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KeePassXC Invalid Credentials: Database Won't Open with Key File or YubiKey

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Ongoing Windows, macOS, Linux Updated November 14, 2026Based on 3 user reportsHow we research

Quick answer

The error is generic: wrong master password, wrong or changed key file, or a YubiKey slot or secret that no longer matches. Verify each factor; a saved challenge-response secret enables recovery.

Most likely fix: Check each factor

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

  1. 1. Check each factor

    1. Retype the password carefully
    2. Select the original key file, not a copy that was modified
    3. Use the same YubiKey and slot you set up with
    Did this fix it?

  2. 2. Open from a KeePassXC backup

    1. Restore an earlier copy of the database or use your backup
    2. Check which app last saved the file
    Did this fix it?

  3. 3. Use the recovery tool if you saved the secret

    1. Run keepassxc-cr-recovery from the KeePassXC repository with your saved challenge-response secret
    2. It outputs a key file
    3. Open the database by selecting Key File instead of Challenge Response
    Did this fix it?

  4. 4. On Snap, enable USB access

    1. Run: sudo snap connect keepassxc:raw-usb
    2. Restart KeePassXC
    Did this fix it?

Symptoms

'Invalid credentials were provided, please try again', sometimes with 'HMAC mismatch' in the log.

Why it happens

  • Wrong key file or an edited key file
  • Different YubiKey or slot than at setup
  • Database last saved by another app that altered challenge-response processing
  • Challenge-response secret changed or lost
  • Corrupt file (possible but not proven by this error)

This guide also covers

  • keepassxc invalid credentials
  • keepassxc key file not working
  • keepassxc yubikey hmac mismatch
  • keepassxc cr recovery

Still not working?

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