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Extract the recovery phrase from the Android app Dogecoin Wallet created by langerhans

2023-10-20

Introduction

This guide will describe how to extract the recovery phrase (12 words) from the Android app Dogecoin Wallet.

You can access your coins in other wallets using the recovery phrase.

The instructions below are written for Windows, but of course can also be executed on Linux or macOS. In that case, the steps can differ a little bit.

Writing a guide like this takes time and effort; tips are appreciated.
My crypto addresses can be found here.



Contents



1 Extract the recovery phrase

Without making it too technical, a recovery phrase is essentially a human readable form of your wallet's private keys. In this case, it's a 12-word phrase. With these 12 words, you can access your coins in other software, making you less dependant on the Dogecoin Wallet app. And in case you have any issues, you will be able to troubleshoot it outside the app itself.

Never share your recovery phrase with someone else, you will lose all your coins.


1.1 Backup wallet

  • If you have a spending PIN, make sure to remove it first.
    Click on the menu (the three dots at the right upper corner) → Safety → Change spending PIN.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

    Enter your PIN in 'Old PIN', leave 'PIN' empty. Press 'Remove' to remove the spending PIN. ↳ [Screenshot]

  • Make a back up via menu (the three dots at the right upper corner) → Safety → Back up wallet.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

  • You will be asked to enter a password. Enable 'Show password' to make sure the password is entered correctly.
    Click on 'Back up' to make the back up.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

  • The file explorer will be opened, you can choose a location and the file name. By default, the file name is dogecoin-wallet-backup-date-time, and the file has no file extension. Choose a location and file name, and click on 'Save' to save the back up.
    ↳ [Screenshot]
    ↳ [Screenshot]

1.2 Transfer the backup file to your computer

For the next steps you need to transfer the backup file to your computer.

You can do that in a few ways:

  • Save it on your SD card and plug the SD card into your computer.
  • Use a file explorer and email the file to yourself.
  • Send the file via bluetooth.
  • Use an app to transfer it (via wifi for example).
  • Send it via a messaging app like WhatsApp or Telegram.
  • Etc., etc.

I have created a folder called dogecoin on my C: drive and put the backup file there.
So, in my case, the full path of the backup file location is: C:\dogecoin\dogecoin-wallet-backup-2021-12-09-00-25.
↳ [Screenshot]


1.3 Decrypt the backup file

The next step is to decrypt the backup file, to the contents of it can be accessed.
To decrypt, OpenSSL is needed.
For Windows, a list of OpenSSL binaries can be found here: https://wiki.openssl.org/index.php/Binaries.
I have chosen to use the solution provided by Shining Light Productions - the first in the list.
↳ [Screenshot]

  • Download "Win64 OpenSSL v3.0.0 Light" (EXE) from https://slproweb.com/products/Win32OpenSSL.html.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

    Direct download link: https://slproweb.com/download/Win64OpenSSL_Light-3_0_0.exe.

  • Install the program by running the .exe file.
    I have left the default settings, and just clicked 'next', 'next', 'next' to install.
    In the last installation step, the program asks for a one-time donation. You can deselect the option if you don't want to donate.

  • After installing OpenSSL, the backup file can be decrypted using openssl.exe.
    Open C:\Program Files\OpenSSL-Win64\bin in Windows File Explorer (this is the location where OpenSSL is installed).
    ↳ [Screenshot]

  • Click on the address bar on top, and enter cmd.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

    This will open Command Prompt.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

  • In Command Prompt, you need to enter the command that will decrypt the backup file.
    The syntax is: 

    openssl.exe enc -d -aes-256-cbc -md md5 -a -in <location of dogecoin backup file> -out <location of decrypted file

    Make sure to adjust '<location of dogecoin backup file>' and '<location of decrypted file>' to your own file locations.

    This is the command that I have used:

    openssl.exe enc -d -aes-256-cbc -md md5 -a -in c:\dogecoin\dogecoin-wallet-backup-2021-12-09-00-25 -out c:\dogecoin\dogecoin-wallet-decrypted

    ↳ [Screenshot]

    That command will decrypt the backup file c:\dogecoin\dogecoin-wallet-backup-2021-12-09-00-25, and save it as c:\dogecoin\dogecoin-wallet-decrypted.

    After entering the command, Command Prompt will ask you for the password.
    Enter your password.
    ↳ [Screenshot]
    ↳ [Screenshot]

    After your password is entered, you will see a 'warning', but your file is successfully decrypted and saved in the location you have chosen.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

The next step is to open the decrypted file with a hex editor, to find the 12-word recovery phrase.


1.4 Find the recovery phrase with a hex editor

  • Download a hex editor. I prefer a portable app, as portable app keeps all relevant files in a single folder and do not install files all over Windows.

    I am using Frrhed Portable from Portable Apps.
    Download link: https://portableapps.com/apps/development/frhed_portable.

    Another option is HxD, which also has a portable version.
    HxD website: https://mh-nexus.de/en/hxd/.

  • Install Frrhed Portable, and open the program afterwards.
  • ↳ [Screenshot]

  • Open the decrypted file in Frrhed, via 'File' (menu) → 'Open File...'.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

  • At the top, directly after 'org.dogecoin.production', you will see your 12 words.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

  • Ignore the first letter - the capital 'N'. In my case, my twelve words are:
    embrace tag certain tornado stone wide tumble system onion deliver royal earth
    ↳ [Screenshot]

    Write those words down, or select the words in Frrhed and copy it (right click and copy, or use CTRL+C).

You now have your recovery phrase, and can import it in other wallets to access your coins.



2 Import the recovery phrase in other apps

This guide will cover 2 methods to recover access to the coins with the recovery phrase.

  • The easy way: using Coinomi, an app that's available on phones and computers.
  • The less easy way: using the BIP39 tool created by Ian Coleman, to extract the private keys of your addresses.

2.1 Coinomi

Coinomi is available for phones (Android and iOS), and for computers (Linux, macOS and Windows).
Download and install the software from https://www.coinomi.com/en/downloads/.


2.1.1 Coinomi on Android

The steps below are for Android, but I would assume they are more or less the same for iOS.

  • Download and install the Coinomi program.
    Download link: https://www.coinomi.com/en/downloads/.

  • Open/start Coinomi. The software will ask if you want to 'create a new wallet' or 'Restore a wallet'.
    Select 'Restore a wallet'.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

  • You will be asked for your recovery phrase. Enter your recovery phrase. Click on the arrow to continue to the next step.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

  • You will be asked to enter a password for your wallet.
    Enter the same password twice, and click on arrow to continue.
    (You can also choose not to have a password by sliding the slider on top to the left to 'least secure'.)
    ↳ [Screenshot]

  • You can now select the coins that you want to add to your wallet.
    Scroll down until you see 'Dogecoin'. Tap once on 'Dogecoin' to select it.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

    Tap on the white gear icon on the right side of Dogecoin, to see the 'Settings for Dogecoin'.
    Then, tap on 'Advanced settings'.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

    In 'Derivation Path (BIP32)', enter: M/0H.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

    Tap on 'OK' to accept the new settings.

    Tap on the + sign at the bottom to continue.

  • You will see the 'Terms of service' screen. Tap on 'Agree' to continue.

  • Coinomi should now show you Dogecoin in the Overview screen. The balance should be as you expected.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

  • You can now send and receive your coins in Coinomi.

2.1.2 Coinomi on Windows

The steps below are for Windows, but I assume they are more or less the same for macOS and Linux.

  • Download and install the Coinomi program.
    Download link: https://www.coinomi.com/en/downloads/.

  • Open/start Coinomi. The software will ask if you want to 'create a new wallet' or 'Restore a wallet'.
    Select 'Restore a wallet'.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

  • You will be asked for your recovery phrase. Enter your recovery phrase. Make sure there are no spaced at the begin (before the first word) or at the end (after the 12th word).
    ↳ [Screenshot]

  • You will be asked to enter a password for your wallet.
    Enter the same password twice, and click on 'OK'.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

  • You can now select the coins that you want to add to your wallet.
    Search for 'DOGE', you'll see 'Dogecoin' appear.
    Check the box in front of 'Dogecoin' to select Dogecoin.
    Click on the gear icon on the right side of Dogecoin, to see 'Advanced settings'.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

    In 'Derivation Path (BIP32)', enter: M/0H.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

    Click on 'Select' to accept the new settings.
    Click on 'Next' to continue.

  • Coinomi should now show you Dogecoin in the Overview screen. The balance should be as you expected.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

  • You can now send and receive your coins in Coinomi.

2.2 BIP tool

The BIP39 tool that can extract the private keys that are tied to a recovery phrase.

Every address has a private key, so make sure to get the private keys of all your addresses with a balance.
To see if an address has a balance, you can check the address on a Dogecoin blockchain explorer like Dogechain.info.

The BIP39 tool is an online tool, but it's wiser to never enter a recovery phrase on a website to prevent any possibility of others getting your recovery phrase. So, we will download the BIP39 tool and use it offline. To add some extra safety, we will disconnect from the internet (airplane mode), and run the tool in incognito/private mode.

The BIP39 tool can be found online on https://iancoleman.io/bip39/ (do not use it online!). You can find descriptions for offline usage at the bottom of the page.

  • Download an offline copy of the tool on https://github.com/iancoleman/bip39/releases/latest/.
    The current version is 0.5.4. Scroll down on the page to see the assets.

    Download the bip39-standalone.html asset (right click → save file / save link as).
    Direct download link: https://github.com/iancoleman/bip39/releases/download/0.5.4/bip39-standalone.html (right click → save file / save link as).

    Save the file where you can find it back easily. I have saved it in the same folder as my Dogecoin wallet backup file (C:\dogecoin\).
    ↳ [Screenshot]

  • After saving the file, you can disconnect from the internet. You can do this easily by enabling airplane mode.
    • Open the Action Center (right bottom corner of your screen - at the end of your taskbar).
      ↳ [Screenshot]

    • Click on the 'Airplane mode' button in your quick actions to enable airplane mode. This will disconnect you from the internet.
      ↳ [Screenshot]

  • As every Windows 10 has the Microsoft Edge browser installed, I will use Microsoft Edge to run the tool. You can of course use your preferred browser.
    Browse to the folder where you have saved the BIP39 tool.
    Right click on the file in Windows Explorer, and select 'Open with' → 'Microsoft Edge'.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

  • Copy the address of the page (right click on the address bar → Copy, or right click → CTRL + C).
    ↳ [Screenshot]

  • Open a new InPrivate window via the menu (upper right corner (the three dots)) → select 'New InPrivate Window'.
    Or click on 'CTRL + Shift + N'.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

    A new InPrivate window will open. Now, paste (CTRL + V) the copied address into the address bar, and click enter.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

    The BIP39 tool will appear on the screen. We now can use the tool to extract the private keys.

  • Enter your 12 words in the 'BIP39 Mnemonic' field.
    Select 'DOGE - Dogecoin' in the 'Coin' field.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

  • Scroll down. In 'Derivation Path', select 'BIP32'.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

  • 'Client' should be 'custom derivation path'.
    As 'BIP32 Derivation Path', enter: m/0'/0.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

  • That's all that you need to set. Your addresses and their private keys are now visible when you scroll down to 'Derived Addresses'.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

  • You can compare the list of addresses of the BIP39 tool with the addresses in the Dogecoin Wallet app to confirm you have the correct addresses.
    You'll see that the addresses match.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

    Click on 'CSV' to see the CSV output. It's much easier to copy the information now. Save this information somewhere safe, and make sure you have backups of it.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

    If needed, you can see more addresses and private keys by pressing on the 'more rows' button at the bottom.

  • If you have ever made a transaction in the Dogecoin Wallet app, there is a possibility that you have 'change addresses'. Let's get that information as well.

    Scroll up to the 'Derivation Path'.
    Change 'BIP32 Derivation Path' from m/0'/0 to m/0'/1.
    ↳ [Screenshot]

    Scroll down again, your change addresses and their private keys will be visible in the CSV box.
    Save this information as well.

  • You can enable your internet connection again by disabling airplane mode throug the Action Center.

If you wish, you can sweep or import your private keys. See below.


2.2.1 Private key redeem

Now you have your private keys, you can redeem them. One way is to sweep the keys, and send the coins to a new address.
To learn how, see this guide: [Guide] How to create and redeem paper wallets!.
Scroll down to until you see '2. Redeeming a paper wallet with Dogechain.info'.

You can also use Coinomi to sweep the private keys.
Another option is to create an account on the Dogechain.info wallet and importing the private keys.

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