Litecoin wallet unlock
Before reading this page, users should note that messing with ECDSA private keys is very dangerous and can result in losing bitcoins, even long after the import. It is recommended that outside of self-generated vanity addresses, users should never import (or export) private keys.
As of August 2012, possibly the easiest way to import a private key is using Blockchain.info's My Wallet service. When successully imported through the "Import/Export" screen, the bitcoins assigned to a private key can be immediately sent to any Bitcoin address.
As of August 2013, BIPS allows for easy import of private key using Paper Wallet - Import. User can choose to type in the private key manually or scan a QR code containing the private key using the camera. The user must wait 6 confirmations for access to the funds, and system is based on batch importation.
Steps described are with the following settings:
- Export mode enabled
- Aggregated view disabled
Partial spend from cold storage
Use this function if you would like to keep some funds on the paper wallet.
- Press the menu button and select "Cold Storage"
- Scan in private key
- Select your destination address
- Select the amount
- Press the blue currency tag at the top to toggle currency.
After spending, the private key in memory is destroyed so the paper private key remains somewhat secure. Despite this, best practice is to immediately send the remaining balance to a paper wallet that was generated offline.
Import key from a paper wallet
Use this function if you would like to import a private key so all funds are immediately available for spending.
- Key Management
- Press the blue '+' symbol
After importing this paper private key, you might consider destroying the original so it cannot be found and your funds stolen. Alternatively, you can keep it safe to be used as an offline backup.
If you have Version 7 or later it is now trival. See: How to import private keys v7+
If you are using Cold storage, a Paper wallet or generating vanity addresses you may have a need to import a Private key. Since Bitcoin-QT/bitcoind v0.6.0, you can import private keys using built-in RPC command importprivkey. Before v0.6.0, you needed to rely on third-party wallet.dat manipulation tool such as Pywallet.
This article describes how to import a private key through the RPC API of bitcoind, which is a topic for advanced users.
