This key file is for your newly generated Arweave wallet that you must keep safe and secure. By safe and secure, we mean keeping it protected from loss or misplacement as it’s not possible to regenerate. In simpler terms: once it’s gone, it’s gone! We always recommend storing it in a safe location on multiple (at least 3) devices. We also recommend that you encrypt the file, as anyone who has access to it also has access to your wallet. For more information, check out the encryption tips section at the bottom of this post.

You only have one chance to download the key file, however if for some reason the download couldn’t be completed, you can start the process all over again and a fresh wallet will be generated.

New Users: Protecting Your Wallet

Once you’ve given your wallet a name and set an encryption passphrase, click Continue.

This encryption passphrase is only used for the copy of the key file stored in the Chrome extension, it is in no way related to the JSON file you first downloaded — this downloaded file will remain unencrypted unless you choose to encrypt it! For more information, check out the encryption tips section at the bottom of this post.

New Users: Your Encryption Passphrase

In addition to downloading the key file to your computer/hard drive, a copy of the file will also exist in the web extension. Don’t worry though, your browser storage is secure and there are lots of mechanisms to stop malicious content (like websites and other extensions) from accessing it. However, this doesn’t stop anybody with physical access to your machine, so setting an encryption passphrase adds an additional layer of protection.

Note: using your chosen encryption passphrase is the only way to decrypt your wallet again, meaning that you’ll be prompted for it each time you perform actions such as archiving a web page, or sending AR to another user/wallet. If you forget this passphrase there is no way to reset it, you must re-import the file (as explained in the ‘Existing users: Loading your wallet’ section below).

Your wallet is now loaded, secured, and ready to go! Cue fanfare! 🎉