> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Managing Wallets

> Creating, loading, and managing Bitcoin Core wallets

Since Bitcoin Core version 0.21, there is no default wallet created automatically. You must explicitly create or load wallets using RPC commands or the GUI.

## Creating a Wallet

Wallets can be created using the `createwallet` RPC command or through the GUI.

### Using RPC

To create a basic descriptor wallet:

```bash theme={null}
bitcoin-cli createwallet "wallet-01"
```

To create an encrypted wallet with a passphrase:

```bash theme={null}
bitcoin-cli -named createwallet wallet_name="wallet-01" passphrase="passphrase"
```

<Warning>
  If you lose your passphrase, all coins in the wallet will be permanently lost. There is no recovery mechanism.
</Warning>

### Using the GUI

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Create Wallet Dialog">
    Click the `Create a new wallet` button on the main screen, or navigate to `File` > `Create wallet`.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Wallet Options">
    Enter a wallet name and select desired options such as encryption, descriptor wallet type, and watch-only mode.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Passphrase (Optional)">
    If you choose to encrypt the wallet, enter and confirm a strong passphrase.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Wallet Storage Location

By default, wallets are stored in the `wallets` folder within your data directory:

| Operating System | Default Wallet Directory                                    |
| ---------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| Linux            | `/home/<user>/.bitcoin/wallets`                             |
| Windows          | `C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Bitcoin\wallets`             |
| macOS            | `/Users/<user>/Library/Application Support/Bitcoin/wallets` |

You can customize this location using the `-datadir` or `-walletdir` initialization parameters.

## Loading and Unloading Wallets

### Loading a Wallet

Load an existing wallet:

```bash theme={null}
bitcoin-cli loadwallet "wallet-01"
```

In the GUI, navigate to `File` > `Open Wallet` and select the wallet you want to load.

### Unloading a Wallet

Unload a currently loaded wallet:

```bash theme={null}
bitcoin-cli unloadwallet "wallet-01"
```

### Listing Loaded Wallets

View all currently loaded wallets:

```bash theme={null}
bitcoin-cli listwallets
```

## Encrypting Wallets

Wallet encryption protects your private keys with a passphrase. However, it significantly increases the risk of losing funds if you forget the passphrase.

### Encrypting an Existing Wallet

```bash theme={null}
bitcoin-cli -rpcwallet="wallet-01" encryptwallet "passphrase"
```

<Warning>
  After encrypting or changing your passphrase, immediately create a new backup. The keypool is flushed and a new HD seed is generated after encryption. Bitcoins received by the new seed cannot be recovered from previous backups.
</Warning>

### Changing the Passphrase

```bash theme={null}
bitcoin-cli -rpcwallet="wallet-01" walletpassphrasechange "oldpassphrase" "newpassphrase"
```

## Unlocking Encrypted Wallets

When performing operations that require private keys (like sending transactions), encrypted wallets must be unlocked:

```bash theme={null}
bitcoin-cli -rpcwallet="wallet-01" walletpassphrase "passphrase" 120
```

The second argument (`120`) specifies the timeout in seconds that the wallet remains unlocked.

### Error When Locked

Attempting to send funds from a locked wallet produces an error:

```
bitcoin-cli -rpcwallet="wallet-01" sendtoaddress "tb1qw508d6qejxtdg4y5r3zarvary0c5xw7kxpjzsx" 0.01

Error code: -13
Error message: Please enter the wallet passphrase with walletpassphrase first.
```

## Wallet Information

Get detailed information about a wallet:

```bash theme={null}
bitcoin-cli -rpcwallet="wallet-01" getwalletinfo
```

This returns information including:

* Wallet name and version
* Balance and transaction count
* Whether the wallet is encrypted
* HD seed status
* Keypool size
* Descriptor wallet status

## Understanding Wallet Passphrases

The wallet passphrase is an encryption key for your private keys, not to be confused with the HD seed:

* **Not the Seed**: The passphrase encrypts private keys but is separate from the HD seed that derives keys
* **Protection Against Unauthorized Access**: Prevents access if someone gains physical access to your device
* **Doesn't Encrypt Metadata**: Transaction history and public keys remain visible
* **Risk of Fund Loss**: A forgotten passphrase results in permanent loss of access to funds

<Warning>
  The passphrase does not protect against sophisticated attacks like keyloggers. An attacker with access to your device can potentially capture your passphrase when you enter it.
</Warning>

## Multiple Wallets

Bitcoin Core supports loading multiple wallets simultaneously. When using RPC commands with multiple wallets loaded, specify which wallet to use with the `-rpcwallet` parameter:

```bash theme={null}
bitcoin-cli -rpcwallet="wallet-01" getbalance
bitcoin-cli -rpcwallet="wallet-02" getbalance
```

In the GUI, use the wallet dropdown in the upper right corner to switch between loaded wallets.