10
4
I'm finally getting ready to install an Android client. I believe Android Wallet is the most popular one.
How do I back up the bitcoins stored on it?
Also, is there a thin native Android client being developed?
How to backup Android Wallet?
Answers
4
Bitcoin Wallet for Android supports backing up your private keys to external storage (e.g. SD Card). Just select "Export/Import private keys" from the action bar overflow menu.
1 Just to note v4.3.2 (not sure when it changed) of bitcoin wallet backup wallet/restore wallet are in safety menu which can be found in the overflow menu.
2
As with any backup solution you must test it yourself through the whole cycle first in a zero risk scenario.
Mycelium has an excellent backup solution which outputs a seed phrase for a HD wallet
You can then store this any way you wish, for example on paper in a physically secure location.
I think I'll wait for a good light client. I just wanted to play around with some coins on my android, but it's not urgent (I really don't have anywhere to spend them anyway at this point). – ripper234 – 2012-01-10T17:24:39.470
1Yes it takes an age to get started, even on a wifi connection. I think mine took over 24 hours. But after that it's sweet and I like to keep a few on there just in case. There are people beginning to accept them, and I couldn't miss the opportunity. Sometimes it's scary when the wallet becomes worth more than the hardware though! :-) – barrymac – 2012-01-10T17:31:58.847
Things change a lot since the first answer, updated. – barrymac – 2015-12-08T16:39:56.500
Andreas, once stored, how does this "private key" work as a backup tool? If my phone is lost, how can I retrieve the balance that was in the android wallet on my pc for example? – Tom – 2013-11-03T00:05:56.170
1@Tom - most clients support importing a private key (how to do this is client-specific) – ripper234 – 2013-11-03T09:41:07.970
I don´t consider SD-card to be external storage. Is it possible to backup to a connected PC or a cloud service – None – 2014-01-02T17:37:52.543
This does not provide an answer to the question. To critique or request clarification from an author, leave a comment below their post - you can always comment on your own posts, and once you have sufficient reputation you will be able to comment on any post.
– Salvador Dali – 2014-01-02T21:54:24.470P.S. I ended up using the Android version of Blockchain's MyWallet, which has built in backup to email/dropbox/google drive. – ripper234 – 2012-05-27T16:54:03.747
foldersync looks good to backup into my owncloud webdav. But which folders do i have to backup to be able to restore bitcoin wallet? – None – 2012-05-27T15:06:11.557
possible duplicate of Is there a known way to export my wallet private key from the "Bitcoin Android" app (com.bitcoinandroid)?
– Stephen Gornick – 2012-10-11T18:09:26.907