Once you have the text file, you must place it in Citra's folder. The location varies by operating system: Windows : C:\Users\[Your_User]\AppData\Roaming\Citra\sysdata
Citra looks for this file in specific folders depending on your operating system.
As of 2025, Citra (now part of the Azahar project following the original Citra takedown) continues to improve its key handling. Newer forks like and PabloMK7's Citra have added: citra aes keystxt top
: 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.
When you dump a game cartridge or digital download from a real 3DS console using custom firmware, the resulting files remain encrypted. The emulator needs a specific sequence of these decryption keys to unscramble the game data, load the assets, and allow you to play. Without the proper keys mapped in your emulator directory, you will likely encounter errors like Encryption Key Missing or Title Decryption Failed . The Core of the Matter: The aes_keys.txt File Once you have the text file, you must
: The file must be named exactly aes_keys.txt (lowercase, except for the file extension).
Open your file explorer and paste the following path into your address bar: %AppData%\Citra\sysdata\ Use code with caution. Newer forks like and PabloMK7's Citra have added:
Navigate to the top menu and select > Open Citra Folder .
Ensure your console is running custom firmware (CFW) with installed.