Bitcoin Core Wallet Recovery – How to Prepare Your Files
Forgot your Bitcoin Core wallet password? We specialize in secure, offline recovery of wallet.dat and modern Bitcoin Core wallet formats. Follow the steps below to prepare your files and request a free, no-obligation assessment.
What We Need
- Your Bitcoin Core wallet files:
- Older versions:
wallet.dat(single file) - Newer versions: the entire wallet folder inside
.../wallets/[wallet_name]/
- Older versions:
- Password hints (see the checklist below).
- (Optional) The Bitcoin Core version you last used (e.g., 0.20, 0.21, 22+, 25+).
We never need your seed phrase or private keys for password recovery.
Where to Find Your Wallet Files
Important: Close Bitcoin Core completely before copying files to avoid corruption.
Windows
Newer (folder): C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Roaming\Bitcoin\wallets\[wallet_name]\
Older (single file): C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Roaming\Bitcoin\wallet.dat
macOS
Newer (folder): ~/Library/Application Support/Bitcoin/wallets/[wallet_name]/
Older (single file): ~/Library/Application Support/Bitcoin/wallet.dat
Linux
Newer (folder): ~/.bitcoin/wallets/[wallet_name]/
Older (single file): ~/.bitcoin/wallet.dat
Tip: If you chose a custom data directory, search for a wallets folder or for wallet.dat across your drive.
How to Prepare & Send Files (Secure)
- Close Bitcoin Core and wait a few seconds for it to fully exit.
- Copy the wallet data:
- If you see
wallets/[wallet_name]/, copy that entire folder. - If you only have
wallet.dat, copy that file.
- If you see
- Compress into
.zipor.7zand set a temporary password for the archive. - Submit the inquiry on our inquiry page. We will reply with a one-time, secure upload link for your encrypted archive. Please do not email files.
- Provide as many password hints as possible (see checklist below). The better the hints, the higher the chance of recovery. With good hints, we can also estimate the time required for cracking attempts and give you a realistic outlook.
Offline only: All recovery attempts are performed on isolated systems. We start with an independent assessment—no commitment required.
Password Hints Guide (What Helps Most)
- Length (exact or range): e.g., “8–10 characters”, “exactly 12”.
- Character sets used: lowercase/UPPERCASE, digits, symbols (which ones?).
- Patterns: Capitalized word + 2 digits, ends with
88, starts with initials, word+year, etc. - Words you reuse: names, nicknames, brands, pets, places.
- Dates or numbers: birthdays, anniversaries, memorable years; format used (
DDMMYYYY,YYYY, etc.). - Typical endings:
!,!!,123,2020, etc. - Language/keyboard: non-English letters, specific layouts (QWERTZ/QWERTY), frequently used symbols.
Even small details help us narrow the keyspace dramatically—saving time and improving your success odds.
Independent Assessment: Please consider this as an independent assessment of your recovery problem. Submitting your case does not commit you to any service or payment.
Privacy: Your files are handled confidentially and are not shared with third parties. We only use them to evaluate your recovery request.
Bitcoin Core Recovery — Frequently Asked Questions
Do you only need wallet.dat?
For older versions, yes. For newer descriptor/SQLite wallets, sending the entire wallet folder (.../wallets/[wallet_name]/) ensures all required metadata is included.
Should Bitcoin Core be running while I copy files?
No. Always close Bitcoin Core first to avoid copying a file that’s being written to, which could corrupt the backup.
Is recovery guaranteed?
No. Success depends on password complexity and available hints. We start with a free, offline assessment and then advise realistic next steps.
Ready for a Free Assessment?
Send your Bitcoin Core wallet files securely. Our team will review them offline and get back with options—no commitment, no risk.