: The 3DS architecture uses different system keys depending on the game type and region. If your key file is missing newer slot keys or system-specific keys (like seeddb.bin ), certain eShop titles or DLCs will fail to open. Re-running a comprehensive dump script updates these values.
Once you have acquired the file, installing it is straightforward.
Restart the Citra emulator after placing the file in the sysdata folder.
: Obtain the dumpkeys.gm9 script (often found in 3DS emulation guides) and place it in the sd:/gm9/scripts folder on your 3DS SD card.
Click OK to save your changes.
If you have placed the file in the correct directory but your games still show an "Encrypted ROM" error, check for these common formatting mistakes: How to Fix
You can also place it in the user folder within the Citra directory if using a portable build.
Once finished, power off your console and locate the generated aes_keys.txt in the sd:/gm9/ folder on your SD card.
The content of this file is easy to understand. As the Citra development wiki explains, the keys are supplied by filling the file in a specific format. Each line represents one decryption key, structured as a key identifier, an equals sign, and a 32-digit hexadecimal value. citra aes keystxt top
aes_keys.txt is a critical configuration component for the Citra 3DS emulator
: C:\Users\ \AppData\Roaming\Citra\sysdata Android : Internal Storage/citra-emu/sysdata macOS : ~/Library/Application Support/Citra/sysdata
In this example, the string of numbers ( 0123456789ABCDEF... ) is a placeholder. It must be replaced with the actual 32-digit hexadecimal key values. Each slot serves a specific purpose. For instance, slot0x25KeyX and slot0x2CKeyX are mandatory for loading encrypted games. If you are running New 3DS games, you will also need slot0x18KeyX and slot0x1BKeyX .
Place the file in: /citra-emu/sysdata/ (usually in your internal storage root). Steam Deck (RetroArch) : The 3DS architecture uses different system keys
The text file is structured as a list of key names paired with long strings of numbers and letters. Citra reads this plain-text document sequentially, matching the encrypted game headers against the keys listed inside. If the required key is missing from your text file, Citra will not be able to decipher the game. Where to Place Your aes_keys.txt File
: Press the Home button, navigate to Scripts , select DumpKeys , and allow the automated sequence to run.
Citra AES Keys ( aes_keys.txt ): The Ultimate Guide to 3DS Decryption