Ultimate Guide: How to Backup and Install Amiibo .BIN Files For collectors and gamers alike, Amiibo figures are a fantastic way to unlock exclusive content in Nintendo titles. However, carrying around a bulky plastic collection isn't always practical. By using Amiibo backup .bin files, you can preserve your physical collection, prevent wear and tear, and enjoy the convenience of a digital library.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of backing up your Amiibo and installing those files onto emulators or physical NFC tags. 1. What Are Amiibo .BIN Files?
Every Amiibo contains an internal NFC (Near Field Communication) chip. This chip stores a small amount of data, including the Amiibo’s unique ID and any saved game data (like a leveled-up Fighter in Super Smash Bros.).
A .bin file is a digital "dump" or copy of that data. Having these backups allows you to: Use Amiibo on emulators like Cemu or Ryujinx. Write the data to inexpensive NTAG215 NFC tags. Protect your rare figures from physical damage. 2. Tools You’ll Need To work with Amiibo backups, you need a few specific tools:
An Android Phone with NFC: Most modern smartphones have this.
TagMo App: The industry-standard Android app for managing Amiibo data.
NTAG215 Tags: These are the only physical tags compatible with Amiibo.
Locked/Unfixed Info Files: To decrypt Amiibo data, you’ll need two specific system files (locked-secret.bin and unfixed-info.bin). 3. Step-by-Step: How to Backup Your Amiibo
If you own physical figures, you should create your own backups first.
Download TagMo: Install the TagMo APK from a trusted source like GitHub. amiibo backup bin files install
Import Keys: Open TagMo, go to settings, and import your locked-secret.bin and unfixed-info.bin files.
Scan Figure: Place your Amiibo on the back of your phone (near the NFC sensor).
Save: Once recognized, tap "Save to File." This creates a .bin file on your phone's storage. 4. How to Install/Write .BIN Files to NFC Tags
Once you have your .bin files (either from your own backups or other sources), you can "install" them onto a blank NTAG215 chip to create a "flat" Amiibo card.
Load the File: In TagMo, tap "Import File" and select the .bin file you want to use. Prepare the Tag: Tap "Write Tag."
Place the Tag: Hold a blank NTAG215 tag against your phone's NFC sweet spot.
Success: The app will confirm the write is complete. This tag will now behave exactly like the original Amiibo when scanned by your Nintendo Switch or Wii U.
Warning: NTAG215 tags are "write-once." Once you lock an Amiibo file to a tag, it cannot be changed or erased. 5. Using Amiibo .BIN Files on Emulators
If you prefer playing on a PC via emulators like Yuzu or Ryujinx, you don't even need physical tags. Ultimate Guide: How to Backup and Install Amiibo
For Ryujinx: Go to the Actions menu during a game and select Scan Amiibo. Browse to your folder of .bin files and select the one you want.
For Cemu: Go to the NFC tab in the top menu and click Scan Amiibo from file. 6. Staying Safe and Legal
While backing up your own figures is generally considered fair use, downloading .bin files for Amiibo you don't own falls into a legal gray area. Always ensure you are using your backups responsibly and sticking to trusted community software like TagMo or Amiiboss (for iOS) to avoid malware. Summary Checklist
Verify Tag Type: Ensure you are using NTAG215. NTAG213 or 216 will not work.
Keep Keys Secret: Never share your decryption keys publicly.
Organize: Keep your .bin library organized by game title for easy access.
By following this guide, you can digitize your collection and ensure your favorite Nintendo characters are always ready for action, whether you're at home or on the go!
Amiibo backup files, commonly known as .bin files, are raw data dumps from physical Amiibo figures, cards, or plushies. These files are used by collectors to keep their figures sealed or to access in-game items without having to carry physical collections. Key Components for Installation
To use these backup files, you typically need two main things: Method 1: Writing to Blank NFC Tags (The
The .bin Data: The raw character data, usually around 540 bytes.
The Encryption Key: Often called key_retail.bin, this file is required to decrypt and write the Amiibo data properly. Common Installation & Usage Methods Depending on your device, the "install" process varies: How to Use PowerSaves and Amiibo Bin Files
This is the most popular method. You buy blank NTAG215 cards, stickers, or coins and write a .bin file to them. The result acts exactly like a real amiibo.
Hardware You Need:
Software for Android:
Step-by-Step Installation via TagMo (Android):
.bin file: Transfer the backup (e.g., Zelda_TearsOfTheKingdom.bin) to your phone’s Downloads folder..bin file.Result: You now have a custom amiibo card. Tap it on your Switch.
.bin Files?Nintendo has tried. In 2020, they updated the Switch firmware to detect and block "magic" tags (tags with rewritable UIDs). However, the homebrew community responded with "Virtual Amiibo" (emuiibo) which bypasses the check entirely.
Regarding .bin installation:
.bin files; that violates the DMCA and Nintendo’s IP rights.