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# Create or import a wallet

WalletChan starts by asking what kind of account you want. The choice affects
where signing happens and which recovery material you must protect.

## Choose an account

* **Private key**: import one EVM private key. WalletChan encrypts it locally.
* **Seed phrase**: generate or import a recovery phrase, preview derived
  addresses, and choose the addresses you want to add.
* **Ledger**: connect a supported Ledger device over Chrome WebHID and choose
  addresses. The keys never leave the Ledger.
* **View-only**: watch any EVM address without importing a signing secret.
* **Bankr**: optionally connect an existing Bankr API account. Bankr signs
  supported requests remotely.

Read [Account types](/accounts/account-types) for a detailed comparison.

## Set up your master password

The master password protects WalletChan's encrypted local data and authorizes
master-only actions. Choose a unique password. WalletChan cannot reset it for
you without the relevant recovery material.

During setup, WalletChan checks that the account-specific details and password
are complete before committing the wallet. If onboarding is interrupted, open
the extension again to resume or recover the setup rather than starting
multiple parallel flows.

## Back up recovery material

Private keys and seed phrases are shown only in deliberate, protected flows.
Generated seed phrases begin concealed. Reveal, record, and verify them away
from cameras or screen sharing. Ledger users must secure the Ledger recovery
phrase using Ledger's own instructions.

WalletChan's [Shield recovery phrase](/privacy/unshield-and-recovery) is
separate from your wallet seed phrase and must be backed up separately if you
use Privacy Shield.

## Add more accounts later

Open the account picker or **Settings → Accounts → Add account**. Additional
accounts use the same account-type-specific setup, but master authorization may
be required for local secrets.

## What happens next?

After setup, WalletChan opens the [Home and portfolio
view](/wallet/home-and-portfolio). You can receive funds immediately, connect
dapps, or add other accounts.