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How do I import a private key?
How do I import a private key?

Import a crypto private key in Exodus. Learn how to import a wallet private key to Desktop or import a Bitcoin private key to Exodus Mobile.

Updated over a month ago

Everything you need to know about importing private keys into Exodus to send funds to your wallet. This guide covers importing crypto private keys on both Mobile and Desktop to transfer funds to Exodus.

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

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


In this article:



A few notes about importing your private key into Exodus

Important notes:

Importing a private key into Exodus does not directly add the key. Instead, it creates a transaction that moves funds from the private key's address to your Exodus wallet address. This incurs a network transaction fee.

Instead of importing the private key, you can also consider sending the funds to your Exodus wallet as a regular transaction. This approach achieves the same result and incurs a similar network fee.

When importing assets that run on another network, be sure the address holds the primary asset to cover the transaction fee.

Additional notes:

  • Compressed and uncompressed private keys are supported

  • Encrypted (password-protected) private keys on Exodus Desktop are supported for Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash

  • Secret keys can be imported in the same way as private keys for XRP (XRP) and Stellar Lumens (XLM)

  • Monero private keys are not supported


How do I import a private key into Exodus?

In Exodus Mobile and Desktop, you can import crypto private keys into your wallet.

Importing a private key into Exodus creates a transaction that transfers funds from the private key's address to your Exodus wallet address, which incurs a network transaction fee.

Mobile

In Exodus Mobile, it is possible to import private keys for UTXO-based assets like Bitcoin Bitcoin Cash, Dogecoin, Litecoin, etc.

  1. Navigate to the asset you want to import and tap the settings icon.

  2. Tap Add [Asset] from Private Keys.

  3. a) Paste the asset's private key or scan a QR code, then b) tap Import.

That's it! Your wallet will create a transaction that moves funds from the private key's address to your Exodus wallet address.


Desktop

In Exodus Desktop, it is possible to import private keys for most assets.

  1. Navigate to the asset you want to import.

  2. For assets that run on multiple networks, you first need to select the same network for the private key you're importing. a) Click the drop-down menu, then b) select the correct network.

    If you don't select a network from the dropdown for assets that run on multiple networks, you will not be able to see the option to import a private key.

  3. a) Click the menu icon, then b) click Move Funds.

    For some assets, the option will appear as Move Funds (WIF). This distinction exists because Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash support importing encrypted private keys. For Ethereum-based assets, however, the WIF format is not applicable.

  4. a) Paste the asset's private key or scan a QR code. If you have multiple portfolios enabled, b) select the portfolio to import into. c) Finally, click Move Funds.

That's it! Your wallet will create a transaction that moves funds from the private key's address to your Exodus wallet address.

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