Before you continue
- Do not delete or overwrite original wallet data.
- Make at least two copies before attempting any repair.
- Preserve the original folder structure where possible.
- Do not install random tools found through search advertisements.
- Do not enter wallet words into a website.
- Do not send private keys, wallet files or passwords through ordinary email.
- Verify software signatures and hashes where possible.
- Verify at least one historical Bitcoin address before assuming a wallet is correct.
- After recovery, transfer funds to a newly generated, maintained wallet.
The short answer
Classic (2011–2017) stores individual private keys in
.wallet/.key files — no seed phrase. HD (2014–2017) derives everything from a 12-, 18- or 24-word seed in mbhd.wallet.aes (12- and 18-word sets appear more commonly). Quick check: seed phrase = HD; only .wallet/.key files = Classic.Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | MultiBit Classic | MultiBit HD |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2011 | 2014 |
| Type | Non-deterministic | Hierarchical deterministic (HD) |
| Key storage | Individual private keys in .wallet file | All keys derived from one seed phrase |
| Backup | .key exports, per-address | 12-, 18- or 24-word seed phrase |
| Main files | .wallet, .key, .info | mbhd.wallet.aes, zip-backup/.aes.zip |
| Wallet folder | MultiBit | MultiBitHD |
| Restore path | Export/decrypt the keys | Restore seed in Electrum (m/0') |
Why the difference matters
Because the two wallets store keys so differently, the steps to get your bitcoin out are different too:
- Classic: you must work with the keys themselves — exporting them from the wallet (Tools → Export Private Keys) or decrypting an encrypted file, then importing into Electrum.
- HD: with your seed phrase you can rebuild the entire wallet in modern software without ever opening the old wallet. The only catch is using MultiBit HD's derivation path,
m/0', in Electrum.
How to tell which one you have
- Do you have a seed phrase (12, 18 or 24 words written down — 12 and 18 appear more commonly)? → MultiBit HD.
- Do you have a
.walletor.keyfile, or aMultiBitfolder? → MultiBit Classic. - Do you have an
mbhd.wallet.aesfile or aMultiBitHDfolder? → MultiBit HD.
Next steps
- You have Classic → follow the export private keys guide.
- You have HD → follow the restore HD seed guide.
- Either way, finish with moving to Electrum.
Classic vs HD FAQ
Does MultiBit Classic have a seed phrase?
No. MultiBit Classic is a non-deterministic wallet: it stores a collection of individual private keys in a .wallet file with optional .key exports. There is no seed phrase — you recover by exporting or decrypting the keys themselves.
What derivation path does MultiBit HD use?
MultiBit HD used bitcoinj's early scheme: receive addresses under m/0'/0, change addresses under m/0'/1, account under m/0'. In Electrum you restore with path m/0', not m/44'/0'/0'.
Can I confuse Classic and HD wallets?
Yes, easily — they share the same name. The quickest test: did you write down 12, 18 or 24 seed words (12 and 18 appear more commonly)? Then it's HD. Do you have .wallet/.key files but no seed words? Then it's Classic.