This key file handles the "locked" portion of the data. It interacts with the static, unchangeable aspects of the NFC chip, such as the unique hardware ID (UID) generated by the manufacturer of the NTAG215 chip. key_retail.bin
TagMo is the most popular Android application used to clone Amiibos onto blank NTAG215 chips. When you first install TagMo, it will display an error stating that the required keys are missing. Users must navigate to the app settings and manually import unfixed-info.bin and locked-secret.bin (or key_retail.bin ). Once imported, the app can freely build, read, and write Amiibo data. AmiBoss / Plutus (iOS)
Once a user has acquired the key files, using them is generally straightforward. Most modern Amiibo management tools follow a standard placement protocol:
: Generally, using "spoofed" Amiibos is considered low-risk for bans on Nintendo consoles. If a write is incorrect, the console typically just rejects the tag as invalid. Authenticity amiibo key files
Together, these files are often referred to as the or master keys. Without them, standard NFC reading software cannot parse the encrypted .bin dumps extracted from physical figurines. Why Collectors and Gamers Use Key Files
: 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
To prevent counterfeiting and data tampering, Nintendo encrypts this data. The data on an Amiibo chip is divided into different sections, some of which are locked behind cryptographic signatures. This key file handles the "locked" portion of the data
The following is for informational and educational purposes regarding data backup. Circumventing DRM may violate the Terms of Service of your Nintendo account.
If your software states your keys are corrupted, you can use a free online MD5 checksum tool to verify your files. Official Amiibo keys have specific, universal hash sequences. If yours don't match, the file was likely corrupted during download.
⚠️ : The specific details of where to download these keys are not provided here. The information above is for educational purposes only. You are responsible for how you obtain and use these files. When you first install TagMo, it will display
: A public web utility used by developers to match decrypted character IDs with visual databases.
: This key handles the write-protection and unique signature elements of the chip, allowing devices to safely write new save data back to the tag.
Amiibo figurines have become highly collectible items since Nintendo launched them in 2014. Beyond their visual appeal on a shelf, these miniatures contain Near Field Communication (NFC) chips that unlock exclusive in-game content, items, and features across various Nintendo consoles.
A (usually a .bin file) is a direct, byte-for-byte digital copy of that NFC chip’s data. When used with a compatible tool or emulator, your device can pretend to be that physical amiibo.