How do I add custom tokens in Phantom?

Adding custom tokens in Phantom Wallet is a straightforward process, especially for users engaging with new or lesser-known SPL tokens on the Solana blockchain. As decentralized finance expands across Solana-based platforms, users often encounter tokens not automatically listed in their wallets. Manually adding these tokens ensures full visibility and control over holdings. Below are detailed steps and essential insights to guide you through the process.

Understanding Custom Tokens in Phantom

1. Phantom Wallet primarily supports SPL tokens, which are built on the Solana blockchain using the SPL Token standard.

2. While many popular tokens like USDC, SRM, or RAY are preloaded, niche or newly launched tokens may require manual addition.
3. To add a token, you must know its exact mint address—a unique identifier for the token on Solana’s network.
4. The mint address can typically be found on the project’s official website, documentation, or trusted community channels like Discord or Telegram.
5. Entering an incorrect mint address may result in phantom balances or loss of funds, so verification is critical before proceeding.

Step-by-Step Guide to Add a Token

1. Open the Phantom Wallet extension or mobile app and ensure you’re logged into your desired wallet.

2. Navigate to the “Tokens” tab located on the main interface.
3. Scroll down and click on “Add Token” or look for the “+” symbol depending on your device.
4. Select “Import Tokens” and choose “SPL Token” as the type.
5. Paste the correct mint address into the provided field and allow the system to fetch token details such as symbol and decimals.
6. Confirm the displayed information matches the official token data before clicking “Add Custom Token.”
7. Once added, the token will appear in your asset list with balance reflecting any holdings in your wallet.

Risks and Security Considerations

1. Only use mint addresses from verified sources—scammers often distribute fake tokens through phishing links.

2. Fake tokens may mimic real projects but have no value or could lead to malicious smart contracts.
3. Granting approval to unknown tokens can expose your wallet to unauthorized transfers if vulnerabilities exist.
4. Always double-check URLs, social media handles, and community announcements before trusting a token’s legitimacy.
5. If a token doesn’t display correctly after import, do not assume it’s broken—verify the mint address again instead of retrying blindly.

Managing Imported Tokens

1. After successful addition, custom tokens behave like native ones—you can view balances and receive transfers.

2. Sending imported tokens works seamlessly as long as the recipient’s wallet recognizes the same mint address.
3. You can hide unwanted tokens from view without removing them entirely, preserving access if needed later.
4. Updating token metadata (like logo or name) isn’t supported directly in Phantom; it relies on blockchain-level registration.
5. Projects can register their tokens officially via Solana’s token list repository to become auto-detected in wallets including Phantom.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find the mint address of a Solana token?Check the project’s official website, whitepaper, or verified social media. Trusted platforms like SolanaExplorer or Solscan also allow searching by token name to reveal the mint address.

Can I remove a custom token from my Phantom Wallet?Yes. Go to the token’s detail page and select “Hide Token.” This removes it from view but doesn’t affect actual holdings. You can re-enable it anytime using the same mint address.

Why doesn’t my imported token show a balance even though I own it?Ensure the token was sent to the correct wallet address linked with Phantom. Also confirm that the associated token account exists—some tokens require initialization before appearing.

Will adding a custom token compromise my private keys?No. Adding a token only updates the frontend display. Phantom does not transmit your keys or seed phrase during this process. The action is purely informational and safe when performed correctly.