Why Export Private Keys?
Exporting private keys does two things:
- •Backup: Create an independent backup that doesn't rely on MultiBit software
- •Migration: Move your Bitcoin to a modern, supported wallet like Electrum
MultiBit is no longer maintained and breaks more often as the network evolves. Exporting your keys is the only reliable way to keep long-term access to your Bitcoin.
Export from MultiBit Classic
MultiBit Classic has a built-in export function that creates .key files containing your private keys.
Step 1: Open Your Wallet
- Launch MultiBit Classic
- If you have multiple wallets, select the one you want to export from the left sidebar
- Ensure the wallet is unlocked (you may need to enter your password)
Step 2: Access Export Function
- Go to Tools menu in the top menu bar
- Select Export Private Keys
- The export dialog will open
Step 3: Configure Export Settings
The export dialog offers several options:
Export File Location
Choose where to save the .key file. Use a secure location like an encrypted USB drive. Never save to cloud-synced folders.
Password Protection
You can encrypt the export file with a password. This is strongly recommended. If encrypted, you'll need this password when importing to another wallet.
Include Creation Date
Enabling this adds timestamps to the export, which can help when importing to see transaction history correctly.
Step 4: Enter Wallet Password
Enter your wallet password to authorize the export. This is the password you use to unlock MultiBit, not a new password (unless you're also setting an export password).
Step 5: Complete Export
- Click Export private keys
- Wait for the process to complete
- You'll see a confirmation message
- Verify the .key file was created at your chosen location
Export from MultiBit HD
MultiBit HD uses a seed phrase system. The best way to "export" is to access your seed phrase, which can regenerate all your keys.
Option A: View Your Seed Phrase (Recommended)
- Open MultiBit HD and unlock your wallet
- Go to Manage Wallet in the sidebar
- Click Wallet Settings or Show Seed Phrase
- Enter your wallet password when prompted
- Your 12-word seed phrase will be displayed
- Write down the 12 words on paper in the exact order shown
- Double-check each word for accuracy
Tip: These 12 words are your complete backup. With them, you can recover your wallet in Electrum or any BIP39-compatible wallet.
Option B: Export Individual Keys
MultiBit HD can also export individual private keys, though this is less convenient than using the seed phrase:
- Go to Tools menu
- Select Export Wallet Data
- Choose what to export (private keys, transactions, etc.)
- Select a secure save location
- Enter your wallet password
- Complete the export
Understanding Export File Formats
.key Files (Unencrypted)
Plain text files containing private keys in WIF (Wallet Import Format). Example content:
# Bitcoin private keys exported by MultiBit
# Key created: 2015-03-15T10:30:00Z
5HueCGU8rMjxEXxiPuD5BDku4MkFqeZyd4dZ1jvhTVqvbTLvyTJ
Warning: Unencrypted files can be read by anyone with access. Handle with extreme care.
.key.aes Files (Encrypted)
AES-encrypted key files. Safer for storage but require the export password to use. When importing to Electrum, you'll need to decrypt first or use a tool that supports encrypted imports.
WIF Format (Wallet Import Format)
Private keys in WIF format start with "5", "K", or "L" and are 51-52 characters long. This is the standard format that most Bitcoin wallets understand for importing keys.
Security Best Practices
✓ Do
- • Store exports on encrypted USB drives
- • Write seed phrases on paper, not digitally
- • Create multiple copies stored in different locations
- • Use strong, unique export passwords
- • Verify exports work by testing import
- • Delete exports from computer after copying to secure storage
✗ Don't
- • Email private keys to yourself
- • Store keys in cloud storage (Dropbox, Google Drive)
- • Take photos of keys with your phone
- • Share keys with anyone
- • Enter keys on websites
- • Leave unencrypted exports on your computer
Troubleshooting Export Issues
"Export Private Keys" option is grayed out
Make sure your wallet is unlocked. Enter your password first. If the wallet won't unlock, you may have the wrong password or a corrupted wallet file.
Export fails with an error
Try exporting to a different location. Some directories may be protected. Also ensure you have enough disk space.
MultiBit won't open to export
If MultiBit won't launch, you can still recover your keys using the wallet files directly. See our Wallet File Recovery Guide.
Can't find seed phrase option in HD
The exact menu location varies by MultiBit HD version. Look for "Manage Wallet," "Wallet Settings," "Security," or "Backup." If you can't find it, try exporting via Tools → Export Wallet Data.
Next Steps After Export
Once you have your private keys or seed phrase, the next step is to import them into a modern Bitcoin wallet:
Important Reminders
- • Export all wallets if you have multiple
- • Test your exports by importing to Electrum before deleting MultiBit
- • Keep exports secure - they are the keys to your Bitcoin
- • After successful migration, consider the old MultiBit wallet compromised
- • Never use MultiBit for new transactions after exporting