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SubWallet Extension provides multiple methods to import existing accounts. Choose the method that matches how your account was originally created.

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Import from Seed Phrase

If you have a 12, 15, 18, 21, or 24-word seed phrase (also called recovery phrase or mnemonic), follow these steps:
1

Navigate to the import screen

Go to Accounts > Import Account > Import from Seed Phrase in the extension.
2

Select the phrase length

Choose the number of words in your seed phrase (12, 15, or 24 words). The default is 12 words.
If you paste your seed phrase, SubWallet will automatically detect the word count and adjust the selection.
3

Enter your seed phrase

Type each word of your seed phrase in order. You can:
  • Type each word manually in the numbered input fields
  • Paste the entire seed phrase at once (it will auto-fill all fields)
  • Toggle the Show seed phrase / Hide seed phrase button to hide or reveal the words as you type
Each word must be a valid BIP39 word. The input will show an error if you enter an invalid word.
4

Handle compatibility warnings (if applicable)

If you’re importing a seed phrase from Trust Wallet or another wallet, SubWallet may display a compatibility warning:
  • Trust Wallet seed phrases: These are compatible but may have limitations with certain chains
  • Unified vs. Standard: SubWallet will detect if your seed phrase is unified or chain-specific
Review the warning and click Import to continue or Go Back to cancel.
5

Name your account

Enter a name for your imported account to help you identify it within SubWallet.
6

Complete the import

Wait for SubWallet to derive your account addresses across all supported chains. Your account is now ready to use.

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Import from Private Key

For accounts created with a private key (common for Ethereum/EVM wallets):
1

Access the import menu

Navigate to Accounts > Import Account > Import from Private Key.
2

Enter your private key

Paste or type your private key in the input field. Private keys typically start with 0x for EVM accounts.
Never share your private key. Anyone with your private key has complete control over the associated account.
3

Name and import

Provide a name for the account and click Import Account to complete the process.

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Import from JSON File

To restore an account from a JSON backup file (common for Polkadot/Substrate wallets):
1

Open the JSON import screen

Go to Accounts > Import Account > Restore from JSON.
2

Upload your JSON file

Click Select file and choose the JSON file containing your account backup.
3

Enter the file password

If the JSON file is encrypted (which is standard), enter the password that was used when creating the backup.
4

Complete the import

Click Import to restore your account. The account will be available immediately.

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Import by QR Code

For accounts from hardware wallets or watch-only accounts:
1

Connect QR signer

Navigate to Accounts > Connect a QR Signer and select your device type:
  • Polkadot Vault
  • Keystone
2

Scan the QR code

Use your device to display the account QR code, then click Scan QR in SubWallet to capture it with your camera.
3

Confirm the import

Review the account details and click Connect to add the account to SubWallet.

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Import Watch-Only Account

To track an account without importing its private keys:
1

Access the attach account feature

Go to Accounts > Attach Account.
2

Enter the address

Paste the public address you want to watch. This can be any valid blockchain address.
3

Add the account

Name the account and click Attach. You can now monitor balances and transactions, but you cannot sign transactions.
Watch-only accounts are useful for monitoring cold wallets, exchange addresses, or other accounts you don’t control.

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Troubleshooting

Ensure:
  • All words are spelled correctly
  • Words are in the correct order
  • You’ve selected the correct phrase length
  • Each word is a valid BIP39 word (SubWallet will auto-suggest valid words)
Different wallet software may derive addresses differently from the same seed phrase. If the imported addresses don’t match your original wallet, the derivation path may be different.
JSON backups are typically downloaded to your default downloads folder. Look for files with .json extension, often named after your account.

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Security Reminders

  • Only import accounts on devices you trust
  • Verify you’re using the official SubWallet Extension
  • Never enter your seed phrase or private key on websites or apps you don’t fully trust
  • Always use a strong master password to encrypt your accounts in SubWallet

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