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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?

Murch
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ripper234
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  • P.S. I ended up using the Android version of Blockchain's MyWallet, which has built in backup to email/dropbox/google drive. – ripper234 May 27 '12 at 16:54
  • foldersync looks good to backup into my owncloud webdav. But which folders do i have to backup to be able to restore bitcoin wallet? –  May 27 '12 at 15:06
  • possible duplicate of [Is there a known way to export my wallet private key from the "Bitcoin Android" app (com.bitcoinandroid)?](http://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/questions/3247/is-there-a-known-way-to-export-my-wallet-private-key-from-the-bitcoin-android) – Stephen Gornick Oct 11 '12 at 18:09
  • 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 Nov 03 '13 at 00:05
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    @Tom - most clients support importing a private key (how to do this is client-specific) – ripper234 Nov 03 '13 at 09:41
  • I don´t consider SD-card to be external storage. Is it possible to backup to a connected PC or a cloud service –  Jan 02 '14 at 17:37
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2 Answers2

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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.

Andreas
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    Just to note v4.3.2 (not sure when it changed) of [bitcoin wallet](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.schildbach.wallet) backup wallet/restore wallet are in safety menu which can be found in the overflow menu. – scottyab Jun 15 '15 at 09:06
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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.

barrymac
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  • 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 Jan 10 '12 at 17:24
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    Yes 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 Jan 10 '12 at 17:31
  • Things change a lot since the first answer, updated. – barrymac Dec 08 '15 at 16:39