How to create a new Phantom Wallet? (Getting Started)

Installing the Phantom Extension

1. Navigate to the official Phantom website using a Chromium-based browser such as Chrome, Edge, or Brave.

2. Click the “Download for Browser” button and select your preferred browser from the dropdown menu.
3. Be redirected to the respective browser’s web store page where Phantom is listed as a verified extension.
4. Click “Add to Chrome” (or equivalent) and confirm the installation prompt.
5. Once installed, a purple fox icon appears in the top-right corner of the browser toolbar.

Setting Up a New Wallet

1. Click the Phantom icon to launch the extension interface.

2. Select “Create a new wallet” on the welcome screen.
3. Read and accept the terms and conditions — this step is mandatory before proceeding.
4. Enter and confirm a strong password; this protects access to the wallet interface.
5. Write down the 12-word seed phrase on paper — never digitally store it — and verify the words in correct order when prompted.

Understanding Wallet Security Layers

1. The password serves only as a local unlock mechanism and does not recover the wallet.

2. The seed phrase is the sole cryptographic key that grants full control over all associated addresses and assets.
3. Phantom does not store or transmit the seed phrase — it remains entirely client-side.
4. Any attempt to import the same seed phrase into another compatible wallet will yield identical addresses and balances.
5. Phantom enforces no KYC requirements and does not collect IP addresses or browsing history during setup.

Connecting to Solana dApps

1. Visit a Solana-based decentralized application such as Raydium, Jupiter, or Magic Eden.

2. Click the “Connect Wallet” button usually located in the top-right corner of the dApp interface.
3. Choose Phantom from the wallet selection modal and approve the connection request.
4. Confirm the network — mainnet-beta by default — and review the permissions requested by the dApp.
5. Once connected, the dApp displays your public wallet address and current SOL balance.

Managing Tokens and Network Settings

1. Within the Phantom interface, click the “+ Add Token” button to manually add SPL tokens not shown by default.

2. Paste the token’s contract address or search by name to auto-populate symbol and decimals.
3. Toggle between Solana mainnet-beta, devnet, and testnet using the network switcher in the top-left corner.
4. Export transaction history as a CSV file via the “Activity” tab for personal record-keeping.
5. Adjust display preferences including fiat currency conversion, theme (light/dark), and transaction confirmation warnings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use the same Phantom wallet on mobile?A: Yes — install the Phantom mobile app, choose “Import Wallet”, and enter the 12-word seed phrase exactly as written during desktop setup.

Q: What happens if I forget my Phantom password?A: The password can be reset without losing access — click “Forgot password?” on the unlock screen and re-enter the seed phrase to proceed.

Q: Why does Phantom show zero balance after connecting to a dApp?A: This typically occurs when the dApp is configured for devnet or testnet while the wallet is set to mainnet-beta — ensure both are aligned before interacting.

Q: Is it safe to approve token approval requests from unknown dApps?A: No — granting token approval allows the dApp to withdraw funds up to the approved amount; always audit the contract address and limit approvals using tools like Solscan before confirming.