What is a multisig?
A multisig (multi-signature) is an onchain account that requires more than one person to approve actions. Instead of a single wallet where one key controls everything, a multisig distributes control across multiple keys so no one person can act alone. On Squads, a multisig account is called a Squad. Each Squad has a set of members, a configurable approval threshold, and built-in policies for access control, all enforced onchain by Solana’s validator network.Members and keys
Each Squad has a set of members. A member is a Solana wallet (Phantom, Backpack, Ledger, or any other Solana wallet) added to the Squad. Each wallet added counts as one member. Most teams add one wallet per person. However, one person can add multiple wallets as separate members — for example, a daily wallet and a hardware wallet. This is useful for small teams that need key redundancy without adding more people. If one key is compromised, the attacker can’t act alone. If one key is lost, the remaining members can still operate, provided enough keys remain to meet the threshold.Thresholds
The threshold is the number of approvals required to execute any action. A 2-of-3 threshold means two out of three members must approve before a proposal can execute. Only members with the Voter permission count toward the threshold.The proposal lifecycle
Every action in a Squad (sending tokens, changing settings, upgrading a program) follows the same four steps:1
Create
A member initiates an action, creating a proposal: an onchain record of the intended action, pending approval.
2
Review
The proposal appears in the Transactions queue. All members can inspect what will happen, who created it, and when.
3
Approve or reject
Members vote on the proposal. Each vote is recorded onchain. To approve, enough members vote yes to meet the threshold. To reject, enough members vote no to make approval impossible (e.g., a 2-of-5 Squad needs 4 rejections).
4
Execute
Once the threshold is met, any member with execute permission submits the transaction. The action takes effect onchain.
Roles and permissions
Members can have different levels of access:- Proposer. Create proposals but can’t approve or execute.
- Voter. Approve or reject proposals.
- Executor. Submit approved proposals to the network.
Programmable policies
Spending Limits let designated members execute transfers below a set amount without full approval, useful for routine expenses. Time Locks add a mandatory delay between approval and execution, giving members time to review approved proposals before they take effect. Both are enforced onchain and can’t be bypassed without meeting the Squad’s threshold.Onchain enforcement
Squads runs on Squads Protocol. All approval logic, thresholds, and policies are enforced onchain by Solana’s validator network, not by Squads Labs or any centralized party. Your Squad is fully self-custodial. No third party can access, freeze, or move your assets. Squads Labs builds the interface and protocol but has no control over your account.Next steps
Create a Squad
Set up your multisig account
Best practices
Threshold, key management, and security recommendations