BTQ Node CLI Wallet - Backup

Here's the adapted guide for managing and backing up a BTQ CLI wallet

BTQ Node CLI Wallet - Backup

Backing up a BTQ CLI wallet is similar to the GUI wallets offered. Print the secret keys and store them somewhere safe.

Additionally, the wallet.json file can be encrypted using AES encryption and stored digitally until needed.

TIP: It's recommended that you store a copy of your private keys in at least 2 physical locations in case of catastrophe.

wallet.json Secrets

Secret keys are stored in a wallet.json file when an address is created using the BTQ CLI. This wallet file is the same as what is generated in the web wallet and can be loaded there as well.

If the wallet.json is stored in plain text, unencrypted, the secret keys are simply contained in a JSON array inside of the file. Open or print the contents of the wallet.json file to get the secret keys:

cat wallet.json

Example content:

{
  "addresses": [
    {
      "pk": null,
      "hexseed": "010400bc6ab22293abaa631fac6872cd1514aa7961e3de56766518158925ba97bebd50ca7855a5047eca0da6a9042171337ae4",
      "mnemonic": "absorb drank rust prone caller depict primal cowboy pulsar mare smoky five prime noble threat tile kedge flak berlin mutiny rose leap safer assume know gallop agony twelve audio hit agenda birch crisis quest",
      "height": 8,
      "hashFunction": "shake128",
      "signatureType": 0,
      "index": 0,
      "address": "Q01040094e6916e412d5b9e8db40d12c8f8fd224a5a33a31c191850ca6a55b102fdbdcbdcc59819"
    }
  ],
  "encrypted": false,
  "version": 1
}

Encrypted Wallet Keys

In the same directory as your BTQ wallet.json file, enter the following command to print your private key information:

btq wallet_secret

This will prompt for an address from the wallet to print the secrets for:

wallet idx [0]:

If you only have one address, simply leave the default and hit enter. If the wallet file is encrypted, you will then be prompted for the passphrase used to set up the wallet.

INFO: This requires a BTQ wallet to have already been generated and to be in the local directory. To specify an additional directory location for the wallet.json file, use the --wallet_dir {PATH} flag.

After successful decryption, the private key information will be printed.

Example output:

Wallet Address  : Q000600f1afe2a5d8247779795f0eb0d5225e5fe7b91bcb38c614b5a62fa3df0f5cfe92e6355ace

Mnemonic        : aback grape latest ace ferry bucket creak safety hour russia parade site donor yeast tunnel dusty odd dirt mutual you brine might two mercy shady print smite wrap swan common coat modify leave tort

Hexseed         : 0006007a70174ec1ec32abd66c2bc59ecc9a3eefe7ec14299903d2928ff01da8c0ecf8a6c46aa9ccffd4dbe2ee2d38e57c3e7a

This information is needed to recover your wallet file. Store it in safe locations and ensure the recovery media is correct and opens the expected address.

WARNING: Anyone with private key information can unlock the wallet and steal funds!

Recover Wallet

To recover a wallet or load one onto a new computer, you will need one of three things:

1. The wallet.json file

2. If encrypted, the passphrase to decrypt

3. The mnemonic phrase in the correct order

4. The hexseed.

Without one of these, it is impossible to recover the wallet.

Additionally, you will need a wallet application. Any of the BTQ wallet applications can be used to recover an address. Load the wallet.json file to the application or enter the secret keys to recover the address.

CLI wallet.json Recovery

If you have the wallet.json file, simply copy it over to the new machine and use the BTQ functions as needed. The CLI will recognize that a wallet.json file is found and load the secret keys from the file.

CLI Hexseed

To recover using the Mnemonic phrase, use the wallet_recover command. By default, the command will expect a hexseed:

btq wallet_recover

You will be prompted for the hexseed you have saved. Ensure you enter it correctly. The wallet address will be printed, and you will have a chance to save it. Enter yes and your wallet will be recovered and saved into the directory you are currently in.

DANGER: This will save your file as an unencrypted wallet.json file. Make sure you encrypt this file with a secure passphrase you will not lose.

Mnemonic Phrase

To recover using the mnemonic phrase, use the wallet_recover --seed-type mnemonic command:

btq wallet_recover --seed-type mnemonic

You will be prompted for the mnemonic you have saved. Ensure you enter it correctly. The wallet address will be printed, and you will have a chance to save it. Enter yes and your wallet will be recovered and saved into the directory you are currently in.

DANGER: This will save your file as an unencrypted wallet.json file. Make sure you encrypt this file with a secure passphrase you will not lose.

This guide ensures you can manage, back up, and recover your BTQ CLI wallet effectively.