questions about listdescriptor and importdescriptor

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bull_2019Senior Member
Posts: 296 · Reputation: 1992
#1Sep 17, 2025, 10:20 PM
Hey everyone, quick question here. If I use listdescriptors and then importdescriptor on a previously exported file on a different installation or machine, will I have access to the same funds and addresses from the original wallets? Basically, are listdescriptors and importdescriptor doing the same job as dumpprivkey and importprivkey did? Appreciate any help!
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ryan_nodeSenior Member
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#2Sep 18, 2025, 12:02 AM
Yes, after a rescan
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lynx21Member
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#3Sep 18, 2025, 06:15 AM
If the exported file contains the private key then when you import it to a new machine, you will get your original wallet and funds. If you only have the public key, you will only be able to view the addresses, not spend the funds.
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silentchainHero Member
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#4Sep 18, 2025, 08:37 AM
If you set "true" to private arguments of listdescriptors command then private keys are also exported, and after importing relevant discriptors you will be able to spend funds. So, achow101 response has covered your question. In modern wallet architecture listdescriptors true and importdescriptors act as replacements for the dumpprivkey and importprivkey commands used in legacy wallets.
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yield_forkFull Member
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#5Sep 19, 2025, 01:08 PM
In this post you will find instructions on how to import an xpriv according to its script type (address): How to import an xpriv to a descriptor wallet in bitcoin core? To import individual WIFI private keys, the concept is the same, i opened this thread: [HOW-TO] Import privkeys into a Bitcoin Core descriptor wallet
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