Import and export Phantom private keys, and the incorrect format error
In Phantom, a Solana private key is under Settings, Manage Accounts, the account, Show Private Key. It is a long base58 string. The incorrect format error almost always means a recovery phrase, a wallet address or a key in another format was pasted instead.
Export a private key from Phantom
- Phone: tap your avatar, then Settings, Manage Accounts, the three dots next to the account, Show Private Key, choose Solana.
- Browser extension: click your avatar, the gear, Manage Accounts, the account, Show Private Key, choose Solana.
Phantom asks for your password first. Wallets made by signing in with Google or Apple have no Show Private Key option; you can only export their recovery phrase.
A private key controls one account. Anyone who has it can empty that account from anywhere, so never paste it into a site, a chat or a form, and never type it while sharing your screen.
The formats a Solana key comes in
The same 64-byte key can be written three ways:
| Format | Looks like | Where you see it |
|---|---|---|
| Base58 | 87 or 88 characters of letters and numbers | Phantom, Solflare, Backpack |
| Byte list | [174,47,154,...], 64 numbers | Solana command line key files (id.json) |
| Hex | 128 characters of 0 to 9 and a to f | Some scripts and tools |
Phantom’s import takes the base58 form.
Why Phantom says incorrect format
The usual causes, in order:
- A recovery phrase in the private key box. Twelve or 24 words go in Import Recovery Phrase, not Import Private Key.
- A wallet address instead of a key. A Solana address is 32 to 44 characters. A private key is about twice as long. If you pasted the address you send money to, that is not a key.
- A byte list from a key file.
[174,47,...]is a valid key, but Phantom wants base58. Convert it, or use a wallet that reads byte lists. - Something extra. A space, a line break, quotes or a name pasted with the key.
- The wrong network. Pick Solana when Phantom asks which network the key is for.
Import a private key into Phantom
On a new install, choose I Already Have a Wallet (extension) or More Options (phone), then Import Private Key, name the account, choose Solana and paste the key. In an existing wallet, open the avatar menu, Add Account, Import Private Key.
Phantom notes that accounts imported from a key do not sync to your other devices, and are not kept if you remove the account. Keep the key backed up.
Moving Phantom wallets somewhere else
You do not need private keys to move accounts that came from your recovery phrase: importing the phrase into another wallet brings all of them, as long as it uses the same derivation path. See Solana derivation paths explained. Keys are for accounts you imported into Phantom as keys.
How Raven does it
Raven’s import takes recovery phrases and private keys. Paste as many keys as you like, one per line, in base58, a byte list or hex, with a name before or after each one. Each line is checked as you go: a line that is a wallet address says so, and every key is shown with what it holds before you add it. Keys are locked in your browser the moment they are added.
Questions
Is it safe to export my private key?
Showing it on your own screen is fine. The danger is where it goes next. Never paste it into a website you reached through a link, a DM or a search ad.
What is the difference between a private key and a recovery phrase?
A key controls one account. A recovery phrase makes many accounts. See seed phrase vs private key.
My imported key shows an empty wallet. Why?
You may have imported the key for a different account, picked the wrong network, or the coins are in an account made from your recovery phrase rather than that key.
Sources
Raven imports keys in any of the three formats, and tells you which line is not a key.
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