# Derivation paths

A derivation path like m/84'/0'/0'/0/0 says exactly where a key sits in an HD wallet. Learn how to read one and fix a restore that shows zero balance.

Canonical page: https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/derivation-paths
Topic: Keys and addresses
Published: 2026-10-29
Updated: 2026-10-30


## Reading a path
~~~
m / 84' / 0' / 0' / 0 / 5
~~~

| Part | Meaning |
|---|---|
| m | The master key from the seed |
| 84′ | Purpose: which standard, here native SegWit |
| 0′ | Coin type: 0 = Bitcoin mainnet, 1 = testnets |
| 0′ | Account number |
| 0 | 0 = receiving addresses, 1 = change |
| 5 | Address index: the sixth address |

The ′ (or h) marks [hardened](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/hd-wallets-bip32) derivation.

> Diagram: Following the path m/84′/0′/0′/0/5 through the tree — m;84′ (SegWit);0′ (Bitcoin);0′ (Account 0);0 (Receive),1 (Change);0,1,…,*5,0,1,2,3

## Standard purposes
| Purpose | Address type | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| 44′ | Legacy (1…) | BIP 44 |
| 49′ | Nested SegWit (3…) | BIP 49 |
| 84′ | Native SegWit (bc1q…) | BIP 84 |
| 86′ | Taproot (bc1p…) | BIP 86 |

## Why this matters
If you restore your seed in a different wallet and see a zero balance, the wallet may be looking at the wrong path. Your coins are fine; switch the address type or path.

> Descriptors (output script descriptors) are a newer way to record exactly which keys, paths and script types a wallet uses.


## Restored wallet shows zero?
1. Check you entered the seed and passphrase exactly.
1. Switch the wallet's address type (legacy, nested SegWit, native SegWit, Taproot).
1. Check the account number if you used more than one account.
1. Raise the gap limit if you generated many unused addresses.

Your coins are on the blockchain; the wallet just needs the right path to find them.


## Key takeaways

- A path like m/84′/0′/0′/0/5 locates one key in the HD tree.
- The purpose number indicates the address type.
- Restoring with the wrong path shows an empty wallet, but funds aren't lost.

## Common questions

### What does the apostrophe mean?

Hardened derivation. Some tools write h instead: m/84h/0h/0h.

### Do I need to back up my derivation path?

It helps, especially for unusual setups. Recording your wallet's descriptor is even better.

### What does m/84'/0'/0'/0/0 mean?

The first receiving address of account 0 for native SegWit on Bitcoin mainnet.

### What is a descriptor?

A short text that records exactly which keys, paths and script types a wallet uses, making restores unambiguous.

## Related lessons

- [HD wallets (BIP 32)](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/hd-wallets-bip32)
- [Extended public keys (xpub)](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/extended-public-keys-xpub)
- [Bitcoin address types compared](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/address-types)
- [Seed phrases (BIP 39)](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/seed-phrases-bip39)