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