Access from different computers (newb question)

[JSITTM]

Just started using Electrum and Bitcoin wallets.

Two questions:

1) Is it possible to log into your wallet from any computer using the electrum software and your seed? For example .. if you went on holiday or your computer broke?

2) If you want to access your wallet using different software on a different computer, what's the best method?

Apologies if these questions have been asked many times before. Cheers!

[ranochigo]

1) Is it possible to log into your wallet from any computer using the electrum software and your seed? For example .. if you went on holiday or your computer broke?

Yes. Your seed will generate all the addresses that is in your original computer, provided that the wallet itself is generated with the seed.

2) If you want to access your wallet using different software on a different computer, what's the best method?

Electrum doesn't use a standardised seed format so its quite impossible to find any other decent wallet that supports it. Electrum does however, support BIP39 so you can get a wallet that generates BIP39 seeds and use it with Electrum. You do need to know the derivation path though, you can typically find it using Google.

[HCP]

Note that if you choose to import a BIP39 seed into Electrum... that you will NOT be able to view the seed words at a later date from within Electrum ("Wallet -> Seed" option will be greyed out). Electrum does not store BIP39 seed words encrypted in your wallet file like it does with native Electrum seed words.

Not a massive issue, if you have your seed words written down safely... but just something to be aware of

[Abdussamad]

Just started using Electrum and Bitcoin wallets.

Two questions:

1) Is it possible to log into your wallet from any computer using the electrum software and your seed? For example .. if you went on holiday or your computer broke?

Yes but it's not an email account it's a bitcoin wallet. Money is at stake and because bitcoin transactions are irreversible there is nothing that can be done if your coins are stolen. If you expose your seed on a public computer or a compromised computer then your funds will be stolen. So use your own devices only. And understand that the more devices you use your seed on the greater the likelihood of theft.

2) If you want to access your wallet using different software on a different computer, what's the best method?

You have to use electrum.