is a digital secret from which the cryptographic keys required to create the DID and digital signatures are derived.
You can either generate a random SEED or, if you have already created a SEED using the ObjectID web dApp, you can import it by scanning a QR code. In this case, display the QR code on your computer screen by retrieving the SEED from your password manager on the first screen of the ObjectID dApp (http://dapp.objectid.io) and clicking the appropriate button.
Once the operation is complete, the app will return to the previous menu.
Now that you have a SEED, you can manage it by tapping the “Backup your secret data” button. This allows you to view and securely save your SEED, or delete it if you wish to reset the app.
You can also use the “Select or create a Distributed Identity” button to manage your identity.
If you have already created one or more DIDs, the app will display a list and allow you to select which one to use. While having multiple DIDs is generally not necessary, it can be useful if you manage many objects and prefer to separate them under different identities. In that case, simply tap the “Create a new DID” button.
By tapping “Create a new DID”, the app will initiate the creation process, which includes interaction with the blockchain. Within a few seconds, the DID will be generated and added to your list.
Select a DID to manage the ObjectIDs for which it is registered as owner or agent. The app will show the previous menu where new buttons are now enabled.
Once you scan a valid QR code containing an ObjectID, you’ll gain access to the main menu functions. If you are the OWNER or AGENT of the object, the buttons “Transfer ObjectID Ownership” and “Update ObjectID Geolocation” will also be enabled.
By tapping the “View objects controlled by the selected DID” menu, you’ll see a list of ObjectIDs on the blockchain that are under your control.
Tap on an object to select it and return to the previous menu.
By tapping “View Object Details”, you can see all the information related to the product, including a representative image if one has been set.
By tapping “Validate”, you initiate the independent verification process for the ObjectID.
Refer to the dedicated section of this knowledge base to learn how to interpret the verification results.
The “Update Geolocation” button initiates the process of updating the product’s physical location. This function is only available if you are the Owner or Agent of the product. The new location is automatically determined using your smartphone’s GPS.
Similarly, the “Transfer Object Ownership” button allows you to transfer control of the object to another DID. The transfer is performed by scanning the new owner’s DID, which the other user can display in their mobile app by navigating to the “Identity and Security” menu and selecting “View Current DID QR”.
Similarly, the “Transfer Object Ownership” button allows you to transfer control of the object to another DID. The transfer is performed by scanning the new owner’s DID, which the other user can display in their mobile app by navigating to the “Identity and Security” menu and selecting “View Current DID QR”. Once the new DID is obtained, you have to confirm the operation.