What is Electrum-LTC?
Electrum-LTC is a community-maintained port of the famous Bitcoin Electrum wallet. It offers the same powerful features—instant startup (SPV), cold storage support, and no blockchain download—optimized for the Litecoin network.
Security Notice
Beware of phishing! Only download from the official site electrum-ltc.org. Versions older than 3.3.3 have critical vulnerabilities and should not be used.
Setup Guide
1 Step 1: Download & Verify
Electrum-LTC is a desktop application available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Download
Visit electrum-ltc.org. Download the executable or portable version for your OS.
Verify Signature
Always verify the GPG signature (signed by Pooler or Loshan) to ensure the software hasn't been compromised by malware.
2 Step 2: Create Wallet & Seed
Launch the installer and follow the wizard.
- Wallet Name: Enter a name (default is `default_wallet`).
- Wallet Type: Select "Standard Wallet" for most users. (Select "Multi-signature" if requiring advanced security).
- Keystore: Choose "Create a new seed".
- Seed Type: Choose "Segwit" to use modern addresses (lower fees) or "Legacy" for older compatibility. Segwit is recommended.
- Backup: Write down the 12-word seed phrase on paper. This is your money.
3 Step 3: Receiving Litecoin
Electrum-LTC uses SPV to verify your transactions without downloading the blockchain.
- Click the Receive tab.
- Expiration: You can set an expiration time for the request, or leave it as "Never".
- Copy the address (Starting with `ltc1` for Segwit or `L` for Legacy) and send funds to it.
4 Step 4: Advanced Features (Cold Storage)
Electrum-LTC allows you to "Freeze" addresses and use cold storage.
- Freeze Address: Right-click an address in the "Addresses" tab and select "Freeze". Funds in this address will not be spent when you send LTC.
- Cold Storage: Install Electrum-LTC on an offline computer. Generate a wallet. Export the "Master Public Key" (xpub) to an online computer to create a "Watch-Only" wallet. You can now view your balance online but only sign transactions offline.
Where to Spend Litecoin
Litecoin is widely accepted on darknet markets due to its speed and low fees.
Conclusion
You have successfully set up Electrum-LTC. It remains the gold standard for desktop Litecoin wallets due to its speed, security features, and hardware wallet compatibility. Remember to keep your seed phrase secure and never share it with anyone.
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