How to Create, Import, and Use a BCH Wallet: Complete Guide

Bitcoin Cash (BCH) remains one of the most widely used cryptocurrencies for peer-to-peer transactions and everyday payments. As more users adopt digital wallets to manage their assets, understanding how to effectively use a BCH wallet becomes essential. This guide walks you through creating, importing, backing up, and securely using a BCH wallet—whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your knowledge.

We’ll cover step-by-step instructions, address formats, transfer best practices, and frequently asked questions to ensure you maintain full control over your BCH assets.

Creating a BCH Wallet

There are multiple ways to set up a BCH wallet depending on your needs. Below are the most common scenarios:

For New Users Setting Up a Wallet

When downloading a crypto wallet app for the first time, you typically create what’s known as a digital identity—a master account secured by a single set of recovery words (mnemonic phrase). During this setup process, you can select Bitcoin Cash (BCH) along with other blockchains to be included under your identity wallet.

Once created, your BCH wallet is ready to use immediately. All assets managed under this identity are protected by the same backup phrase.

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For Existing Users Adding BCH to Their Identity

If you already have a digital identity but didn’t initially add BCH, you can easily include it:

1. Tap "Me" → "Manage Wallets"
2. Click the "Manage…" button in the top-right corner
3. Select "Add Currency", then check BCH
4. Confirm and enter your wallet password

Your BCH wallet will now appear under your identity, fully synced and functional.

Creating an Additional Standalone BCH Wallet

Need more than one BCH wallet? You can create a separate one outside your main identity:

1. Go to "Me" → "Manage Wallets" → "Add Wallet"
2. Choose BCH → "Create Wallet"
3. Set a custom name, transaction password, and optional hint
4. Tap "Create", securely save your generated recovery phrase
5. Complete the mnemonic verification step

This standalone wallet operates independently and requires its own backup.

Recommended Learning:

• What is a Digital Identity Wallet?
• One-Minute Guide to Understanding Digital Identity

Importing an Existing BCH Wallet

If you already have a BCH wallet with another provider, you can import it using your recovery phrase (mnemonic) or private key.

Steps to Import:

1. Open your wallet app and go to "Me" → "Manage Wallets" → "Add Wallet"
2. Select BCH → "Import Wallet"
3. Enter your 12- or 24-word recovery phrase (space-separated) or private key
4. Set a new password for local access
5. Confirm import

⚠️ Important Tips:

• Use spaces between words when entering a mnemonic.
• Enter private keys without spaces or special characters.
• For security reasons, avoid importing keys from untrusted sources. It's safer to generate new wallets within trusted environments.

Backing Up Your BCH Wallet

Securing your assets starts with proper backup procedures.

Exporting the Recovery Phrase

For Identity-Based BCH Wallets:

Since one recovery phrase controls multiple chains under your identity:

1. Navigate to "Me" → "Manage Wallets"
2. Find the BCH address under the "Identity Wallet" section
3. Tap it → "Manage Identity Wallet" → "Backup Wallet"
4. Enter password → view and securely store the 12-word phrase

For Standalone BCH Wallets:

Each independently created wallet must be backed up separately:

1. Go to "Me" → "Manage Wallets"
2. Locate your BCH address under "Created/Imported"
3. Tap it → "Backup Wallet"
4. Authenticate and save the recovery phrase

🔐 Never share your recovery phrase. It grants full access to your funds.

Exporting the Private Key

Advanced users may need direct access to the private key:

1. From the wallet list, tap your BCH address
2. Go to "Advanced Mode" → "Export Private Key"
3. Enter password to reveal the key

🛑 Warning: Exposing your private key increases theft risk. Only do this in secure environments.

Learn More: What Is a Plain Text Private Key?

Understanding BCH Address Formats

Bitcoin Cash supports multiple address types due to its evolution from Bitcoin (BTC). Knowing the differences prevents transfer errors.

1. Cash Address (Recommended)

• Format: bitcoincash:qqeht8vnwag20yv8dvtcrd4ujx09fwxwsqqqw93w88
• Modern standard promoted by the BCH community
• Supported by most modern wallets including imToken
• The bitcoincash: prefix is optional during transfers

2. Legacy Address

• Begins with 1 or 3 (e.g., 1QHHy8EdWSN72Uw5GivUK95U7RGSQMoX35)
• Inherited from BTC after the hard fork
• Still widely used by exchanges like Binance and Huobi

3. BitPay Address (Deprecated)

• Rarely used and no longer recommended
• Not supported by many current platforms

✅ All three formats refer to the same public key and can be converted using tools like the BCH Address Converter

Sending and Receiving BCH

How to Send BCH

1. Open your BCH wallet
2. Tap on the BCH token balance
3. Click "Send"
4. Enter recipient’s address and amount
5. Review fee and confirm with password

Ensure the recipient supports the address format you're using.

How to Receive BCH

1. Open your BCH wallet
2. Tap on the BCH balance
3. Click "Receive"
4. Share your QR code or copy your wallet address

Match the sender’s address format (Cash or Legacy) for smoother transactions.

Common Transfer Warnings

🚫 Never send BCH to a BTC address, even if they look similar. Doing so may result in permanent loss of funds.

🔁 Each address format within your wallet corresponds to the same private key—don’t send funds between them; it's unnecessary and wastes fees.

Transaction Display & Address Conversion

In many wallets, including imToken, all transaction records display addresses in Cash Address format, regardless of input.

For example:

• Input: 1QHHy8EdWSN72Uw5GivUK95U7RGSQMoX35 (Legacy)
• Displayed as: bitcoincash:qrl4ldj6p27d602z7y806qs2wz4jdxv3eyq9jgv4gm

Use an online converter if manual format translation is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I recover my BCH wallet with just the address?

No. The wallet address alone cannot restore access. You must have the recovery phrase or private key.

Q: Are all BCH address formats safe to use?

Yes, but prefer Cash Address for modern compatibility. Legacy addresses remain valid but are older in design.

Q: What happens if I lose my recovery phrase?

You will permanently lose access to your wallet and any funds inside. Always back up securely—preferably offline.

Q: Can I have multiple BCH wallets in one app?

Yes. You can create both identity-linked and standalone wallets for better organization or privacy.

Q: Why does my transaction show a different address format?

Wallets often normalize display formats to Cash Address for consistency, even if you used Legacy during sending.

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Final Security Reminders

• Always verify recipient addresses carefully before confirming transactions.
• Store recovery phrases offline—never in screenshots, emails, or cloud notes.
• Avoid importing wallets from unknown sources.
• Regularly update your wallet app for security improvements.

Understanding how to manage your BCH wallet empowers you to take full control of your digital assets safely and efficiently.

Disclaimer: This article does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry risks. Always conduct independent research and consult professionals before making decisions.

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