Once you have correctly configured your keys in a folder on your cloud storage or hard drive, keep a backup copy. You will need them every time you set up a new phone, tablet, or emulator instance.
For a complete understanding, it's helpful to know the relationship between the two main file types in the amiibo ecosystem:
To work with Amiibo data, most applications (like on Android or AmiiBot on iOS) require two specific files: amiibo key files
Contains the core key used to decrypt the fixed identity data of the character. key_retail.bin
Amiibo data is highly specific to the hardware it populates. You cannot use just any NFC tag. Once you have correctly configured your keys in
The encryption system relies on a fixed set of keys. Generally, you need two specific files:
Together, these two files allow backup software to decrypt an Amiibo dump (usually an .bin file), modify it if necessary (such as leveling up a Smash fighter), and re-encrypt it so an NFC reader or console can recognize it as an official figurine. How Amiibo Data Encryption Works key_retail
Because key files must be downloaded from third-party, unofficial sources, users must exercise caution. Standard Amiibo key files are incredibly small (usually only a few bytes or kilobytes). If a website attempts to make you download an .exe file, a large installer, or requires you to fill out surveys to access key_retail.bin , it is highly likely to be malware. Summary of Key File Components
However, recent trends suggest:
: Users often use these keys with NTAG215 NFC tags to create "backups" or custom Amiibo cards. This allows players to access in-game bonuses—such as rare costumes in or items in The Legend of Zelda —without owning the physical, sometimes rare, figures. Data Backups