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Running the Latest Electrum on Tails

Tails uses a read-only system image, which means software can’t be permanently upgraded. However, you can use the most recent Electrum version on Tails by running our AppImage binary. This self-contained executable works on any x86_64 Linux system, including Tails.

Tails 4 (released October 2019) includes a functional Electrum version from its release date. To use the latest Electrum between Tails or Debian updates, follow the instructions below.

For Tails 3 (before October 2019), the pre-installed Electrum version is outdated and incompatible with the current Electrum server network. We recommend upgrading to the newest Tails for improved security and functionality.

These instructions have been verified on both Tails 3 and 4.

AppImage Installation and Setup

Before starting: Record your wallet seed words or private keys and store them securely offline.

Setup steps:

  1. Enable persistent storage: Access Applications/Tails menu and choose “Configure persistent volume”. Activate “Personal data” and “Bitcoin client” options. Reboot if needed, ensuring the persistent volume is unlocked.
  2. Verify network connection: Confirm Tails is online and the onion icon indicates Tor network readiness.
  3. Download AppImage: Use Tor Browser to get the Linux AppImage file from the “Sources and Binaries” section on the download page. Save it to the default “Tor browser” folder. Note: Download may be slow due to Tor network limitations.
  4. Move AppImage: Transfer the AppImage from Home/Tor browser folder to the Persistent folder. Electrum requires this specific location to function properly.
  5. Verify AppImage (recommended): Check the PGP signature of the AppImage using provided instructions before use.
  6. Set execution permissions: In Home/Persistent folder, right-click the AppImage and select Properties. In the Permissions tab, enable “Allow executing file as program”.

Note: Detailed instructions with visual aids are available here, if needed.

Now click the Electrum AppImage icon in your persistent folder. This launches the latest version.

The new AppImage should automatically use any existing Electrum data. Your wallets will remain on the Tails USB drive if persistent storage is enabled.

If you suspect wallet corruption, follow these steps:

  1. Delete all files in the ~/.electrum/wallets directory.
  2. Reinitialize your wallet using your seed phrase.

Important: For Tails version 3 users, avoid using the pre-installed Electrum version accessible from the menus. It’s outdated and insecure.

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