If you're new to the Polkadot ecosystem, getting started with decentralized applications (dApps) begins with one essential step: creating a secure blockchain account. Whether you're a Web3 beginner or an experienced crypto user, Polkadot’s unique account system and tools may feel unfamiliar at first. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to safely create and manage accounts using the Polkadot.js browser extension, understand key concepts like cross-chain address formats, existential deposits, and more—so you can confidently navigate the Polkadot network.
What Can You Do With a Polkadot Account?
A Polkadot-compatible wallet unlocks access to a growing ecosystem of decentralized finance (DeFi), governance, staking, and community-driven projects. Once your account is set up, you can:
- Store DOT, KSM, and other tokens from Polkadot parachains
- Check balances, send and receive assets, and stake tokens for rewards
- Interact with dApps across Polkadot and Kusama networks
- Participate in parachain crowdloans to support new projects
- Claim airdrops from ecosystem initiatives
- Engage in on-chain governance—vote on referenda, propose ideas, or elect council members
- Receive tips or funding from the network treasury
Your account is your identity in this decentralized world—secure it well, and it will serve you across multiple chains seamlessly.
Essential Tools for Managing Polkadot Accounts
Two primary tools dominate wallet management in the Polkadot ecosystem:
- Polkadot.js Browser Extension – A lightweight, open-source wallet that integrates directly into Chrome or Firefox. It's ideal for managing keys, signing transactions, and interacting with dApps.
- Polkadot.js Apps (web interface) – A powerful web portal where you can perform advanced operations like staking, governance, and parachain interactions—all connected securely via your browser extension.
While mobile wallets like Polkawallet exist, the Polkadot.js extension remains the most widely used and developer-recommended tool for desktop users.
👉 Discover how to securely connect your wallet to next-gen blockchain platforms.
Step-by-Step: Creating a New Account With Polkadot.js
Follow these steps to create a secure account using the Polkadot.js browser extension.
Step 1: Install the Extension
Open your desktop browser (preferably Chrome or Firefox) and visit:
👉 Install the official Polkadot.js extension today.
Download and install the extension from the official site: polkadot.js.org/extension. Always verify the URL to avoid phishing sites.
Step 2: Launch the Extension
After installation, click the puzzle icon in your browser toolbar to pin the Polkadot.js icon. Open it and click the "+" button to begin setting up your first account.
You’ll see four options:
- Create new account – Generate a fresh key pair and secure 12-word recovery phrase (recommended for new users)
- Derive from an account – Create a child account using your existing seed phrase (useful for organizing funds)
- Import from pre-existing seed – Migrate accounts from other wallets like Fearless or Polkawallet
- Restore from backup JSON file – Import using an encrypted JSON file and password
Step 3: Create & Secure Your Seed Phrase
Select "Create new account", then carefully write down the 12-word mnemonic phrase. This is your private key—never share it, screenshot it, or store it online.
Check the confirmation box stating you’ve saved it securely, then proceed.
⚠️ Never expose your seed phrase. Anyone with access to it controls your funds.
Step 4: Set Account Name & Password
Choose a recognizable name (e.g., “Main DOT Wallet”) and a strong password. This password encrypts the account locally in your browser—it’s not recoverable if lost.
Click "Add the account with the generated seed".
✅ Congratulations! Your account is now ready for use across all Substrate-based chains.
Understanding Address Formats Across Chains
One of Polkadot’s powerful features is cross-chain compatibility. The same account can generate valid addresses on multiple networks—including Polkadot, Kusama, Astar, Karura, and others—thanks to the SS58 encoding standard.
In your Polkadot.js extension, go to settings > "Show address format as…" and switch between networks. You’ll notice the same account displays different addresses depending on the selected chain.
Why? Because SS58 uses network-specific prefixes:
- Polkadot: Addresses start with
1 - Kusama: Begin with letters like
C,D,F,G,H, orJ - Generic Substrate chains: Start with
5
Despite visual differences, all these addresses derive from the same public-private key pair. This means one seed phrase gives you control over assets across dozens of interconnected blockchains.
What Is Existential Deposit (Account Minimum Balance)?
The existential deposit is the minimum amount of token required to keep an account active on-chain. If your balance falls below this threshold, the account is automatically removed ("reaped") to prevent spam and bloat.
Each chain and token has its own rules:
| Chain | Token | Minimum Balance |
|---|---|---|
| Polkadot Relay Chain | DOT | 1 DOT |
| Kusama Relay Chain | KSM | 0.0000333333 KSM |
| Statemine | DOT | 0.1 DOT |
| Statemine | KSM | 0.000003333 KSM |
| Karura | KAR | 0.1 KAR |
| Karura | kUSD | 0.01 kUSD |
💡 Important: When sending funds, ensure the remaining balance stays above the existential deposit. Otherwise, your leftover tokens will be wiped out when the account is reaped.
Even if your account gets reaped, you can restore it anytime using your seed phrase—but you’ll need to deposit more than the minimum to reactivate it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use my Polkadot.js account on mobile?
A: Yes! Use compatible apps like Talisman or Nova Wallet and import your 12-word recovery phrase securely.
Q: Is it safe to derive multiple accounts from one seed?
A: Yes—this is a standard hierarchical deterministic (HD) wallet feature. Just protect the root seed.
Q: What happens if I lose my password?
A: You can still restore access via your seed phrase, but you must re-import the account.
Q: Can I recover a reaped account?
A: Absolutely. As long as you have your seed phrase, you can restore and refill it above the existential deposit.
Q: Are there gas fees on Polkadot?
A: Yes—transactions require fees paid in the native token of each chain (e.g., DOT on Polkadot, KSM on Kusama).
Q: Should I use the same account for staking and dApps?
A: For security, consider separating hot (daily use) and cold (staking/large holdings) accounts.
Next Steps: Mastering Polkadot Operations
Now that your account is live, dive deeper with these essential activities:
- Staking (Nominated Proof-of-Stake): Earn passive income by bonding DOT or KSM and nominating validators.
- Participate in Crowdloans: Support emerging parachains by contributing tokens in exchange for project rewards.
- Governance Participation: Vote on network upgrades, treasury spending, and protocol changes.
- Explore DeFi on Parachains: Use platforms like Acala or Moonbeam for lending, swapping, and yield farming.
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By mastering these fundamentals, you're well-equipped to explore the full potential of Polkadot’s scalable, interoperable blockchain ecosystem—securely and efficiently.