Difference between revisions of "Help:How to import private keys in Bitcoin Core 0.7+"

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m (Added some references as to why importing is a bad idea, if you have more, please expand.)
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Before reading this page, users should note that messing with ECDSA private keys is very dangerous and can result in losing bitcoins, even long after the import.
 
Before reading this page, users should note that messing with ECDSA private keys is very dangerous and can result in losing bitcoins, even long after the import.
It is recommended that outside of self-generated vanity addresses, users should ''never'' import (or export) private keys.
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It is recommended that outside of self-generated vanity addresses, users should ''never'' import (or export) private keys.<ref>[https://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/questions/29948/why-doc-says-importing-private-keys-is-so-dangerous Bitcoin StackExchange - Why doc says importing private keys is so dangerous?]</ref><ref>[https://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/questions/18619/why-so-many-warnings-about-importing-private-keys Bitcoin StackExchange - Why so many warnings about importing private keys?]</ref>
  
 
==Backup Your Wallet==
 
==Backup Your Wallet==
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==Backup Wallet==
 
==Backup Wallet==
 
Your backup of your wallet will not have this key in obviously. So before you do anything else backup the wallet.dat file as normal.
 
Your backup of your wallet will not have this key in obviously. So before you do anything else backup the wallet.dat file as normal.
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==References==
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<references />

Revision as of 05:59, 10 February 2015

WARNING

Before reading this page, users should note that messing with ECDSA private keys is very dangerous and can result in losing bitcoins, even long after the import. It is recommended that outside of self-generated vanity addresses, users should never import (or export) private keys.[1][2]

Backup Your Wallet

Although this process is well tested and used you should always take another backup of your wallet.dat file before starting.

Open Debug Window

Then go to menu: /Help/Debug Window


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and click on the tab - Console.

Unlock your wallet

If your wallet is encrypted (I hope it is!) you must unlock it. If not just skip this step.

To do this just type into the box at the bottom:

walletpassphrase "YourLongPassphrase" 600

You need the quotes if there is a space in your phrase else there is no need for them. The 600 means your wallet is unlocked for 10 minutes (600 seconds).

px200

Run Import Command in Debug Window

In the console at the very bottom is a text entry box. In here enter:

importprivkey yourPrivateKeyInWalletImportFormat "TheLabelThatIWant"

The quotes are only needed if you want a space in the label. Import1.PNG

You now have to be patient. On a fast PC it takes 2 minutes to import, and during this time it looks like you application has hung. After waiting a few minutes you will see:

Import2.PNG

You are now done. But always best to check it worked.

Check Key Imported OK

Once Imported you can check that you have the address by closing the Debug window and going back to your address book.

You should see the address here:

InAddressBook.PNG

And you can even send a transaction to check e.g.

ReceivedTrans.PNG

Backup Wallet

Your backup of your wallet will not have this key in obviously. So before you do anything else backup the wallet.dat file as normal.

References