LocalBitcoins Desktop App: Continuing Trust, Ensuring Access
Since 2012, LocalBitcoins has stood as one of the most recognized names in the global peer-to-peer Bitcoin community. Founded in Helsinki, Finland, the platform empowered millions of users across 190+ countries to buy and sell Bitcoin directly with one another — safely, privately, and securely.
For over a decade, LocalBitcoins was built on three core values:
- Accessibility – Enabling anyone, anywhere, to participate in the Bitcoin economy.
- Trust – Protecting users through reputation systems and escrow-secured transactions.
- Freedom – Allowing people to exchange value directly, without unnecessary intermediaries.
These principles established LocalBitcoins as a pioneer — a bridge between the traditional financial world and the decentralized future envisioned by Bitcoin's early community.
The Challenge: Post-Closure Withdrawal Difficulties
Following LocalBitcoins' decision to cease trading operations in 2023, users were encouraged to withdraw their remaining Bitcoin holdings within a specified grace period. While most users successfully withdrew, some experienced technical, account-related, or access-based issues that prevented them from retrieving their funds in time.
Common challenges included:
- Inactive or locked accounts due to verification or KYC issues.
- "Pending" withdrawal requests that were never completed.
- Lost access to two-factor authentication or registered emails.
- Accidental deposits to old wallet addresses after trading had ceased.
Recognizing the importance of user trust and the principle that your Bitcoin should always remain yours, LocalBitcoins now proposes a Withdrawal-Only Desktop Application — a dedicated tool to resolve these legacy withdrawal issues safely, transparently, and seamlessly.
The Solution: LocalBitcoins Desktop App
Purpose
The app is solely dedicated to withdrawals — no deposits, no trades, no new listings. Its only mission is to facilitate users' final access to their Bitcoin.
Key Features
User Journey
Download & Install
Get the app for your platform
Authenticate Account
Login or recover access
View Balances
See your remaining BTC
Enter Bitcoin Address
Provide your wallet
Withdraw Funds
Complete the transfer
Security & Transparency
End-to-End Encryption
All data is encrypted during transmission and storage
Open-Source Verification
Code is auditable and transparent
Zero Custody Policy
We never hold your Bitcoin
Audited Workflow Trail
Every action is logged and verifiable
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the purpose of the LocalBitcoins App?
The app's only function is to allow users to withdraw any remaining Bitcoin held on their old LocalBitcoins accounts. It does not support trading, deposits, or new registrations.
2. Who can use the app?
Any user who had a verified LocalBitcoins account with an unclaimed Bitcoin balance or a pending withdrawal at the time of closure.
3. Is the app safe?
Yes. It uses the same encryption, verification, and blockchain-based transparency as the original LocalBitcoins system.
4. What information do I need to log in?
You'll need your old LocalBitcoins username and password. If you've lost access, you can verify your identity via built-in support.
5. Can I deposit or trade Bitcoin using this app?
No. This is a withdrawal-only tool.
6. How long will withdrawals be available?
Withdrawals remain open for a defined period after the app's release, ensuring everyone has ample time to access funds.
7. Are there withdrawal fees?
Only standard Bitcoin network fees apply. No LocalBitcoins service fees are added.
8. How can I verify my withdrawal?
Every transaction generates a Bitcoin TXID that can be checked on any blockchain explorer.
9. I'm still having issues — what should I do?
Contact support through the app's Help section or directly from the download page here.