Straight answers to the most common MultiBit questions. Every answer is written to be read quickly and cited accurately.
Basics
What is MultiBit?
MultiBit is a discontinued lightweight desktop Bitcoin wallet launched in September 2011 by developer Jim Burton. It used SPV so it never needed the full blockchain, and was recommended on bitcoin.org for several years.
Is MultiBit still supported in 2026?
No. MultiBit was discontinued in July 2017. It receives no security updates and no longer synchronizes reliably with the Bitcoin network.
Is my bitcoin still there if I used MultiBit?
Yes, if the private keys or seed phrase still exist. Discontinued software doesn't erase funds — the private keys (or seed phrase) still control the bitcoin. The coins are on the blockchain, reachable as long as you have the keys.
Is MultiBit safe to use today?
No. Only open it to access existing funds, then move your bitcoin to a maintained wallet like Electrum. Never download MultiBit from unofficial sites.
Versions & files
What's the difference between MultiBit Classic and MultiBit HD?
Classic (2011–2017) stores individual private keys in .wallet and .key files with no seed phrase. HD (2014–2017) is a hierarchical deterministic wallet backed by a 12-, 18- or 24-word seed phrase stored in an mbhd.wallet.aes file (12 and 18 appear more commonly in recovery documentation).
Where does MultiBit Classic store its files?
In a MultiBit folder: %APPDATA%\MultiBit on Windows, ~/Library/Application Support/MultiBit on macOS, and ~/MultiBit on Linux. The key files are .wallet, .key and .info.
Where does MultiBit HD store its files?
In a MultiBitHD folder: %APPDATA%\MultiBitHD on Windows, ~/Library/Application Support/MultiBitHD on macOS, and ~/.multibit-hd on Linux. The wallet data is in mbhd.wallet.aes, with .aes.zip backups in a zip-backup folder.
How many words is a MultiBit HD seed?
MultiBit HD records show wallet-word sets of 12, 18 and 24 words; 12 and 18 appear more commonly in recovery documentation. Word count alone does not identify the exact version. Restore in Electrum with BIP39 enabled, then verify against a known historical address.
Accessing your funds
How do I get bitcoin out of a MultiBit Classic wallet?
Open the wallet, export the private keys via Tools → Export Private Keys (creating a .key file), then import those keys into Electrum and sweep the funds to a fresh address.
How do I get bitcoin out of a MultiBit HD wallet?
Restore your wallet words in Electrum: new standard wallet → 'I already have a seed' → BIP39 on → derivation path m/0'. MultiBit HD records show 12-, 18- and 24-word sets (12 and 18 more common). If the words, wallet type and derivation are correct, the expected historical addresses and transaction history should be discoverable — verify against a known address before sending funds. An early HD wallet had a documented BIP32 compatibility issue (issue #445); see the restore guide.
What derivation path does MultiBit HD use?
MultiBit HD's documented early scheme used receive addresses at m/0'/0, change at m/0'/1 — i.e. account m/0'. It did not use m/44'/0'/0'. If Electrum shows zero with your seed, check the path first — but also verify word order, spelling and BIP39, and note that an early HD wallet had a documented BIP32 compatibility issue (issue #445).
Can I access a MultiBit wallet without the password?
If you have an unencrypted .key export (Classic) or your seed phrase (HD), yes — no password needed. If the wallet file is encrypted and the password is lost, decryption is required; the more you remember, the better the chances.
What do my exported keys look like?
MultiBit Classic exports private keys in WIF format, starting with 5, K or L. MultiBit HD wallets don't export per-key files — use the seed phrase instead.
Troubleshooting
MultiBit won't open or crashes — what now?
Old Java software often fails on modern systems. Try right-click → Open on macOS, allow the unsigned installer on Windows, or run OpenJDK 8 on Linux. If it simply won't run, you can still restore directly in Electrum using your seed (HD) or exported keys (Classic).
Why is MultiBit stuck syncing?
MultiBit's SPV synchronization is unreliable against today's Bitcoin network because the software is discontinued. You don't need sync to access keys — export them or restore your seed in a modern wallet instead.
My balance shows zero — is my bitcoin gone?
Not necessarily. A zero balance can result from incomplete synchronization, the wrong wallet file, missing change keys, an incorrect derivation path, an incomplete import or funds that were previously moved. Verify known historical addresses before drawing conclusions.
Downloads & security
Where can I download MultiBit safely?
Only from preserved original release records — the current multibit.org domain is not the original archive. MultiBit is discontinued, so there are no new releases, and any other site offering a 'MultiBit' download may be distributing malware designed to steal your keys.
How do I stay safe during this process?
Use a trusted machine, ideally offline. Keep your private keys, seed phrase and wallet password safe. Sweep funds to a fresh wallet when done.
Still have a question?
If your situation isn't covered here, the guides and the contact page are the best places to look next.