Learn how to install the Phantom Wallet extension, create or import a wallet, connect to dApps, manage accounts, and protect your recovery phrase.
The Phantom Wallet extension is a browser-based cryptocurrency wallet that lets users access their wallet directly from a supported desktop browser. It can be used to manage supported digital assets, connect with decentralized applications (dApps), and approve blockchain transactions.
Phantom currently recommends Google Chrome for the best-supported browser-extension experience. The extension is also available for Chromium-based browsers such as Brave, Microsoft Edge, and Opera, although Phantom notes that these browsers are not officially supported to the same extent as Chrome.
The Phantom Wallet extension adds a wallet interface to your browser toolbar. Once installed, you can open Phantom from the extension icon instead of visiting a separate wallet website.
The extension can be used to:
View wallet balances
Manage supported accounts
Connect to decentralized applications
Approve transactions
Import an existing wallet
Create a new wallet
Connect supported hardware wallets
Manage connected applications
Phantom describes its wallet as self-custodial, meaning users control their wallet credentials and assets rather than Phantom holding them on the user's behalf.
The safest way to install Phantom is to begin from its official download page.
Visit the official Phantom website and select the browser option for your device. Phantom specifically warns users to download the extension from phantom.com/download, because fake browser extensions can be designed to steal wallet funds.
Installation Steps
Visit the official Phantom download page.
Select the Chrome/browser download option.
Continue to the appropriate browser store.
Select Add to Chrome or the equivalent installation button.
Complete the installation.
Look for the Phantom icon in your browser's extension toolbar.
Pin the extension for easier access.
After installation, Phantom can be opened directly from the browser toolbar.
Phantom also supports creating a wallet with a 12-word Secret Recovery Phrase through the browser extension.
During setup:
Open the Phantom extension.
Select Create a New Wallet.
Choose Create a Recovery Phrase Wallet.
Create a secure password.
Carefully write down the Secret Recovery Phrase.
Store the phrase securely and offline.
Confirm that you've saved it.
Complete the remaining wallet setup.
Phantom states that this recovery-phrase creation option is currently available through the browser extension.
A Secret Recovery Phrase is extremely sensitive information that can provide access to a self-custodial wallet.
If you create a recovery-phrase wallet, keep the words offline and in a secure location.
Never share your Secret Recovery Phrase with anyone.
You should not enter it into:
Random websites
Online forms
Search results
Social-media messages
Unofficial wallet applications
Customer-support chats
Phantom states that its support team will never ask for your Secret Recovery Phrase or private key.
Users sometimes have Phantom installed alongside another browser wallet.
Multiple wallet extensions can occasionally compete when a website asks which wallet should connect.
Phantom allows users to configure their preferred wallet through its settings. If wallet conflicts continue, Phantom recommends using separate browser profiles to keep different wallet extensions isolated.
The Phantom browser extension can operate in two interface modes: popup mode and side-panel mode.
In side-panel mode, Phantom remains visible alongside the webpage as you move between browser tabs. This can be convenient when interacting with supported applications.
You can switch between popup and side-panel modes from the extension interface.
Phantom normally updates automatically when a new version becomes available.
If you aren't seeing the latest version, restarting your browser may help. Phantom also provides a manual browser-extension update process for users who need to check for updates immediately.
Keeping the extension and browser updated can help maintain compatibility and security.
Is the Phantom Wallet extension free?
Phantom provides its wallet application and browser extension for download without a purchase requirement. Some blockchain transactions can still involve network fees.
Which browser is best for Phantom?
Phantom currently recommends Google Chrome for the browser extension.
Can I restore my Phantom wallet on another computer?
Yes. Depending on how your wallet was created, you can use your Google or Apple account and PIN, or restore using your Secret Recovery Phrase.
Does Phantom support hardware wallets?
Yes. Phantom supports connecting compatible Ledger hardware wallets on supported networks.
The Phantom Wallet extension provides a convenient way to access a self-custodial cryptocurrency wallet directly from a supported desktop browser. Installation is straightforward, but security is essential.
Start from the official Phantom download page, keep your recovery phrase and private keys private, verify dApp URLs, and carefully review transaction requests before approving them.
For the safest experience, use the official Phantom website and follow its current setup instructions rather than downloading wallet software from third-party sources.