need to make sure my bitcoin is safe

[YangBus]

I just bought some bitcoin...but I used bitaddress on a offline computer I want to make sure that my private key actually works..but how can I do this 100% safe?

I could install bitcoin client in offline computer and then import private key...but wouldn't I need to sync to verify my balance is there?

Please I need some help.

[Naruto.me]

First you should check your PC with anti-virus software to make sure it is clean before install bitcoin Core

Download the bitcoin Core from offical site https://bitcoin.org/en/download

If you need to send the bitcoin from the offline computer(for testing your private key acctually works) You have to connect to the internet first.

Or you can check the balance from Blochain.info https://blockchain.info Just paste your Public key and press Search is ok

[DannyHamilton]

I just bought some bitcoin...but I used bitaddress on a offline computer I want to make sure that my private key actually works..but how can I do this 100% safe?

I could install bitcoin client in offline computer and then import private key...

Yes.

If you import the private key then Bitcoin core should calculate the bitcoin address for you and let you know if the address you used is correct.

You can then use various block explorers to verify that the address has the proper amount of bitcoins associated with it.

but wouldn't I need to sync to verify my balance is there?

You have to look at the blockchain to verify your balance.  You can do this with Bitcoin Core online and synchronized, or you can trust some online block explorers.

[YangBus]

I just bought some bitcoin...but I used bitaddress on a offline computer I want to make sure that my private key actually works..but how can I do this 100% safe?

I could install bitcoin client in offline computer and then import private key...

Yes.

If you import the private key then Bitcoin core should calculate the bitcoin address for you and let you know if the address you used is correct.

You can then use various block explorers to verify that the address has the proper amount of bitcoins associated with it.

but wouldn't I need to sync to verify my balance is there?

You have to look at the blockchain to verify your balance.  You can do this with Bitcoin Core online and synchronized, or you can trust some online block explorers.

Thanks for the reply. So I don't even need to sync for my address to come up? I just import the private key on my offline computer then it will show my address?

I've already got bitcoin in the address so I know theres some in it I just want to make sure I can access it with the private key that bitaddress give me just in case there was a glitch.

[Troonetpt]

I just bought some bitcoin...but I used bitaddress on a offline computer I want to make sure that my private key actually works..but how can I do this 100% safe?

I could install bitcoin client in offline computer and then import private key...but wouldn't I need to sync to verify my balance is there?

Please I need some help.

Just remember your private key.
And import private key in a offline computer, then check it can get the same address.
Don't expose your private key in any online computer.
You don't need to sync you wallet.
You can check you balance by the blockexplorer.

[thriftshopping]

I just bought some bitcoin...but I used bitaddress on a offline computer I want to make sure that my private key actually works..but how can I do this 100% safe?

I could install bitcoin client in offline computer and then import private key...

Yes.

If you import the private key then Bitcoin core should calculate the bitcoin address for you and let you know if the address you used is correct.

You can then use various block explorers to verify that the address has the proper amount of bitcoins associated with it.

but wouldn't I need to sync to verify my balance is there?

You have to look at the blockchain to verify your balance.  You can do this with Bitcoin Core online and synchronized, or you can trust some online block explorers.

Thanks for the reply. So I don't even need to sync for my address to come up? I just import the private key on my offline computer then it will show my address?

I've already got bitcoin in the address so I know theres some in it I just want to make sure I can access it with the private key that bitaddress give me just in case there was a glitch.

Once you have determined that your bitcoin address was calculated properly from your private key, you can use another synched full node to verify the "balance" in your address.

Another way to verify that you actually control the private key to your address is to try to sign a message from an address that you think you have the private key to. You then transfer the signed message to an "online" computer to verify. If you can verify the message then you control the private key

[Endersgamer]

First you should check your PC with anti-virus software to make sure it is clean before install bitcoin Core

Download the bitcoin Core from offical site https://bitcoin.org/en/download

If you need to send the bitcoin from the offline computer(for testing your private key acctually works) You have to connect to the internet first.

Or you can check the balance from Blochain.info https://blockchain.info Just paste your Public key and press Search is ok

is it safe paste public key to blockchain ?

[godlyitems]

for me i use blockchain. and until its okay no problem.
but i hate the fee haha 

[xhomerx10]

First you should check your PC with anti-virus software to make sure it is clean before install bitcoin Core

Download the bitcoin Core from offical site https://bitcoin.org/en/download

If you need to send the bitcoin from the offline computer(for testing your private key acctually works) You have to connect to the internet first.

Or you can check the balance from Blochain.info https://blockchain.info Just paste your Public key and press Search is ok

is it safe paste public key to blockchain ?

 You can paste your public key on your forehead.  The public key wont give anyone access to the coins.

[Simon8x]

for me i use blockchain. and until its okay no problem.
but i hate the fee haha 

Using a paper wallet to store your bitcoin is a lot safer, as it is immune to hacking and malware. The only disadvantage is that it is not as convenient as using a hot wallet.

[godlyitems]

for me i use blockchain. and until its okay no problem.
but i hate the fee haha 

Using a paper wallet to store your bitcoin is a lot safer, as it is immune to hacking and malware. The only disadvantage is that it is not as convenient as using a hot wallet.

can u explain more to me about paper wallet and hot wallet ?
i dont know about that two. i only know blockchain and mini wallet like faucetbox, microwallet etc. 

[princesocapuyo]

Check that you have no viruses or malwares on your computer, just in case.
Using an offline wallet is a wise choice  you have to connect to the net in order to transfer your btc if you need, but you can leave your pc online while there are no transactions.

[Velkro]

I just bought some bitcoin...but I used bitaddress on a offline computer I want to make sure that my private key actually works..but how can I do this 100% safe?

I could install bitcoin client in offline computer and then import private key...but wouldn't I need to sync to verify my balance is there?

Please I need some help.

Generate another pub/priv key like this and import priv key to blockchain.info
You will know if this method of generation was correct

[Rhymer]

bitaddress generation is pretty solid its been tested by hundreds of people and probably used on a daily basis.

your safe have some faith!

[Simon8x]

for me i use blockchain. and until its okay no problem.
but i hate the fee haha 

Using a paper wallet to store your bitcoin is a lot safer, as it is immune to hacking and malware. The only disadvantage is that it is not as convenient as using a hot wallet.

can u explain more to me about paper wallet and hot wallet ?
i dont know about that two. i only know blockchain and mini wallet like faucetbox, microwallet etc. 

You can separate all those wallets into two main types: "cold wallet" and "hot wallet".

Cold wallet is a wallet that is created and kept offline all the time, and paper wallet is a type of cold wallet.
For details: https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Cold_storage

Hot wallet is the opposite of that. Since you need to connect to the network to use your blockchain.info wallet, it is a hot wallet.
For details: https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Hot_wallet

[ranochigo]

Yes, you would need to turn on your internet and download the chain. This is not a dangerous method but it would be relatively time consuming.if you just want to verify your balance and private key is spendable, download mycelium app on a factory ready smartphone and use the cold storage features there. If your private key is correct, the address will show. But, if you are more paranoid, send a small amount of bitcoin to the address and send it back to a address which you control. This ensures that the private key is indeed functioning correctly.

[godlyitems]

for me i use blockchain. and until its okay no problem.
but i hate the fee haha 

Using a paper wallet to store your bitcoin is a lot safer, as it is immune to hacking and malware. The only disadvantage is that it is not as convenient as using a hot wallet.

can u explain more to me about paper wallet and hot wallet ?
i dont know about that two. i only know blockchain and mini wallet like faucetbox, microwallet etc. 

You can separate all those wallets into two main types: "cold wallet" and "hot wallet".

Cold wallet is a wallet that is created and kept offline all the time, and paper wallet is a type of cold wallet.
For details: https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Cold_storage

Hot wallet is the opposite of that. Since you need to connect to the network to use your blockchain.info wallet, it is a hot wallet.
For details: https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Hot_wallet

oh i see, thanks for the explain sir.
for cold wallet if we got bitcoins from faucet or something, so how that cold wallet can update our bitcoins wallet ? bcos it kept offline.

[Welsh]

Yes, you would need to turn on your internet and download the chain. This is not a dangerous method but it would be relatively time consuming.if you just want to verify your balance and private key is spendable, download mycelium app on a factory ready smartphone and use the cold storage features there. If your private key is correct, the address will show. But, if you are more paranoid, send a small amount of bitcoin to the address and send it back to a address which you control. This ensures that the private key is indeed functioning correctly.

You don't need to sync if you are just verifying the private key(s) work. All you have to do is import the private key and go to the receiving tab, this is where it will show your address. Then you can verify the amount of coins in that address by using one of the several available block explorers.

Downloading the blockchain on bitcoin core, is only necessary if you plan on sending Bitcoin from that address. Although, as soon as you turn on the internet you risk compromising the private key.

Downloading the Mycelium app on a factory ready phone could also be a bad choice. If that phone connects to the internet at any point, either through wifi or roaming then your keys could be compromised. Although, I'm not familar with Mycelium as I've never used it.  



To verify your private key works with the associated address, you can simply import it using Bitcoin core on a offline computer/liveCD. You don't need the internet to verify your private key is working. There are also a few other ways, which include using pywallet for example.

I just bought some bitcoin...but I used bitaddress on a offline computer I want to make sure that my private key actually works..but how can I do this 100% safe?

I could install bitcoin client in offline computer and then import private key...but wouldn't I need to sync to verify my balance is there?

Read the bold text in this post.

[Simon8x]

for me i use blockchain. and until its okay no problem.
but i hate the fee haha 

Using a paper wallet to store your bitcoin is a lot safer, as it is immune to hacking and malware. The only disadvantage is that it is not as convenient as using a hot wallet.

can u explain more to me about paper wallet and hot wallet ?
i dont know about that two. i only know blockchain and mini wallet like faucetbox, microwallet etc. 

You can separate all those wallets into two main types: "cold wallet" and "hot wallet".

Cold wallet is a wallet that is created and kept offline all the time, and paper wallet is a type of cold wallet.
For details: https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Cold_storage

Hot wallet is the opposite of that. Since you need to connect to the network to use your blockchain.info wallet, it is a hot wallet.
For details: https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Hot_wallet

oh i see, thanks for the explain sir.
for cold wallet if we got bitcoins from faucet or something, so how that cold wallet can update our bitcoins wallet ? bcos it kept offline.

In fact, you don't need to have your wallet online to receive bitcoin.
When you receive bitcoin on your address, the bitcoin is not really located in your wallet but just the transaction is documented on the blockchain ledger. Your wallet contains private keys, which enable you to spend the bitcoin in those addresses whenever you want.

To check your balance, you can use block explorer like blockchain.info and blockr.io.
To spend your bitcoin, you can import your private key to a hot wallet, or sign a transaction in the offline environment (for example, https://electrum.org/tutorials.html#offline-mpk).

[ranochigo]

Yes, you would need to turn on your internet and download the chain. This is not a dangerous method but it would be relatively time consuming.if you just want to verify your balance and private key is spendable, download mycelium app on a factory ready smartphone and use the cold storage features there. If your private key is correct, the address will show. But, if you are more paranoid, send a small amount of bitcoin to the address and send it back to a address which you control. This ensures that the private key is indeed functioning correctly.

You don't need to sync if you are just verifying the private key(s) work. All you have to do is import the private key and go to the receiving tab, this is where it will show your address. Then you can verify the amount of coins in that address by using one of the several available block explorers.

Downloading the blockchain on bitcoin core, is only necessary if you plan on sending Bitcoin from that address. Although, as soon as you turn on the internet you risk compromising the private key.

Downloading the Mycelium app on a factory ready phone could also be a bad choice. If that phone connects to the internet at any point, either through wifi or roaming then your keys could be compromised. Although, I'm not familar with Mycelium as I've never used it.  



To verify your private key works with the associated address, you can simply import it using Bitcoin core on a offline computer/liveCD. You don't need the internet to verify your private key is working. There are also a few other ways, which include using pywallet for example.

Thanks for the correction, mycelium is open sourced and is already verified to be safe and have no vulnerabilities. Android devices won't be so vulnerable such that you will be hacked once you connect to the internet. The risk is fairly low, I haven't heard of anyone's private key getting compromised by using the cold storage feature.