Cryptocurrencies grant users complete control over their assets by allowing them sole access to their private keys. Not all wallets use the same mathematical derivation methods to generate addresses and private key pairs. This means that sometimes retrieving these private keys is crucial for accessing funds in different software.
This guide provides step-by-step instructions to obtain your private keys using KadenaKeys, an open-source tool developed by the Koala Wallet team to address the lack of standards in private key generation among wallet apps.
If you're moving to a new device and want to continue using Koala Wallet, stop reading this page and follow the restore instructions here.
Security Precautions
- It's not considered safe to handle unencrypted private keys or recovery phrases on an online device. Practice a "WiFi sandwich": turn WiFi off before entering entering any data. At the end, clear any traces of private data, then turn WiFi back on. Although the tool is safe, be cautious of potential malware on your device monitoring your actions.
- If you need more help with using this tool, don't ever send screenshots containing your Recovery Phrase or keys. Never share them with anyone, not even official support agents. Anyone in possession of your Recovery Phrase or private keys would be able to transfer all funds from the account without your permission.
Using KadenaKeys
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Open the page kadenakeys.io on any device
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Turn the device offline. Unplug the network cable, turn wifi and mobile data off, or put it in "airplane mode".
- Choose the original wallet you used to create the Recovery Phrase from the options on the KadenaKeys page.
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Enter the 12 or 24 words of the Recovery Phrase, depending on the wallet's required length (e.g., Koala Wallet only accepts 24-word phrases).
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Click "Derive Accounts" to calculate the accounts and private keys based on the selected wallet's derivation options.
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Copy the desired address or private key by clicking on it and then pasting it securely wherever needed.
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After finishing, click on any address to overwrite your device's clipboard and close the browser page.
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Finally, it's safe to turn the internet back on.
Tips
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Address and private key generation is deterministic, meaning the same phrase and wallet choice will consistently produce the same crypto addresses and keys in the same order. Your desired address will be the very first one of the list in most cases.
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If your address is not at the top of the list, most likely you selected the wrong wallet app or entered the Recovery Phrase of a different account on the top of the page. Please double check them.
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You would only need to look through multiple of addresses on the list if you created multiple accounts using the same Recovery Phrase in the wallet app.
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It is not recommended to back up individual private keys. The Recovery Phrase written on a piece of paper or durable material is safer, more robust and more resistant to errors.
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For those with technical expertise, it is highly recommended you compile and host the tool locally for added security. The source code and instructions for compiling and hosting can be found on GitHub.