Hey there, fellow emulation enthusiasts! If you’re diving into the world of Nintendo Switch emulation with Sudachi Emulator, you’ve probably run into the dreaded “Encryption keys are missing“ error.
Don’t worry—this is completely normal, and the fix is simpler than you think.
In this ultimate guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about prod.keys and title.keys, why they’re essential, and how to install them on Sudachi (Windows & Android).
By the end, you’ll be ready to emulate your favorite Switch games without any hiccups.
Table of Contents
Understanding Prod.keys & Title.keys: Why Are They Necessary?
Before we jump into the installation, let’s break down what these keys actually do.
What Are Prod.keys?
Prod.keys (production keys) are cryptographic keys embedded in the Nintendo Switch’s firmware. These keys are used to decrypt game files, system updates, and other encrypted data.
Without them, your emulator can’t read any Switch game files—hence the error message.
Think of prod.keys as a master key that unlocks the door to Switch emulation. No keys? No entry.
What Are Title.keys?
While prod.keys handle system-level decryption, title.keys are game-specific. Each Nintendo Switch game has its own unique title key, which allows the emulator to decrypt and run that particular game.
Why Do You Need Both?
- Prod.keys = Decrypts the system & firmware.
- Title.keys = Decrypts individual games.
Without both, your emulator won’t function properly. Some games might even crash or fail to load if the correct title key is missing.
(Note: For legal reasons, you should ideally dump these keys from your own Nintendo Switch. But if you don’t have one, you can find them online—more on that below.)
Downloading Prod.keys & Title.keys for Sudachi Emulator
First things first—you need the keys. Here’s how to get them:
Option 1: Dump Keys from Your Own Nintendo Switch (Recommended)
If you own a Switch, the best (and legal) way is to extract the keys yourself using tools like Lockpick_RCM. This ensures you’re using keys tied to your own console.
Option 2: Download Pre-Extracted Keys
If you don’t have a Switch or don’t want to go through the dumping process, you can find pre-extracted keys online.
(Always ensure you’re downloading from a trusted source to avoid malware or outdated keys.)
Once downloaded, extract the ZIP file—you should see:
prod.keystitle.keys(sometimes included in the same file)
Keep these in an easily accessible folder—you’ll need them in the next step.
How to Install Prod.keys & Title.keys on Sudachi Emulator
Now, the fun part—installing the keys so Sudachi can actually use them.
Installing on Windows
1. Open Sudachi on your PC and Navigate to the Keys Menu. To do so, click on “Tools” in the top menu bar and select “Install Decryption Keys.”
2. A file explorer will pop up. Navigate to the folder where you saved prod.keys. Select the file and click Open.
3. Sudachi will process the keys. You should see a confirmation: “Decryption keys were successfully installed.“
Click OK—you’re done!
(If Sudachi asks for title.keys separately, repeat the process for that file.)
Installing on Android
1. Save the keys ZIP file to your phone. Use a file manager (like ZArchiver) to extract prod.keys.
2. Launch the app on your Android device.
3. Tap on “Select Keys” (or similar option, depending on the version).
Browse to where you saved prod.keys and select it.
4. The emulator should confirm that the keys were installed successfully. If prompted, restart Sudachi to apply changes.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. “Keys Not Working” Error
- Cause: Outdated or incorrect keys.
- Fix: Download the latest keys from a trusted source (like GetProdKeys.com).
2. Sudachi Doesn’t Recognize Keys
- Cause: Wrong file format or corrupted download.
- Fix:
- Ensure the file is named exactly
prod.keys(not.txtor other extensions). - Re-download the keys if needed.
- Ensure the file is named exactly
3. Game Still Not Loading After Installing Keys
- Cause: Missing title.keys or firmware.
- Fix:
- Make sure you have both
prod.keysandtitle.keys. - Install the latest Switch firmware in Sudachi (check our firmware guide for help).
- Make sure you have both
And there you have it—a complete, step-by-step guide to installing prod.keys and title.keys on Sudachi Emulator! With these keys in place, you’re now ready to emulate Nintendo Switch games smoothly.
Just remember:
- ✅ Always use keys from a trusted source (or dump your own).
- ✅ Keep your keys updated for compatibility with newer games.
- ✅ If a game fails to load, double-check your keys and firmware.
Got questions? Drop them in the comments below—I’ll help you out! 🎮