# MultiBit Online > Everything about the MultiBit Bitcoin wallet: what it is, how MultiBit Classic and MultiBit HD store keys, where wallet files live, how to export private keys and move your bitcoin to Electrum. Free, independent guides. Full-text version of the site. Each section covers one page: the title, description, and the complete FAQ content. ## MultiBit Wallet: The Complete Guide (Classic & HD) Everything about the MultiBit Bitcoin wallet: how Classic and HD store keys, where wallet files live, how to export keys, and where to get help and support. ### FAQ ### Why does MultiBit still matter in 2026? Because many early Bitcoin users stored funds in MultiBit — the wallet reportedly managed roughly 1.5 million Bitcoin addresses at its peak — and the private keys or seed phrases they created are still valid today. The software is discontinued, but the coins remain on the blockchain and reachable as long as the correct keys still exist and the funds have not been moved — which is why this guide to accessing them still matters. ### What made MultiBit different from Bitcoin Core? MultiBit used Simplified Payment Verification (SPV) so it never downloaded the full blockchain, was built on Java and bitcoinj, and ran on Windows, macOS and Linux. That lightweight, friendly design made it one of the most popular wallets of the early Bitcoin era. ### Are funds in a discontinued wallet lost forever? No. A discontinued wallet doesn't erase anything — your bitcoin is on the blockchain, controlled by your private keys or seed phrase. As long as you have those, the funds are still reachable and can be moved to a modern wallet like Electrum. ### What is the first step with an old MultiBit wallet? Identify which version you have: a .wallet or .key file means MultiBit Classic; a 12-, 18- or 24-word seed phrase (or mbhd.wallet.aes) means MultiBit HD. Then follow the matching guide to export the keys or restore the seed. ### Why was MultiBit discontinued? MultiBit was acquired by hardware-wallet maker KeepKey in 2016, and in July 2017 the project announced the discontinuation of both Classic and HD. Development stopped permanently. The multibit.org domain has since been repurposed and is not the original project archive. ## What Is the MultiBit Bitcoin Wallet? MultiBit was a lightweight SPV Bitcoin wallet launched in 2011 and recommended on bitcoin.org. How it worked and why it was discontinued in 2017. ### FAQ ### Who created MultiBit? MultiBit was created by developer Jim Burton, with early contributions from Gary Rowe. It was launched publicly in September 2011 as an open-source alternative to the heavy Bitcoin Core client. ### Was MultiBit recommended on bitcoin.org? Yes. For several years during the early-to-mid 2010s, bitcoin.org listed MultiBit as a recommended desktop wallet because it was open source, cross-platform and fast to sync thanks to SPV. ### What happens if I open a MultiBit wallet today? The software can still be installed and opened, but it no longer synchronizes reliably with the Bitcoin network and receives no security updates. It should only be used to access existing funds before moving them to a modern wallet. ### How many people used MultiBit? At its peak around 2013–2014 MultiBit was managing roughly 1.5 million Bitcoin addresses and was one of the most downloaded desktop wallets of the era. ## MultiBit Classic: Complete Guide MultiBit Classic (2011–2017) stores private keys in .wallet and .key files. Where those files live on Windows, Mac and Linux — and how to export your keys. ### FAQ ### Is MultiBit Classic safe to use in 2026? No. MultiBit Classic was discontinued in July 2017, receives no security updates, and struggles to synchronize with the Bitcoin network. It should only be opened long enough to export your private keys, which you then move to a modern wallet such as Electrum. ### Does MultiBit Classic have a seed phrase? No. MultiBit Classic is a non-deterministic wallet: it generates a collection of individual private keys stored in a .wallet file, with optional .key exports. There is no seed phrase in Classic — you recover by exporting or decrypting the keys themselves. ### Which files make up a MultiBit Classic wallet? The main file is the .wallet file (bitcoinj protobuf format) holding your private keys and history, next to a small .info sidecar. Exported keys live in .key files, and automatic backups sit in a walletname-data folder with wallet-backup and key-backup snapshots. ### What if my Classic .wallet or .key file is encrypted? If you have an unencrypted .key export, you can import those keys directly. If the .wallet or .key file is encrypted and the password is lost, decryption of the file itself is required; the more you remember about the password, the better the chances. ### How long does it take to move funds out of MultiBit Classic? Exporting the keys takes minutes (Tools → Export Private Keys). The time-consuming part is sweeping them into a modern wallet like Electrum and waiting for it to scan the blockchain for your balances — usually a few minutes for a handful of addresses. ### MultiBit Classic won't open — is my bitcoin lost? Not by itself. The .wallet file is separate from the application, so a launch failure alone does not mean the bitcoin has been lost — your keys remain in that file. Most launch problems are Java- or sync-related and fixable — see the won't-open guide for the step-by-step fix, then verify your known receiving addresses on an independent block explorer. ### I forgot my MultiBit Classic password — can I still get my bitcoin? Usually yes. If you ever exported an unencrypted .key file (Tools → Export Private Keys), those keys import directly into Electrum with no password. If only an encrypted .wallet file remains with no key export, the keys inside are locked by the password — recovery means remembering it or running an offline search with btcrecover/mbtcrecover. See the forgot-password guide for the full breakdown. ### I found an old MultiBit wallet file — where is it stored and what do I do with it? On Windows, Classic stored its data under %APPDATA%MultiBit; on macOS in ~/Library/Application Support/MultiBit; on Linux in ~/MultiBit. Look for .wallet, .key and .info files plus a walletname-data folder with wallet-backup and key-backup copies. The .wallet file holds your private keys — start with the Classic key-export guide to recover them. ### How do I open a .wallet or .key file? A .wallet file is a bitcoinj protobuf wallet file — you open it inside MultiBit Classic itself, or extract the keys with a carefully vetted open-source tool (verify its source and hashes, run it offline) if you no longer have the app. A .key file is an exported key file: unencrypted .key files open directly in Electrum (Wallet → Private Keys → Sweep), while encrypted ones need the password or a reviewed key-extraction tool. ### What are the wallet-backup and key-backup folders in my MultiBit data folder? They are automatic backups MultiBit Classic made while the wallet was in use. The wallet-backup folder holds timestamped copies of your .wallet file, and key-backup holds copies of your exported .key files. If your main wallet file is missing, corrupted or deleted, check these folders first — they often contain a working copy of your keys. ## MultiBit HD: Complete Guide MultiBit HD (2014–2017) is the deterministic MultiBit wallet. How 12-, 18- and 24-word seed phrases work, where mbhd.wallet.aes files live, and how to restore. ### FAQ ### Are MultiBit HD seeds 12, 18 or 24 words? MultiBit HD records show wallet-word sets of 12, 18 and 24 words; 12- and 18-word sets appear more commonly in recovery documentation, but documented 24-word cases exist. Word count alone does not identify the exact version. When restoring in Electrum, choose BIP39 and enter your words in order, then verify against a known historical address. ### What is inside the MultiBitHD folder? The MultiBitHD folder holds the encrypted mbhd.wallet.aes file, a zip-backup folder of timestamped .aes.zip backups, and SPV files like mbhd.spvchain. The folder lives at %APPDATA%\MultiBitHD on Windows, ~/Library/Application Support/MultiBitHD on macOS, and ~/.multibit-hd on Linux. ### What is the mbhd.wallet.aes file? It is MultiBit HD's encrypted wallet file (bitcoinj protobuf, AES-encrypted). It contains your wallet data protected by your password, but the seed phrase is the true backup — with the seed you can restore everything without the file. ### Does MultiBit HD support 18-word seeds in Electrum? Electrum compatibility has changed across versions, so check the current Electrum documentation for your installed version. Documented MultiBit HD sets include 12, 18 and 24 words (12 and 18 appear more commonly). Create a new standard wallet, choose 'I already have a seed', enable BIP39, set the derivation path to m/0', and verify against a known historical address. ### Why does my restored HD wallet show zero balance? Usually the derivation path: MultiBit HD's documented early scheme used m/0' (receive m/0'/0, change m/0'/1), not m/44'/0'/0'. Also check word order, spelling and that BIP39 was enabled. A zero balance is not proof the path is wrong — an early MultiBit HD wallet had a documented BIP32 compatibility issue (issue #445). If it still shows zero, stop and verify the wallet type before guessing. ### MultiBit HD won't open — can I still get my bitcoin? Yes. MultiBit HD stores your wallet in the mbhd.wallet.aes file and your funds are controlled by the 12-, 18- or 24-word seed phrase (12 and 18 appear more commonly) — both independent of the app. If the application won't open or crashes, you can restore the seed directly in Electrum without ever opening MultiBit again; see the won't-open guide. ### I forgot my MultiBit HD password — can I restore my wallet without it? Yes. The HD password only encrypts the local mbhd.wallet.aes file; it never touches your seed. With your 12-, 18- or 24-word seed phrase you can rebuild the entire wallet in Electrum without the password — tick BIP39 and set the derivation path to m/0'. See the forgot-password guide for the full walkthrough. ### I found a mbhd.wallet.aes file — what is it and can I open it? The mbhd.wallet.aes file is the encrypted MultiBit HD wallet on disk. You cannot open it without the wallet password, but you don't need to: every address derives from your 12-, 18- or 24-word seed phrase, so restore the seed in Electrum (BIP39, path m/0') and your wallet rebuilds itself. The file is only needed if the seed is lost. ### What is the wallet.aes.zip or zip-backup file? MultiBit HD automatically wrote rolling backups of its encrypted wallet file as timestamped .aes.zip archives in a zip-backup folder — the files people search for as 'zip.aes'. Each archive contains a copy of mbhd.wallet.aes (the same encrypted wallet data). You can unzip it to recover the wallet file itself — but your 12-, 18- or 24-word seed phrase remains the real backup, and restores everything without any file. ## The History of MultiBit (2011–2017) The full MultiBit timeline: Jim Burton's 2011 launch, the bitcoin.org recommendation, the 1.5M-address peak, the KeepKey acquisition and the 2017 shutdown. ### FAQ ### Who invented the MultiBit wallet? MultiBit was created by developer Jim Burton and released in September 2011, with early contributions from Gary Rowe. It was one of the first beginner-friendly desktop wallets for Bitcoin. ### Why was MultiBit discontinued? After the KeepKey acquisition in 2016, the discontinuation of Classic and HD was announced in July 2017. Development stopped permanently. The multibit.org domain has since been repurposed and is not the original project archive. ### Are MultiBit funds from before 2017 still accessible? Yes. The private keys and seed phrases from that era are still valid Bitcoin keys. As long as you have them, you can move the funds into a modern wallet like Electrum. ### Does MultiBit still work in 2026? The software still installs, but syncing with today's Bitcoin network is unreliable and there are no security updates. It should only be used to access existing funds. Your keys and seed remain valid, so your bitcoin is still reachable through a modern wallet. ### Are my MultiBit coins lost if the wallet is discontinued? No. Discontinuation only stopped the software, not the bitcoin. The coins sit on the blockchain, controlled by your private keys or seed phrase — both still work today. See the wallet recovery hub for the step-by-step path to your funds. ## MultiBit Download: Classic & HD Safely Downloading MultiBit Classic and HD as a last resort. MultiBit is discontinued — multibit.org is not the original archive; use only preserved release records. ### FAQ ### Is there still an official MultiBit download in 2026? No. MultiBit was discontinued in July 2017, and the current multibit.org domain should not be treated as the original official project archive. There are no new releases. Only preserved original release records — archived snapshots of the original release files and the archived repositories — should be used, and every file must be verified before running. ### Why is downloading MultiBit from other sites dangerous? MultiBit's popularity and its discontinued status make it a prime target for malware. Unofficial 'MultiBit' downloads — from random sites, ads and app stores — have been used to distribute trojans that steal private keys and seed phrases. Only use preserved original release records, never files you cannot verify. ### Does MultiBit still sync with the Bitcoin network? Not reliably. Because the software is discontinued, its SPV synchronization with today's Bitcoin network frequently fails. This is expected — the goal is to open the wallet, export your keys, and move to a modern wallet like Electrum. ### Can I run MultiBit on Windows 11, macOS Sequoia or modern Linux? The Java-based installers were built for older systems. On modern operating systems you may need to allow an unsigned app, install a Java runtime, or use an older OS/VM. If you cannot run it, you can still restore your wallet directly in Electrum using your seed phrase or exported keys. ### Is it safe to download MultiBit? Which version is the final one? The current multibit.org domain should not be trusted as the original archive. Only preserved original release records should be used, and archived binaries must be treated as legacy software: verify the SHA-256 checksum (and signature where available) before running, on a machine you trust. MultiBit Classic 0.5.19 was the later Classic release; 0.5.18 appears in some preserved archives but should not be described as the final version. MultiBit HD releases are documented at least up to 0.5.1. Treat any other 'latest' download with suspicion. ## MultiBit Wallet Recovery: Recover Old Bitcoin Recover your old MultiBit wallet: HD seed phrase, Classic .key export, wallet file. Your bitcoin is still there. ### FAQ ### Can I still recover my old MultiBit wallet? In the vast majority of cases, yes. A discontinued wallet does not erase anything: your bitcoin is on the blockchain, controlled by private keys or a seed phrase that still work today. Whether you can recover depends on what you still have — the wallet files, a key export, or the HD seed phrase. ### Is my MultiBit bitcoin still recoverable? Yes, if you hold the recovery data. For MultiBit HD that is the 12-, 18- or 24-word seed phrase (the password is not needed). For MultiBit Classic it is an unencrypted .key export or the .wallet file itself. Only a completely lost password plus an encrypted Classic wallet with no key export makes recovery genuinely hard. ### How do I recover a MultiBit wallet without the password? Later MultiBit HD wallets generally restore from the seed phrase in Electrum without the password (BIP39, path m/0'); early Beta-era wallets may require a version-specific compatibility procedure — compare at least one derived address with a known historical address before assuming the restoration is correct. MultiBit Classic wallets recover from unencrypted .key exports without the password. An encrypted .wallet file with a forgotten password needs an offline password search such as btcrecover or mbtcrecover. ### I found an old MultiBit wallet file — what is it? A .wallet file means MultiBit Classic and holds the individual private keys (plus a .info sidecar). A .key file is an exported key. A file called mbhd.wallet.aes means MultiBit HD and holds your wallet encrypted under your password — your seed phrase is the real backup. Start by identifying the version, then follow the matching recovery path. ### Where are MultiBit wallet files stored? Separately per wallet: MultiBit Classic used %APPDATA%\MultiBit on Windows, ~/Library/Application Support/MultiBit on macOS and ~/MultiBit on Linux. MultiBit HD used %APPDATA%\MultiBitHD on Windows, ~/Library/Application Support/MultiBitHD on macOS and ~/.multibit-hd on Linux. Automatic backups sit in the walletname-data folder with wallet-backup and key-backup snapshots. ### My MultiBit wallet file is deleted or lost — can I still recover? If you have an HD seed phrase, the file itself is not needed. If you only had a Classic .wallet file and it was deleted, recovery depends on backups: automatic wallet-backup and key-backup copies, old hard drives, or file-recovery software. Act before writing new data to the drive and check every backup location first. ### Which MultiBit do I have — Classic or HD? A .wallet or .key file means Classic. A 12-, 18- or 24-word seed phrase (or a mbhd.wallet.aes file) means HD — 12 and 18 appear more commonly in recovery documentation. The two wallets store keys completely differently, so the correct recovery path depends on getting this right — our two-minute Classic vs HD comparison identifies your wallet. ### Why does MultiBit ask for a password — is it a login? No. MultiBit has no online login or account — the password you set simply encrypts the wallet file on your own computer. For MultiBit HD you can generally ignore it: later wallets restore from the seed phrase in Electrum without the password, while early Beta-era wallets may need a version-specific procedure. For Classic, an unencrypted .key export also imports without it. Only an encrypted .wallet file with a forgotten password needs an offline recovery search. ### Is MultiBit a legacy wallet — and can I still recover the bitcoin? Yes, MultiBit is a legacy wallet in the sense that it is discontinued software from 2011–2017 with no updates — but that does not affect your coins. The bitcoin sits on the blockchain and is controlled by your keys or seed phrase, which remain valid. Recovering an old MultiBit wallet today works exactly as it did then, using modern tools. ## MultiBit FAQ: 20+ Common Questions Fast answers to the most common MultiBit questions: what it is, whether it still works, where wallet files are stored, and how to get your bitcoin out. ### 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. ## About — Independent MultiBit Resource MultiBit Online is an independent, free resource documenting the MultiBit wallet: history, versions, files and how to access old funds. ### FAQ ### Is MultiBit Online affiliated with the original MultiBit? No. The site is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the MultiBit developers, KeepKey or any cryptocurrency company. ### Is this website paid? No. All guides and answers are completely free. ### How does the site ensure accuracy? We review information against preserved original project records (archived release materials and the original repositories) and technical sources, and update pages when errors surface. ## MultiBit Help & Support No official MultiBit support exists — the wallet was discontinued in 2017. Free help for Classic and HD: forgotten passwords, won't open, 0 balance and more. ### FAQ ### Is there official MultiBit support? No. MultiBit was discontinued in July 2017 and the project was shut down permanently after KeepKey acquired it in 2016. There is no official support team, forum or contact address — the multibit.org domain is no longer operated as the original project archive. MultiBit Online is an independent resource that fills that gap. ### Who can help me with my MultiBit wallet? Start with the free guides on this site — most problems are solved in minutes, from forgotten passwords to wallets that won't open. For the genuinely hard cases, such as an encrypted wallet whose password is lost, the contact page lists further options. ### Is MultiBit Online affiliated with MultiBit or KeepKey? No. This is an independent, free educational resource and is not affiliated with the original MultiBit developers, KeepKey or any cryptocurrency company. ### Does getting MultiBit help cost anything? The guides, FAQ and tools on this site are completely free. Paid help only ever applies to the hardest recovery cases (for example a lost password on an encrypted wallet). ### Can anyone recover my forgotten MultiBit password? It depends on the wallet. A MultiBit HD wallet can be restored from its 12-, 18- or 24-word seed phrase without the password. For MultiBit Classic, an unencrypted .key export imports directly. Only an encrypted .wallet or .key file with a completely lost password is genuinely hard — but hints and personal information can often make recovery possible. See the forgot-password guide. ### What should I prepare before asking for help? Know which version you have: a .wallet or .key file means MultiBit Classic; a 12-, 18- or 24-word seed phrase or an mbhd.wallet.aes file means MultiBit HD. Then note which files or words you can still find — the more you have, the easier the recovery. Keep your private keys and seed phrase safe. ## Forgot MultiBit Password? How to Recover MultiBit wallet password recovery: with an HD seed phrase or an unencrypted .key file you can recover without the password. Step-by-step for Classic and HD. ### FAQ ### I forgot my MultiBit wallet password — can I recover my bitcoin? In most cases, yes. MultiBit HD wallets restore from the 12-, 18- or 24-word seed phrase without the password (Electrum, BIP39, path m/0'). MultiBit Classic wallets recover if you ever exported unencrypted .key files, which import directly. Only an encrypted Classic .wallet with no key export requires recovering the password itself. ### I forgot my MultiBit Classic password — what are my options? Check for unencrypted .key exports (including the key-backup folder) — those keys import into Electrum with no password. If the .wallet file is encrypted and you have no key export, the keys inside are locked by the password; open-source tools like btcrecover/mbtcrecover can try candidate passwords offline, and the more you remember, the better the chances. ### I forgot my MultiBit HD password — can I restore without it? Yes. The HD password only encrypts the local mbhd.wallet.aes file; it never touches your seed. With the 12-, 18- or 24-word seed phrase you can rebuild the entire wallet in Electrum without the password — choose BIP39 and set the derivation path to m/0'. ### Can anyone reset a forgotten MultiBit password for me? There is no backdoor and no legitimate reset button — the password can only be recovered, not bypassed. A professional service runs the same offline recovery search with more hardware and a larger candidate list built from your hints. ### What is btcrecover / mbtcrecover? Btcrecover is an open-source tool that tries a list of candidate passwords offline; mbtcrecover is a community MultiBit-focused fork. File support depends on the exact version: for MultiBit Classic, btcrecover's documented workflow targets the encrypted .key backup files in the key-backup folder (not the .wallet file directly), and HD support targets mbhd.wallet.aes-style inputs where implemented. Check the specific release's documentation before use and download only from the official repositories. They are most effective when the password is based on something real. ### My password has special characters and still doesn't work — why? There is no confirmed MultiBit bug that alters passwords. If a remembered password is rejected, keyboard layout, character encoding or Unicode normalization can explain it — for example, typing an accented character on a different layout than the one used when the wallet was created. Try the password without the special characters or on a different keyboard layout, and let recovery tools like btcrecover test those variants automatically. ### MultiBit says my correct password is not accepted — what now? If MultiBit tells you the password is wrong when you know it is right, test the possibilities one at a time: the wrong keyboard layout, a character-encoding difference, or a variant you typed when creating the wallet. Try the password without special characters, on a different layout, and test the variant list with btcrecover or mbtcrecover. These are hypotheses worth testing — not proof that MultiBit altered the original password. ### MultiBit shows 'the password did not unlock the wallet' — what does that mean? That message appears when the decryption key derived from the password does not match the wallet file. The keys inside stay locked until the right password is entered — there is no reset and no backdoor. Offline tools like btcrecover/mbtcrecover can try candidate passwords, and any hint you remember (length, tokens, variations) narrows the search. ### I get 'provided AES key is wrong' in MultiBit Classic — what is an AES key? An AES key is the cryptographic key derived from your password when MultiBit Classic encrypted a .wallet or .key file. The 'provided AES key is wrong' error means the derived key does not match the file — i.e. the password is incorrect or a keyboard/encoding variant was used. It is the same situation as a wrong password: recovery means finding the right one offline. ## MultiBit Won't Open? Fixes MultiBit won't open or is stuck syncing? A launch failure alone does not mean the bitcoin is lost. Fix Java errors and recover keys without the app. ### FAQ ### Why won't MultiBit start on my new computer? Usually Java: MultiBit needs a 64-bit Java 8 runtime, which is often missing on modern systems or replaced by a newer version. Install Java 8 and relaunch — ideally inside an isolated offline virtual machine so you don't change your system-wide Java setup. ### Does deleting the spvchain file help? Yes, when MultiBit is stuck syncing. With the app fully closed, rename only the spvchain/checkpoints files (add .disabled) so MultiBit rebuilds its blockchain headers — never touch your .wallet file, and don't permanently delete anything until recovery is complete. ### Are my bitcoins gone if MultiBit won't open? Not by itself. The coins are on the blockchain; your access is in the wallet file (.wallet/.key for Classic, mbhd.wallet.aes + seed for HD). A launch failure alone does not prove the funds are lost — verify your known receiving addresses on an independent block explorer before drawing conclusions. Even without the app you can export keys or restore the seed in Electrum. ### How do I get to my bitcoin if the app won't start? Restore an HD seed in Electrum (BIP39, path m/0'), or extract Classic keys from the .wallet/.key files with a carefully vetted open-source tool. No MultiBit installation is required. ### Does MultiBit still work in 2026? The software still installs, but syncing with today's Bitcoin network is unreliable and there are no security updates. Use it only to access existing funds, then move to a modern wallet like Electrum. ### MultiBit won't open on Windows 10 or Windows 11 — what should I do? MultiBit is old Java software, and modern Windows often blocks it. Install a 64-bit Java 8 runtime (ideally in an isolated offline VM), run the installer from preserved original release records (Windows may warn about the unsigned app), and if it still won't start, recover the keys without the app: restore your HD seed in Electrum or extract Classic keys from the .wallet file with a carefully vetted open-source tool. ### MultiBit shows a blank screen or freezes on startup — what should I do? A blank or frozen window on launch is usually a Java or sync problem, which by itself does not mean the funds are lost. Close the app, install a 64-bit Java 8 runtime (ideally in an isolated offline VM), rename the cached spvchain/checkpoints files (never the .wallet file) and relaunch. If it still freezes, skip the app entirely and recover the keys from your wallet files directly. ### MultiBit crashed or stopped working — are my coins lost? A crash does not by itself move or erase bitcoin: the coins are on the blockchain and your access is in the wallet file (.wallet/.key for Classic, mbhd.wallet.aes plus seed for HD). Verify your known receiving addresses on an independent block explorer before drawing conclusions. Even if MultiBit never opens again, you can export the keys or restore the seed in Electrum. ### MultiBit says my wallet file is corrupted or can't be read — what now? A 'wallet could not be loaded', 'cannot read wallet' or 'decryption failed' message does not mean your bitcoin is gone. First make a backup copy of the file before touching anything. Then try opening it in the correct MultiBit version, or restore an HD seed in Electrum — for Classic, extract the keys from the .wallet/.key files with a carefully vetted open-source tool (verify its source and hashes, run it offline), which often works even on a partially damaged file. ## MultiBit Classic vs HD: Key Differences MultiBit Classic stores keys in .wallet and .key files; MultiBit HD uses a 12-, 18- or 24-word seed phrase. How to tell them apart and which path applies. ### 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. ## How to Export MultiBit Private Keys Step-by-step guide to exporting private keys from MultiBit Classic (.wallet / .key files) so you can import them into Electrum or any modern Bitcoin wallet. ### FAQ ### What is a WIF key? WIF (Wallet Import Format) is the standard format for a single private Bitcoin key. MultiBit Classic keys start with 5, K or L — those are the exact strings you import into Electrum. ### Can I export keys from MultiBit HD? MultiBit HD doesn't export per-key files the way Classic does. All keys derive from the 12-, 18- or 24-word seed phrase — restore the seed in Electrum instead. ### What if my .wallet file is encrypted? Without the password, the keys can't be exported directly. If you ever made an unencrypted .key export, import those keys. If only the .wallet file is encrypted, decryption is needed — the more you remember about the password, the better. ### I imported my old keys — what should I do next? Move the full balance to a newly generated wallet as soon as possible. Importing old keys leaves the funds controlled by keys that may have been exposed, so never reuse them — sweep the entire balance to fresh addresses in a maintained wallet. ### Export Private Keys is greyed out in MultiBit Classic — why? The menu item is greyed out when no wallet is open or the selected wallet is empty. Open the specific .wallet file that holds your coins first, then Tools → Export Private Keys becomes available. If it stays greyed out, you can also extract the keys from the .wallet file with a carefully vetted open-source tool — verify the tool's source and hashes and run it offline. ### How do I sweep a MultiBit private key into a new wallet? In Electrum, choose Wallet → Private Keys → Sweep, paste the WIF key (starting with 5, K or L) and send the balance to a fresh address. Sweeping moves the coins to a wallet you control and leaves nothing behind on the old key. ## How to Restore a MultiBit HD Seed Phrase Restore your 12-, 18- or 24-word MultiBit HD seed phrase in Electrum with the documented derivation path (m/0'), then verify against a known historical address. ### FAQ ### Are MultiBit HD seeds 12, 18 or 24 words? MultiBit HD records show 12-, 18- and 24-word seed sets. Twelve- and eighteen-word sets appear more frequently in surviving support records, but documented 24-word cases also exist. Word count alone does not identify the exact version. Choose BIP39 in Electrum and enter your words in order, then verify against a known historical address. ### Why does my restored wallet show a zero balance? Usually the derivation path: MultiBit HD's documented early scheme used m/0' (receive m/0'/0, change m/0'/1), not m/44'/0'/0'. Also check word order, spelling, and that BIP39 was enabled. A zero balance is not proof the path is wrong — an early MultiBit HD wallet had a documented BIP32 compatibility issue (issue #445). If it still shows zero, stop and verify the wallet type. ### Do I need to install MultiBit to use my HD seed? No. Later MultiBit HD wallets use standard BIP39/BIP32 math, so you can restore the seed directly in Electrum — but an early MultiBit HD wallet had a documented BIP32 compatibility issue (issue #445). If the documented path does not reproduce your known addresses, stop and verify the wallet type and version. ### My seed phrase is not accepted — what went wrong? Check three things: the word list (MultiBit HD used standard BIP39 words), the order of the words, and whether you have 12, 18 or 24 words. A single wrong or missing word breaks the checksum. If one word is wrong or missing, run an offline search over the likely candidates — tools exist for exactly this, and the rest of the phrase narrows it down. ### Is my MultiBit HD seed 12, 18 or 24 words? MultiBit HD records show 12-, 18- and 24-word seed sets. Twelve- and eighteen-word sets appear more frequently in surviving support records, but documented 24-word cases also exist. A 24-word set should not automatically be dismissed as another wallet, and word count alone does not determine the exact version or recovery method. Restore in Electrum with BIP39 and the derivation path m/0', then verify against a known historical address. ## Move MultiBit Bitcoin to Electrum Move bitcoin out of a discontinued MultiBit wallet into Electrum: sweep Classic private keys or restore an HD seed directly into a new standard wallet. ### FAQ ### Why Electrum instead of another wallet? Electrum is actively maintained, open source, free, lightweight (SPV), and supports both WIF private keys (Classic) and BIP39 seeds (HD) — which is why it's the standard recommendation for old MultiBit funds. ### Can I move MultiBit funds directly without a detour? You first need to make the keys or seed available in a modern wallet like Electrum, then you can send the balance to any address you control. ### How long does the move take? Exporting the keys takes minutes. The time-consuming part is Electrum scanning the blockchain — usually a few minutes for a handful of addresses. After that, sending is immediate. ### Which wallet can I move my MultiBit bitcoin to? Electrum is the best-supported choice because it accepts both MultiBit HD seeds (BIP39, path m/0') and MultiBit Classic WIF keys. Other BIP39 wallets can restore the HD seed too, but for Classic keys Electrum's sweep support is the most reliable. ## MultiBit Stuck Syncing? Fix It in 4 Steps MultiBit stuck syncing? A sync failure alone doesn't mean the bitcoin is lost. Fix spvchain, checkpoints and Java errors, then move to Electrum. ### FAQ ### Does MultiBit still sync in 2026? MultiBit can still install and run, but syncing with today's Bitcoin network is slow and often fails because the SPV protocol and hard-coded peers are outdated. That is expected — the software is discontinued. A sync failure alone does not mean the bitcoin is lost: the wallet data is separate from the sync, but you still need to verify your known receiving addresses on an independent block explorer before drawing conclusions. ### Will deleting the spvchain file lose my bitcoin? No. The spvchain file only contains cached blockchain headers used for verification. Deleting it forces MultiBit to re-download headers. Your .wallet file and keys are untouched, so no funds are affected. ### Why is MultiBit stuck syncing and showing a 0 balance? An incomplete sync means MultiBit has not yet scanned the headers that reveal your transactions, so the balance shows 0. Rebuild the sync files, then check the balance again in a wallet that syncs reliably, such as Electrum. ### A transaction is not showing — what should I do? A missing or stuck transaction is often a sync issue — MultiBit cannot see the blockchain properly — but it can also mean the wrong wallet file, an incomplete import, or funds that were moved. Verify the transaction on a block explorer with your address, and export your keys or restore your seed in Electrum to check the correct balance. ### MultiBit shows 'no peers' or 'cannot connect to the network' — what now? MultiBit's hard-coded peers and SPV code are years old, so on today's network it often fails to connect at all. This is expected for discontinued software and does not by itself move or erase bitcoin — but the wallet data still needs to be verified. If the connection never recovers, skip the app: restore your HD seed in Electrum or export Classic keys from the wallet file — no network connection through MultiBit is needed. ### MultiBit says 'failed to sync' — is my wallet damaged? No. A failed sync is a network or checkpoint problem, not a wallet problem. Your keys live in the .wallet/.key files (Classic) or mbhd.wallet.aes plus seed (HD). Rebuild the sync files once, and if sync still fails, recover the keys without MultiBit and check your balance in Electrum. ## MultiBit Shows 0 Balance? Verify Your Bitcoin MultiBit shows an empty or 0 balance? That does not by itself mean the bitcoin is lost — verify your known receiving addresses, then check in Electrum. ### FAQ ### Are my bitcoins gone if MultiBit shows 0 balance? Not usually — but always verify. The coins live on the blockchain; the app only displays what its sync has seen. A 0 balance can mean an incomplete sync, the wrong wallet file, missing change keys, an incorrect derivation path, incomplete imports, or funds that were previously moved. Confirm by checking your known receiving addresses on an independent block explorer and by restoring your keys or seed in a modern wallet like Electrum. Note that a public block-explorer lookup can link your IP address to that address; for privacy-sensitive cases use your own node or a privacy-preserving connection. ### Why does my MultiBit balance show 0 after syncing? Two common reasons: the sync finished to an old block height and missed recent transactions, or the wallet file that opened is not the one with your coins. Rebuild the sync files and check you opened the right .wallet file, then verify in Electrum. ### Could my bitcoin have been moved without me knowing? Only someone with your private keys or seed phrase could move your coins. Provided the keys correspond to the expected addresses and the funds have not already been moved, they should still be there — verify your known receiving addresses and transaction history on an independent block explorer before concluding. ### How do I check my MultiBit balance without the app? Restore an HD seed in Electrum (BIP39, path m/0') or import Classic .key exports. Electrum syncs reliably and should show the balance of your addresses once the correct wallet and derivation path are used. You can also check individual addresses on a block explorer. ### My MultiBit balance is unconfirmed — what does that mean? An unconfirmed balance means the blockchain has not yet confirmed the transaction that funds your address. MultiBit's outdated SPV client often cannot see confirmations correctly, so it may show unconfirmed or missing funds. Verify the transaction on a block explorer with your address; if it confirms there, the coins have not moved and Electrum should then show them reliably. Note that a public block-explorer lookup can link your IP address to that address; for privacy-sensitive cases use your own node or a privacy-preserving connection. ### MultiBit says 'not enough funds available' — why? This usually means the app has not finished syncing, so it cannot see your confirmed balance, or the balance it shows is not up to date. It is not a sign that your coins are gone. Fix the sync, verify your address on a block explorer, and move to Electrum to see and spend the real balance. ### My transaction is not showing in MultiBit — is it lost? Not necessarily. A transaction that doesn't appear is usually a sync problem: MultiBit can't see the blockchain properly, but it can also mean the wrong wallet file or an incomplete import. Check the transaction on a block explorer using your receiving address. 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