How do I import a private key?

How to import private keys into Exodus. Whether you want to...

  • Claim forked coins
  • Import a paper wallet
  • Or give your portfolio a makeover

... This guide has you covered!

Only restore wallets from secret recovery phrases and private keys that you trust 100%. For more information, visit: Don't import TRON 12-word phrases or private keys!

Do you need a self-custody wallet to import a private key? You can download Exodus here.

In this article:

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A few notes about importing your private key into Exodus

  • This process does not actually "import" the private key. It sweeps the funds from the private key's address into your Exodus address so that the "imported" funds remain associated with your 12-word phrase. Because of this, there is a network transaction fee.
  • If you have the option to send the funds as a normal transaction, you can do so since it effectively performs the same function, and costs the same network transaction fee.
  • Exodus does not support importing Monero private keys.
  • Exodus supports importing both compressed and uncompressed private keys.
  • For Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash, Exodus also supports importing encrypted (password protected) private keys.
  • You can import the secret key for both XRP (XRP) and Stellar Lumens (XLM) in the same manner as you import a private key.

How do I import a private key into Exodus Desktop?

Our example shows importing a Bitcoin private key, but the process is the same for all assets.

1
First, navigate to the asset you'd like to import into your wallet:

2
Next, click on the three dots in the upper right-hand corner of your wallet and select Move Funds.

3
Type or paste the private key and click Move Funds.

Exodus will then sweep the funds from the private key into your wallet.

For some assets, the option will be Move Funds (WIF). The reason for this difference is that for Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash you can also import encrypted private keys. For Ethereum-based assets there's no WIF format of the private key.

How do I import a Bitcoin private key into Exodus Mobile?

In Exodus Mobile, it is possible to import a Bitcoin private key only.

1
First, navigate to the Bitcoin (BTC) wallet, and tap on the gear icon.

2
Then, tap Add Bitcoin from Private Keys

3
Paste a Bitcoin private key or scan a QR code to sweep the BTC from your private key into Exodus.

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