How can I restore my wallet using a private key or pass phrase?

Answer: Follow the step-by-step plan that works.

If you can no longer access your external and self-managed wallet, there are several options for restoring it with the help of your private key or pass phrase. The step-by-step plans below are generally working methods. Always check the instructions of the wallet system that you use.

Desktop application (wallet.dat)

• Click on the Windows button on your keyboard
• Type “% APPDATA%” and press enter
• Find the Bitcoin folder
• Copy the “wallet.dat” file and place it in another (new) folder that is easy to find
• Start the wallet programme, the restored address must now be visible in the programme

Desktop application (private key)

For this example, Bitcoin is used to load a private key

• Download Electrum, for example
• When installing the application, skip the step to import a wallet file
• On the next page, select “Standard wallet”
• Now select “Use public or private keys”
• Enter your private key
• Enter the password that you want to use to secure your wallet
• Enter your private key
• You will now see your current balance

Mobile application

• Launch the app
• Click on the “Options” button, mainly an icon with ‘3 dots’ or a ‘gear’
• Find the “Back up keys” or “Add account” option and click on it
• Select “Restore private keys” and select your private key
• Enter your encryption password
• Click on “Recover”
• The private key will now be loaded and your wallet will be synchronised