How to Set up a Cardano Wallet

New to Cardano? Whether you want to invest, stake, or explore NFTs, you'll need a wallet first.

A Cardano wallet lets you manage your crypto, connect to decentralized apps, and vote in governance - all securely from one place. Here's how to get started.

Understanding Different Wallet Types

Before choosing a wallet, it's helpful to understand the main types:

Hot vs Cold Wallets:

Hot wallets are connected to the internet (like browser extensions and mobile apps) - convenient for daily use but slightly less secure
Cold wallets are offline storage devices (like hardware wallets) - maximum security for larger amounts but less convenient

Custodial vs Non-Custodial:

Non-custodial - You control your private keys and funds (recommended for true ownership)
Custodial - A company controls your keys (like keeping funds on an exchange)

✅ Tip: Don't worry about choosing the perfect wallet - you can easily import your existing wallet into a different wallet app using your recovery phrase.

Now that you understand wallet types, let's explore your options.

Popular Cardano Wallets to Choose From

Here are some popular free and non-custodial hot wallets.

Browser extensions:

LACE – Built by IOG (creators of Cardano), this browser extension offers the most seamless DApp experience. Best for: Beginners who want official backing and easy DeFi/NFT marketplace access.
Eternl – Advanced Cardano wallet designed for power users with extensive DApp compatibility, multi-account management, and seamless hardware wallet integration. Best for: Advanced users who need maximum DApp compatibility and comprehensive account management.

Mobile Wallets:

VESPR – Mobile-first wallet designed for speed and simplicity. Features instant onboarding, excellent NFT management, and optimized performance. Best for: Mobile users who need fast, responsive wallet interactions.
Begin – Multi-crypto wallet supporting both Bitcoin and Cardano with staking features and Cardano governance capabilities. Best for: Users who want to manage both BTC and ADA in one secure, open-source wallet.

Want to explore more options? Check out the full list of Cardano wallets.

⚠️ Important note: Only download wallets from official websites such as the ones listed above. Fake wallet apps on app stores and phishing sites are common - they will steal your funds. Always verify the URL before downloading.

For Maximum Security: Hardware Wallets

To secure long-term ADA holdings, consider a hardware wallet like Trezor or Keystone. These physical devices keep your keys completely offline, and require PIN confirmation for transactions.

Now that you've chosen the right wallet for your needs, let's walk through the setup process step-by-step.

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up a Cardano Wallet

1. Choose a Wallet

Go to the official website of your chosen wallet and download it for your preferred platform. Cardano wallets come in different formats:

Browser Extensions – Install directly in Chrome, Firefox, or Edge for easy web access
Mobile Apps – Download from App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) for on-the-go use
Desktop Apps – Download standalone software for Windows, Mac, or Linux

2. Install Your Chosen Wallet

Download and install the wallet from the official website. The installation process will vary depending on whether you chose a browser extension, mobile app, or desktop application. Follow the standard installation process for your chosen platform. Once installed, you'll see the wallet app on your phone or computer.

3. Create a New Wallet

Open the extension and click “Create Wallet” (or “New Wallet” depending on the app).

You'll be asked to:

Name your wallet
Set a strong password
Write down your recovery phrase (typically 12, 15, or 24 words)

Store your recovery phrase safely and offline. Think of this as the master key for your wallet. If you lose it, you lose access to your funds.

4. Access Your Wallet

Once setup is complete, you'll be able to:

View your ADA balance
Send and receive ADA
Connect to DApps (like decentralized exchanges (DEXs) or DeFi platforms)
Delegate to a stake pool to earn rewards

Official Guides

Check out the official setup guides to get started securely.

Getting ADA Into Your Wallet

To use your wallet, you'll need to send ADA to it. You can buy ADA on a centralized exchange like Binance, Coinbase, or Kraken, then withdraw to your wallet address.

Your receiving address can be found in the wallet under "Receive".

Stay Safe

Ignore DMs from "support" or anyone asking for your recovery phrase (legitimate support never asks for it)
Always double-check wallet addresses before sending ADA - transactions are permanent
Choose open-source wallets when possible - their code can be audited for security and transparency
Beware of fake giveaway scams promising to double your ADA
For large amounts, send a test transaction first to verify the receive address is correct

You're Ready

Congratulations! You've joined over 4.5 million Cardano users who control their own crypto. With your wallet set up, you can now:

Quick Q&A

Q: Is my ADA safe in a Cardano wallet?
A: Yes, as long as you keep your recovery phrase safe and only use official wallet sites. Non-custodial wallets give you full control of your funds.

Q: Can I have more than one Cardano wallet?
A: Yes! You can create multiple wallets for different purposes (e.g., one for NFTs, one for staking), or even manage several accounts within one app like LACE (multiple accounts from one seed phrase).

Q: How do I recover my wallet if I lose access?
A: You can recover your wallet using your recovery phrase (typically 12, 15, or 24 words). That's why it's crucial to store it securely, because without it, your funds are unrecoverable.

Q: Do I need a Cardano wallet to buy ADA?
A: You don't need a wallet to buy ADA on an exchange, but you do need one if you want full control of your funds, stake ADA, or interact with Cardano DApps and NFTs.

Q: Can I use the same wallet on multiple devices?
A: Yes! Your wallet isn't tied to one device. Use your recovery phrase to restore the same wallet on any phone, computer, or browser. You'll access the same ADA balance and transaction history across all devices.

Q: What's the difference between my wallet password and recovery phrase?
A: Your password just unlocks the wallet app on that specific device - like a screen lock. Your recovery phrase (12-24 words) is the actual key to your crypto and can restore your wallet anywhere.

Q: What happens if I forget my wallet password?
A: No problem! Delete the wallet app and reinstall it, then use your recovery phrase to restore everything. You'll need to create a new password, but all your ADA and settings will return. This is why your recovery phrase is so important.