Multibit HD Wallet

Multibit HD Backup File

MultiBit HD backups often appear as .zip.aes or .aes.json files, depending on how they were created.

• .zip.aes – This is an AES-encrypted ZIP archive containing your wallet data. You’ll need the correct password to decrypt and extract it.
• .aes.json – This is a JSON-formatted encrypted wallet backup, usually containing key material in a structured format.

These files are very important for wallet recovery, but without your wallet words (seed phrase) password or password ideas, they remain encrypted. If you’re searching for a backup, check the MultiBit HD default directories:

Windows: C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\MultiBitHD\mbhd-datastore\

Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/MultiBitHD/mbhd-datastore/

Linux: ~/.multibithd/mbhd-datastore/

Quick Recover Using Encrypted Backup Files

Extract private keys manually and import them into another wallet

Find wallet.aes.json or wallet.zip.aes backup

Decrypt using OpenSSL or a recovery tool

MultiBit HD Mnemonic Phrase System

Unlike standard BIP39 wallets that typically use 12- or 24-word seed phrases, MultiBit HD allows users to choose either a 13-word or 18-word mnemonic phrase. This phrase is the only way to recover a lost wallet, and it is used to derive private keys deterministically.

However, MultiBit HD does not follow the standard BIP39 derivation path, which means that if you attempt to restore the mnemonic in a BIP39-compatible wallet (like Electrum), it won’t automatically detect the correct addresses. Instead, users need to manually input the correct derivation path to ensure proper recovery.

Importing Multibit HD Derivation Path and Key Points

To recover funds, you must manually adjust the derivation path when importing the seed into another wallet like Electrum.

MultiBit HD uses 13- or 18-word mnemonic phrases.

It does not follow BIP39 strictly, making cross-wallet recovery tricky.

The mnemonic phrase is used to generate private keys deterministically.

Extracting Private Keys from MultiBit HD

Sweep private keys into a new wallet to regain access

Manually export private keys from decrypted wallet file

Convert keys to WIF format for easy import into other wallets

FAQ – MultiBit HD Recovery & Compatibility

Using MultiBit HD wallet file in another wallet. Is it possible?

Nope. MultiBit HD doesn’t play nicely with modern wallets because it uses a non-standard encryption and derivation method. You can’t just drop your .wallet file into Electrum or Sparrow and expect it to work. The only way to recover your funds is by either using your 13- or 18-word seed phrase or decrypting the private keys manually and importing them into another wallet.

Can I decrypt my MultiBit wallet file in the MultiBit HD wallet?

Technically, yes—but it’s not straightforward. Since MultiBit HD is no longer supported, getting the software to run can be a nightmare. If you’re going this route, do yourself a favor: disconnect from the internet before decrypting. The last thing you want is to expose your wallet to malware or potential exploits lurking in outdated software.

Can I still use my wallet after importing private keys to another wallet?

Sort of, but it’s risky. If you import only some of your private keys, you could lose funds when making transactions—especially if you don’t account for change addresses. The safest move? Sweep all your funds into a fresh wallet in a single transaction. That way, you’re not leaving any Bitcoin stranded in addresses you forgot to import