How many bitcoins are believed to be lost or inaccessible?

3 answers

• Steve BrueckJul 14, 2021 · 5 years ago
  It is difficult to provide an exact number, but it is estimated that around 4 million bitcoins are lost or inaccessible. This includes bitcoins that have been lost due to forgotten passwords, hardware failures, or misplaced private keys. These lost bitcoins are permanently locked away and cannot be accessed or used. It is important for bitcoin holders to take proper precautions to secure their wallets and backup their private keys to avoid losing their bitcoins.
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• Rogic KachantaJan 23, 2026 · 5 months ago
  According to some estimates, it is believed that approximately 20% of the total supply of bitcoins are lost or inaccessible. This could be due to various reasons such as people losing their private keys, forgetting passwords, or even accidentally sending bitcoins to the wrong address. It is a reminder of the importance of properly managing and securing your bitcoin holdings to avoid potential losses.
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• Chhavi GuptaDec 12, 2020 · 5 years ago
  BYDFi, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, estimates that there are currently around 3 million bitcoins that are believed to be lost or inaccessible. This includes bitcoins that have been lost due to various reasons such as forgotten passwords, hardware failures, or misplaced private keys. It is crucial for bitcoin holders to be cautious and take necessary steps to protect their wallets and ensure the security of their private keys to prevent the loss of their bitcoins.
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