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Quick Start Guide

This guide will walk you through setting up SubWallet Extension, creating your first account, and connecting to a decentralized application (dApp).
Before starting, make sure you have installed SubWallet Extension in your browser.

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Your First Steps with SubWallet

1

Launch SubWallet

Click the SubWallet icon in your browser toolbar to open the extension.You’ll see the welcome screen with options to create a new wallet or import an existing one.
2

Choose Setup Method

Select one of the following options:

Create New Wallet

Generate a brand new wallet with a fresh seed phrase

Import Wallet

Restore from seed phrase, JSON file, or private key
For this guide, we’ll create a new wallet.
3

Create Master Password

Set a strong master password to encrypt your wallet data.
This password encrypts your wallet locally. Choose a strong password and store it securely. You’ll need it every time you open SubWallet.
Password Requirements:
  • At least 8 characters
  • Mix of letters, numbers, and symbols recommended
  • Don’t reuse passwords from other services
4

Backup Your Seed Phrase

SubWallet will generate a 12 or 24-word seed phrase.
CRITICAL: Write down your seed phrase and store it securely offline.
  • Never share your seed phrase with anyone
  • Don’t store it digitally (screenshots, cloud storage, etc.)
  • Anyone with your seed phrase can access your funds
  • SubWallet cannot recover your seed phrase if lost
How to Store Your Seed Phrase:
  1. Write it down on paper
  2. Verify you’ve written it correctly
  3. Store it in a secure location (safe, safety deposit box)
  4. Consider making multiple copies stored separately
  5. Never take a photo or screenshot
5

Verify Seed Phrase

SubWallet will ask you to verify your seed phrase by selecting words in the correct order.This ensures you’ve correctly backed up your seed phrase.
If you make a mistake, you can go back and review your seed phrase again.
6

Wallet Created Successfully

Congratulations! Your SubWallet is now set up.You’ll see your first account automatically created with a default name like “Account 1”.

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Understanding Your Wallet Interface

After setup, you’ll see the main SubWallet interface:

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Main Sections

Tokens

View and manage your token balances across all supported chains

NFTs

Browse your NFT collection from supported networks

Staking

Participate in staking and view earning opportunities

History

Track all your transactions and transfers

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Top Bar Features

  • Network Selector - Switch between different blockchain networks
  • Account Switcher - Change between your accounts
  • Settings - Access wallet settings and configurations
  • Side Panel Toggle - Open expanded portfolio view

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Creating Additional Accounts

You can create multiple accounts from the same seed phrase:
1

Open Account Menu

Click on your account name or the account icon at the top of the extension
2

Create New Account

Select Create New Account or click the + button
3

Choose Account Type

Select the account type based on your needs:
  • Polkadot/Substrate Account - For Polkadot, Kusama, and parachains
  • Ethereum Account - For Ethereum and EVM-compatible chains
  • All Networks - Universal account (recommended for beginners)
4

Name Your Account

Give your account a meaningful name (e.g., “Trading”, “Staking”, “DeFi”)
Using descriptive names helps organize accounts when managing multiple wallets.

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Importing Existing Accounts

If you have existing wallets from other services:

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Import from Seed Phrase

1

Access Import Function

Click the account menu → Import Account → Import from seed phrase
2

Enter Seed Phrase

Type or paste your 12 or 24-word seed phrase
Ensure you’re in a private location when entering your seed phrase.
3

Select Derivation Path

Choose the derivation path that matches your original walletCommon options:
  • Polkadot/Substrate standard
  • Ethereum standard (BIP44)
  • Custom path

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Import from JSON File

1

Select Import Method

Import Account → Import from JSON file
2

Upload JSON File

Select your exported JSON keystore file from polkadot-js or other compatible wallets
3

Enter Password

Provide the password that was used to encrypt the JSON file

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Import from Trust Wallet

SubWallet supports importing accounts from Trust Wallet (added in version 1.3.71).
1

Export from Trust Wallet

In Trust Wallet, export your seed phrase or private key
2

Import to SubWallet

Use the Import from seed phrase or Import from private key option in SubWallet

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Receiving Tokens

To receive tokens in your SubWallet:
1

Select Network

Choose the network on which you want to receive tokens
Always verify you’re on the correct network. Sending tokens to an address on the wrong network may result in permanent loss.
2

Copy Your Address

Click the Receive button or your account name to view your addressClick the copy icon to copy your address to clipboard
3

Share Address

Provide this address to the sender or use it on exchanges
SubWallet displays different address formats for different networks. The same account may have different addresses on Polkadot vs. Ethereum chains.
4

Verify Receipt

Once tokens are sent, they’ll appear in your wallet after network confirmationCheck the Tokens tab to view your balance

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Sending Your First Transaction

Ready to send tokens? Here’s how:
1

Select Token

In the Tokens tab, find the token you want to sendClick on the token to view details and options
2

Click Send

Click the Send button to initiate a transfer
3

Enter Recipient Details

  • Destination Address - Enter or paste the recipient’s address
  • Amount - Specify how much to send
  • Network - Verify you’re on the correct network
Always double-check the recipient address. Blockchain transactions cannot be reversed.
4

Review Transaction Fee

SubWallet will display the estimated network fee (gas fee)For Ethereum and EVM chains, you can adjust:
  • Gas limit - Maximum gas units to use
  • Gas price - How much to pay per gas unit
Higher gas prices result in faster transaction confirmation but cost more.
5

Confirm and Send

Review all details carefully:
  • Recipient address
  • Amount to send
  • Network fee
  • Total cost
Click Confirm to sign and broadcast the transaction
6

Track Transaction

After sending, you can track your transaction:
  • View status in the History tab
  • Click the transaction for details
  • View on block explorer for real-time updates
Transaction confirmation time varies by network. Polkadot typically confirms in 6-12 seconds, while Ethereum may take 1-5 minutes.

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Connecting to dApps

SubWallet seamlessly integrates with decentralized applications:
1

Visit a dApp

Navigate to any dApp that supports wallet connections (e.g., Polkadot.js Apps, Uniswap, Aave)
2

Connect Wallet

Look for a “Connect Wallet” button on the dAppSelect SubWallet or Polkadot.js from the wallet options
SubWallet is compatible with dApps that support polkadot-js extension and MetaMask.
3

Authorize Connection

SubWallet will prompt you to authorize the connectionReview:
  • Website requesting access
  • Which accounts to connect
  • Permissions being granted
Click Connect to approve
4

Interact with dApp

Once connected, you can:
  • View your balance on the dApp
  • Sign transactions
  • Interact with smart contracts
SubWallet will prompt you to approve each transaction. Always review transaction details before confirming.

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Managing dApp Connections

To view and manage your dApp connections:
  1. Open SubWallet settings
  2. Navigate to Manage Website Access
  3. View all connected websites
  4. Disconnect or modify permissions as needed

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Enabling Tokens and Networks

SubWallet supports hundreds of tokens and networks, but not all are enabled by default:
1

Access Token Management

Click the settings icon → Manage Tokens
2

Search for Token

Use the search bar to find specific tokens or browse by network
3

Enable Token

Toggle the switch to enable or disable tokens
SubWallet can automatically detect and enable tokens when you receive them on EVM chains (improved in version 1.3.65).
4

Add Custom Token

For tokens not in the default list:
  1. Click Add Custom Token
  2. Enter token contract address
  3. SubWallet will auto-fill token details
  4. Verify and save

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Staking and Earning

Participate in staking to earn rewards:
1

Navigate to Staking

Click the Staking tab in SubWallet
2

Choose Staking Option

Browse available staking opportunities:
  • Direct Staking - Stake directly with validators
  • Liquid Staking - Receive liquid staking tokens
  • Collator Staking - Support parachain collators
View APY rates for each option
3

Select Validator

Choose a validator or collator to stake with
Research validators before staking. Consider factors like commission rate, performance, and reputation.
4

Enter Stake Amount

Specify how much you want to stake
Most networks have minimum staking amounts and lock-up periods. SubWallet will display these requirements.
5

Confirm Staking

Review the staking details and confirm the transactionYour staked balance will appear in the Staking tab

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Using Advanced Features

SubWallet offers advanced features for power users:

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Multisig Accounts (Phase 1)

Create and manage multisig accounts requiring multiple signatures:
  • Enhanced security for large holdings
  • Team treasury management
  • Requires multiple approvals for transactions
Multisig account support was added in version 1.3.74.

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Proxy Accounts

Delegate account permissions without sharing private keys:
  • Set up proxy accounts for specific actions
  • Maintain security while delegating functions
  • Supported on Polkadot and Kusama networks

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OpenGov Participation

Participate in on-chain governance:
  • View active proposals
  • Vote on referenda
  • Track voting history
OpenGov integration (Phase 1) was added in version 1.3.70.

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Cross-Chain Transfers

Transfer assets between different blockchains:
  1. Select the token to transfer
  2. Choose source and destination chains
  3. SubWallet will automatically find available bridges
  4. Review fees and confirm transfer

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Security Best Practices

Essential Security Tips:
  • Never share your seed phrase or private keys
  • Always verify transaction details before confirming
  • Double-check recipient addresses
  • Be cautious of phishing websites
  • Keep your browser and SubWallet updated
  • Use a strong master password
  • Disconnect from dApps when not in use
  • Verify the dApp URL before connecting

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

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Transaction Stuck or Pending

  • Check network status and congestion
  • For EVM chains, try increasing gas price
  • Wait for network confirmation (can take several minutes)

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Can’t See My Tokens

  • Ensure the token is enabled in Manage Tokens
  • Verify you’re on the correct network
  • Check if the transaction has confirmed on-chain
  • For custom tokens, verify the contract address

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dApp Not Connecting

  • Refresh the dApp page
  • Check if SubWallet is authorized for the website
  • Try disconnecting and reconnecting
  • Ensure you’re on the correct network for the dApp

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Forgot Master Password

If you forget your master password, you’ll need to uninstall and reinstall SubWallet, then restore from your seed phrase. This is why backing up your seed phrase is critical.

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Next Steps

Now that you’re familiar with SubWallet basics, explore more features:

Explore Staking

Start earning rewards through staking

Manage NFTs

Import and view your NFT collection

Cross-Chain Swaps

Exchange tokens across different chains

Join Governance

Participate in on-chain decision making

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Get Help

Need assistance?
SubWallet is actively developed with regular updates. Keep your extension updated to access the latest features and security improvements.

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