Import a Key Pair
Prerequisites
- Install the currently supported version of
clio
| The clio tool is bundled with the Wire software. Installing Wire Core will also install the clio tool.
The install process has already set up the wallet for the root user. To interact with clio, ensure you are on the root user. Run sudo su - to switch to the root user.
- Understand public and private key.
- You have already created a key pair or have a private key to import.
Steps
Method 1: Interactive import
Run the import command and enter your private key when prompted:
clio wallet import
Enter your private key at the prompt:
private key:
Example Output:
imported private key for: SYS6MRyAjQq8ud7hVNYcfnVPJqcVpscN5So8BhtHuGYqET5GDW5CV
Method 2: Direct import with --private-key flag
You can also provide the private key directly on the command line:
New format (recommended):
clio wallet import --private-key PVT_K1_2bfGi9rYsXQSXXTvJbDAPhHLQUojjaNLomdm3cEJ1XTzMqUt3V
Example Output:
imported private key for: SYS6MRyAjQq8ud7hVNYcfnVPJqcVpscN5So8BhtHuGYqET5GDW5CV
The import command always outputs the public key in legacy SYS format, regardless of which private key format you use.
Legacy format:
clio wallet import --private-key 5KQwrPbwdL6PhXujxW37FSSQZ1JiwsST4cqQzDeyXtP79zkvFD3
Example Output:
imported private key for: SYS6MRyAjQq8ud7hVNYcfnVPJqcVpscN5So8BhtHuGYqET5GDW5CV
Both legacy format (5J..., 5K...) and new format (PVT_K1_...) private keys are accepted by the import command.
Import to a specific wallet
If you have multiple wallets, specify which wallet to import into:
clio wallet import -n my_wallet --private-key PVT_K1_2bfGi9rYsXQSXXTvJbDAPhHLQUojjaNLomdm3cEJ1XTzMqUt3V
Never share your private keys. Keep them secure and backed up.