How to use the Phantom wallet?

Phantom Wallet is a non-custodial Solana wallet offering secure access to dApps, token swaps, and NFTs, with full user control over private keys and recovery phrases.

Jul 01, 2025 at 06:01 pm

What is the Phantom Wallet and Why Use It?

The Phantom wallet is a non-custodial cryptocurrency wallet specifically designed for interacting with the Solana blockchain. Unlike custodial wallets, where a third party holds your private keys, Phantom gives users full control over their assets. This ensures that users maintain ownership of their private keys and recovery phrases, which are essential for accessing and securing funds.

One of the main reasons users choose Phantom is its seamless integration with decentralized applications (dApps) on the Solana network. Whether you're trading tokens on Serum, staking SOL, or participating in NFT drops, Phantom provides a secure and user-friendly interface. Its browser extension format makes it easy to install and use across platforms like Chrome, Brave, and Firefox.

Another key feature is its built-in support for token swaps, allowing users to exchange tokens directly within the wallet without needing external services. This enhances both convenience and security by reducing the number of third-party interactions needed to manage your digital assets.

Installing the Phantom Wallet Browser Extension

Before using Phantom, you must first install the browser extension. Here’s how:

• Navigate to the Phantom website (phantom.app) using a supported browser.
• Click on the “Download” button and select the appropriate version for your browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Brave).
• Once redirected to the browser store, click “Add to Chrome” (or the equivalent for your browser).
• Confirm the installation when prompted.

After installation, the Phantom icon will appear in your browser toolbar. You can now open the extension and begin setting up your wallet. Phantom does not require any personal information during setup, reinforcing its commitment to privacy and decentralization.

It's crucial to ensure that you download Phantom from the official website to avoid phishing attempts or malicious clones. Always double-check the URL before proceeding with any downloads or installations.

Creating a New Phantom Wallet

Once the extension is installed, creating a new wallet involves a few critical steps:

• Open the Phantom extension and click “Create a new wallet.”
• Choose a strong password and confirm it. This password encrypts your wallet locally and is never stored by Phantom.
• You will then be shown a 12-word recovery phrase. Write this down carefully and store it in a secure location. This phrase acts as the ultimate backup for your wallet.
• Confirm the recovery phrase by selecting the words in the correct order.

This process generates a unique wallet address tied to your recovery phrase. The wallet address is what you share with others to receive SOL or other SPL tokens. Never share your recovery phrase with anyone, as it grants full access to your funds.

Phantom also allows you to import an existing wallet using a recovery phrase or private key. If you already have a Solana wallet from another service, this feature enables a smooth transition without losing access to your assets.

Sending and Receiving Cryptocurrencies via Phantom

Using Phantom to send and receive crypto is straightforward once your wallet is set up:

• To receive funds, click on the wallet icon and select “Receive.” Your wallet address will be displayed along with a QR code. You can copy the address or scan the QR code to facilitate transfers.
• To send funds, click on “Send,” enter the recipient’s wallet address, and specify the amount of SOL or SPL token you wish to transfer. Make sure to account for transaction fees, which are paid in SOL.

Always verify the recipient’s address before confirming a transaction. Sending funds to an incorrect address may result in irreversible loss of assets. Phantom supports multiple tokens built on the Solana blockchain, including USDC, SRM, and various NFTs.

For added convenience, Phantom displays recent transactions in real-time, giving users full visibility into their transaction history. Each transaction includes details such as the sender, receiver, amount, and gas fee.

Connecting Phantom to dApps and Web3 Services

One of Phantom’s most powerful features is its ability to connect to decentralized applications (dApps) on the Solana ecosystem:

• When visiting a dApp like Serum, Raydium, or Magic Eden, look for a “Connect Wallet” button.
• Select Phantom from the list of available wallets.
• A pop-up will appear asking for permission to connect. Review the request and click “Approve.”

Once connected, the dApp can interact with your wallet, allowing you to perform actions like swapping tokens, staking, or minting NFTs. Phantom never shares your private keys with the dApp—only your public address is visible.

If you want to disconnect from a dApp, simply click on the Phantom icon, go to settings, and select “Connected sites.” From there, you can remove any previously authorized connections to enhance your security.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use Phantom on mobile devices?

Yes, Phantom offers a mobile app for both iOS and Android. The mobile version functions similarly to the browser extension, allowing you to manage your wallet, send and receive tokens, and connect to dApps through a mobile browser.

Q: What should I do if I lose my recovery phrase?

Unfortunately, if you lose your recovery phrase and cannot access your wallet, there is no way to recover your funds. Phantom does not store your recovery phrase, so it is imperative to keep it safe and secure.

Q: How do I switch networks in Phantom?

Phantom primarily operates on the Solana mainnet. However, it also supports testnet and devnet for developers. To switch between networks, open the Phantom extension, click on your profile, and select “Settings.” Under the “Advanced” section, you can toggle between different networks.

Q: Is Phantom compatible with hardware wallets?

Currently, Phantom does not natively support hardware wallets like Ledger or Trezor. However, you can use a separate wallet like Solflare or Sollet that offers hardware wallet integration and then connect it to Phantom-supported dApps indirectly.