Multibit HD Informations
Deterministic key generation
MultiBit HD uses deterministic key generation based on the BIP32 standard, meaning all private keys are derived from a single BIP39 15-word mnemonic seed. This allows users to restore their entire wallet and all associated addresses using just the seed phrase, eliminating the need for multiple private key backups.
Recovery Phrase
In MultiBit HD, the recovery phrase consists of a 15-word mnemonic that serves as the foundation for generating all wallet addresses. Unlike MultiBit Classic, which relies on a .key file storing a single public key, MultiBit HD derives multiple addresses from this mnemonic.
Backup File
Backup files in MultiBit HD are stored as .aes.json or .zip.aes formats, ensuring secure recovery and access to funds using the 15-word phrase.
History of Multibit HD
MultiBit HD was a lightweight, open-source Bitcoin wallet that gained popularity for its simplicity and support for Hierarchical Deterministic (HD) wallets (BIP32). It was the successor to MultiBit Classic, moving away from storing individual private keys in .key or .wallet files and instead using a 15-word BIP39 mnemonic seed to generate an entire wallet’s addresses. This made backups significantly easier, as users only needed to store their recovery phrase rather than multiple private keys.
Security-wise, MultiBit HD encrypted private keys and wallet backups using AES-256, a industry-standard encryption algorithm. Wallet backup files were stored in either .aes.json or .zip.aes formats, ensuring that sensitive data remained protected against unauthorized access. However, a major flaw in MultiBit HD was its handling of encrypted wallets—it required users to enter their password every time they accessed their funds, and if the password was lost, recovery was nearly impossible without brute-forcing.
MultiBit HD was acquired by KeepKey in 2016, but development was discontinued in 2017 due to ongoing issues with software bugs, unreliable synchronization, and a high volume of support requests that made it unsustainable to maintain. As Bitcoin network complexity increased, users experienced persistent problems with stuck transactions, failed syncs, and difficulties recovering wallets. Eventually, KeepKey advised users to migrate their funds to other supported wallets like Electrum, which offered better long-term support and security.
Today, if you’re still using MultiBit HD, it’s strongly recommended to recover your funds ASAP and move them to a modern wallet. As software dependencies continue to evolve, older wallets like MultiBit HD become increasingly difficult to use, potentially putting funds at risk due to compatibility issues.