A complete, step-by-step 2,600‑word guide showing how to download and use Phantom — the popular Solana-based browser extension wallet for tokens and NFTs — plus security, advanced tips, and an FAQ.
Phantom is a user-friendly crypto wallet built primarily for the Solana blockchain. It runs as a browser extension and mobile app and is designed to store SOL, SPL tokens, NFTs, and interact with decentralized apps (dApps) seamlessly. Phantom focuses on simple UX while offering advanced features like staking, swap, and NFT management.
Install the browser extension, create or import a wallet using a seed phrase, secure it offline, and you’re ready to send/receive SOL, manage NFTs, and connect to dApps.
This section walks you through installing Phantom on Chrome, Brave, Edge, and Firefox.
Always download Phantom from an official source — links to the official pages are listed below. Avoid search results with words like "cracked", "pro", or unfamiliar domains.
Click "Add to Chrome" (or the equivalent button). The browser will confirm permissions; Phantom requests access to read and change data on websites that interact with your wallet (this is necessary for dApp connections).
After installing, Phantom prompts you to create a new wallet (generate a seed phrase) or restore an existing one with a secret recovery phrase. If creating new, write the 12‑word phrase on paper and store it offline.
Phantom lets you set an application password to unlock the extension on your machine. This complements your offline seed phrase and protects access in case others use your computer.
Below are 10 official resources — extension pages, documentation, and community links. Each link is styled and points to verified Phantom destinations.
When you choose "Create a new wallet," Phantom generates a 12‑word secret recovery phrase. Treat this phrase as the single most critical secret for your wallet. Never store it digitally in plain text or share it online.
Choose "Import" and paste your existing 12‑word seed phrase. Phantom will derive the same addresses and tokens from the seed. Make sure you only import into Phantom from a secure machine.
Phantom supports creating multiple accounts (derived addresses) under a single seed phrase. Use multiple accounts to separate activities — e.g., one for NFT collecting and another for DeFi staking.
Phantom automatically detects tokens on Solana once you hold a balance; for some rarer tokens you may need to add the token address manually. NFTs appear in a dedicated gallery where you can preview and list them on marketplaces that support Solana NFTs.
Click "Receive" to copy your public address or show a QR code. Use that address to deposit SOL or SPL tokens from an exchange or another wallet.
Click "Send", enter the recipient address or paste it, specify the amount, and confirm. Phantom shows an estimated fee. Double-check addresses — blockchain transfers are irreversible.
Phantom shows transaction history and confirmations. For speed-sensitive transfers, confirm the network is performing normally (Solana is fast but occasionally experiences congestion).
Most Solana dApps display a "Connect Wallet" button. When you click it, Phantom shows a modal asking you to approve the connection and select which account to expose. Approving only shares your public address — never your seed phrase.
Carefully review dApp permissions: some requests may ask to sign transactions or messages. Only approve requests from trusted platforms and never approve unexpected transactions.
Phantom offers token swaps directly in the extension — compare rates and slippage before approving. Swaps reduce friction for simple trades without moving funds to centralized exchanges.
You can stake SOL within Phantom to earn network rewards. Staking requires selecting a validator and delegating your SOL; unstaking has an unbonding period determined by the network (check current network docs for exact timing).
Phantom’s NFT gallery makes viewing and transferring NFTs straightforward. For listing and sales, connect to Solana marketplaces and approve listing transactions through Phantom.
Never enter your seed phrase into websites, chat messages, or browser prompts outside the official Phantom import flow. Phishing is the most common attack vector.
Phantom supports hardware wallet integration (e.g., Ledger) which stores private keys offline. If you plan to hold large amounts, use a hardware wallet as the gold standard of key security.
Try enabling the extension from the browser’s extensions menu and pinning it for easy access. Restart the browser if needed.
Check Solana network status and the transaction signature on a block explorer such as Solscan or Explorer. If the network is congested, transactions may take longer.
If you lose the seed phrase and still have the extension unlocked, immediately export the phrase to a secure place or move funds to a new wallet with a backup. If you lose both the phrase and access, recovery is impossible.
Advanced users can add custom RPC endpoints for improved privacy, speed, or connecting to private nodes. Only use trusted RPC providers.
Some tokens require adding the token address manually. Phantom’s UI supports custom token tracking via the "Add token" flow.
Use named accounts to separate activity (e.g., "Main", "NFTs", "DeFi") and reduce cross-contamination risk if a dApp interaction is compromised on one account.
Both focus on Solana; Phantom is often praised for UX and extension polish, while Solflare has longstanding staking features and additional custodial/non-custodial choices.
Multi-chain wallets (MetaMask, Trust Wallet) support many networks, but Phantom is optimized for Solana and offers native NFT features that are tightly integrated with Solana marketplaces.