Geth Ethereum Wallet: Complete Guide & Recovery

Knowledge Center for Running and Recovering Geth Wallets

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What is Geth?

Geth (Go Ethereum) is the official command-line interface (CLI) implementation of an Ethereum node written in Go. It allows users to:

• Run a full Ethereum node.
• Mine ETH.
• Interact with smart contracts.
• Manage Ethereum accounts (wallets).

Key Features:

• Decentralized: Connects to the Ethereum blockchain directly.
• Advanced: Primarily used by developers, miners, and power users.
• Secure: Stores wallets as encrypted keystore files (UTC/JSON format).

How Does Geth Work?

Core Components

1. Node Operation: Syncs and validates the Ethereum blockchain.
2. Account Management:
   • Wallets are stored as encrypted .json files in the keystore directory.
   • Each file requires a password to decrypt the private key.
3. JSON-RPC API: Enables programmatic interaction (e.g., via web3.js).

Wallet File Structure

Example keystore file (UTC--2023-10-05T12-34-56.789Z--1a2b3c...):

{
  "address": "1a2b3c...",
  "crypto": {
    "cipher": "aes-128-ctr",
    "ciphertext": "...",
    "kdf": "scrypt",
    "kdfparams": { /* Key derivation parameters */ },
    "mac": "..."
  },
  "version": 3
}

Note: The address field is your public Ethereum address.

Recovering a Geth Wallet

Scenario 1: You Have the Keystore File

1. Locate the JSON File:
   – Linux/macOS: ~/.ethereum/keystore/
   – Windows: %APPDATA%\Ethereum\keystore\
2. Import into Geth:

   geth account import /path/to/keystore.json

   You’ll be prompted for the password.

Scenario 2: Lost Password

1. Brute-Force Recovery:

   Use tools like Hashcat (mode 15700 for Ethereum keystore files):

   Note: Success depends on password complexity.

2. Professional Services:
   Companies specialize in wallet decryption.

Scenario 3: Lost Keystore File

No Backup: Recovery is impossible without the JSON file.

Backup Options:

• Check old hard drives, USBs, or cloud backups (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox).
• Search emails for attachments named UTC--... or keystore.json.

Security Info

• Backup Keystore Files: Store copies offline (e.g., encrypted USB).
• Use Hardware Wallets: Integrate Geth with Ledger/Trezor for added security.
• Avoid Phishing: Never share your keystore file or password.
• Verify Checksums: Confirm downloaded Geth binaries match official releases.

FAQ Section

1. Can I recover a Geth wallet without the password?

No. The keystore file is encrypted, and the password is required to decrypt the private key. Brute-force attacks are the only option if the password is forgotten.

2. Where is my Geth keystore located?

Default Paths:
– Linux/macOS: ~/.ethereum/keystore/
– Windows: C:\Users\<Username>\AppData\Roaming\Ethereum\keystore\

3. Can I use a hardware wallet with Geth?

Yes. Geth supports Ledger and Trezor via the --usb flag:

geth --usb

4. How do I check if my Geth node is synced?

geth attach --exec "eth.syncing"

If the output is false, your node is fully synced.

5. What if my keystore file is corrupted?

Partial Corruption: Use a hex editor to repair known fields (e.g., address, ciphertext).
Full Corruption: Recovery is unlikely without backups.

6. Is Geth the same as MetaMask?

No. Geth is a full node/client for advanced users, while MetaMask is a browser-based wallet for everyday transactions.

Need More Help?

• Recovery Service: https://recoverethpresale.com/contact/
• Official Geth Docs: geth.ethereum.org/docs
• Community Support: Ethereum Stack Exchange