> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://doc.lockerprotocol.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://doc.lockerprotocol.com/vault/add-an-account/import-a-private-key.md).

# Import a private key

Import a single key. The format tells the Vault which chain it belongs to.

A private key is one account on one chain (sometimes two). Paste it in and the Vault recognizes the format by itself.

## What you need

* The Vault, unlocked.
* The key, in one of these formats:

| Format         | Looks like                               | Chain(s)                  |
| -------------- | ---------------------------------------- | ------------------------- |
| Hex            | `0x` + 64 characters                     | Ethereum & EVM, also Tron |
| WIF            | starts with `5`, `K` or `L`              | Bitcoin                   |
| Base58 keypair | a long Base58 string (Phantom, Solflare) | Solana                    |
| `suiprivkey…`  | starts with `suiprivkey`                 | Sui                       |
| Secret seed    | starts with `S`, 56 characters           | Stellar                   |

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Choose "Import a private key" and paste the key

Tap **Add** → **Import a private key**. Paste the key in the **Private key** field.

<figure><img src="https://3674012151-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FT2jyfPJ4rcVavAvTU9nL%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-93b90124e6785719d508f8d988a7488ed805c5b3%2F01-key-input.png?alt=media" alt="key input"><figcaption><p>The key field. The format is detected as you type.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Check the detected chain and the address

The Vault shows **Detected** with the chain it recognized, and the **Address to import**. Make sure both match what you expect. Give the account a name.

<figure><img src="https://3674012151-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FT2jyfPJ4rcVavAvTU9nL%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-0a2a5e011571b1daedfff5857f698f425cf75691%2F02-format-detected.png?alt=media" alt="format detected"><figcaption><p>Detected chain and the resulting address.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Read the note about shared keys (if shown)

Some key types are used by several chains. The Vault tells you when that is the case, for example: *this is a raw ed25519 key; Solana, Sui and Stellar all derive their account from the same public key*. Nothing to do, just good to know.

<figure><img src="https://3674012151-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FT2jyfPJ4rcVavAvTU9nL%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-0a2a5e011571b1daedfff5857f698f425cf75691%2F02-format-detected.png?alt=media" alt="correlation warning"><figcaption><p>The note that one key can be the same account on several chains.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Tap Import and enter your master password

Tap **Import**. Enter your master password so the key is encrypted and stored. The Vault says **Key imported**.

<figure><img src="https://3674012151-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FT2jyfPJ4rcVavAvTU9nL%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-ae592966652939cbfa40470a4349a2cb0ab82499%2F04-imported.png?alt=media" alt="imported"><figcaption><p>Imported as a single-network (or private key) account.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**What you see when it worked:** a card with the badge *Imported private key* (hex) or *Single-network key* (all other formats).
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
**No secret phrase.** An account made from a private key has no 12/24 words. The key itself is its only backup. You can reveal it later from **Account → Export private key**, or include it in an [encrypted QR backup](/vault/export-a-qr-backup.md).
{% endhint %}

## Learn more

* [Export a private key](/vault/export-a-private-key.md)
* [Your addresses](/vault/your-addresses.md)


---

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