how to import a key

Overview

This how-to guide provides instructions on how to import a private key into the keosd default wallet. You can use the private key to authorize transactions in an Antelope blockchain.

Before you Begin

Make sure you meet the following requirements:

• Create a default wallet using the cleos wallet create command. See the How to Create a Wallet section for instructions.
• Open and unlock the created wallet.
• Familiarize with the cleos wallet import command.
• Install the currently supported version of cleos. [[info | Note]] | cleos is bundled with the Antelope software. Installing Antelope will also install cleos.
• Understand what a public key and private key is.

Command Reference

See the following reference guide for cleos command line usage and related options:

• cleos wallet import command and its parameters

Procedure

The following steps show how to import a private key to an existing keosd default wallet:

1. Run the following command to import a private key into the default wallet. The command prompts to enter a private key:

cleos wallet import

private key:

2. Enter the private key and hit Enter.

***

Example Output The command confirms that the private key is imported correctly by displaying the corresponding public key:

imported private key for: EOS8FBXJUfbANf3xeDWPoJxnip3Ych9HjzLBr1VaXRQFdkVAxwLE7

Summary

By following these instructions, you are able to import a private key to the default wallet.