I'm running Bitcoin Core Qt v26 on Ubuntu, and I'm trying to use the importprivkey command to bring in a key from a paper wallet through the console. But I'm hitting a wall with this error: "Only legacy wallets are supported by this command (code -4)."
I've followed the same steps like I did before, probably with an older wallet version. From what I've dug up, it seems like it's now using descriptor wallets which don't work for this, right? So, I'm looking for some guidance on how I can manage this import with v26.
Are you sure this works with v26 since the option to uncheck descriptor wallets during creation in the gui was removed after v25?
Anyways I tried the command and got this error, Error parsing JSON: blank=true
I see that you've posted this as well.
I have replied to your PM, the content follows:
Yes.
The difference with the old command is it specifically derive Native SegWit address (wpkh) based from the given key.
If you want all three address types, replace it with "combo(L privkey)".
Also, the checksum "#z0cazjry" will change so re-calculate it with getdescriptorinfo "combo(L privkey)" command.
Descriptor wallets should add one command to import a private key. It's too complicated now.
As an alternative: I'd use Electrum to sweep the private key:
Follow this guide to import the desired private key using the new importdescriptors command... there are all the detailed instructions...
[HOW-TO] Import privkeys into a Bitcoin Core descriptor wallet
If you still find it complicated, perhaps the easiest way would be to download v23 or lower of bitcoin core where legacy wallets still appear as an option when creating a new wallet.
You can also import an entire HD wallet into bitcoin core, everything is descriptor now.