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Create Polkadot.js Account

Step-by-step guide to creating and managing accounts using the Polkadot.js extension for secure interaction with Mandala Testnet.

Overview​

The Polkadot.js extension is a browser extension that provides secure account management for Substrate-based blockchains. It generates and stores private keys locally, signs transactions, and integrates seamlessly with web applications.

Installing Polkadot.js Extension​

Browser Support​

The extension is available for:

  • Chrome/Chromium - Recommended for development
  • Firefox - Full feature support

Installation Steps​

Chrome/Edge:

  1. Visit Chrome Web Store

    chrome-web-store.png

  2. Click "Add to Chrome"

    add-to-chrome.png

  3. Confirm by clicking "Add extension"

    add-extension.png

  4. Pin the extension to your toolbar

    pin-extension.png

Firefox:

  1. Visit Firefox Add-ons

    firefox-add-ons.png

  2. Click "Add to Firefox"

    add-to-firefox.png

  3. Confirm installation

    firefox-add-extension.png

  4. Access via Firefox toolbar

    firefox-toolbar-access.png

Setting Up Your First Account​

Creating a New Account​

  1. Click the Polkadot.js extension icon in your browser toolbar

    create-polkadot.js-account.png

  2. Click the "+" button to create a new account

    create-new-account-button.png

  3. Choose "Create new account"

    create-an-account.png

Seed Phrase Generation​

Important: Your seed phrase is your master key. Keep it secure!

  1. Review your 12-word seed phrase

  2. Write it down on paper - never store digitally

  3. Verify the seed phrase by entering it correctly

  4. Click "Next step"

    seed-phrase-generation.png

Security Best Practices:

  • Save seed phrase
  • Store in a secure, fireproof location
  • Consider using multiple copies in different locations

Account Configuration​

Account Details:

  • Account Name - Choose a descriptive name (e.g., "Mandala Development")

  • Password - Secure password for local encryption

  • Network - Select "Allow use on any chain"

    account-configuration.png

Advanced Options:

  • Derivation Path - Leave default unless you need custom derivation
  • Keypair Type - Select "sr25519" (recommended for Substrate)

Confirming Account Creation​

  1. Review account details

  2. Confirm password

  3. Click "Add the account with the generated seed"

    confirming-account-creation.png

    created-polkadot-js-account.png

Your account is now created and ready to use!

Account Address Formats​

Polkadot addresses use different formats for different networks:

Universal Format (Substrate):

5GrwvaEF5zXb26Fz9rcQpDWS57CtERHpNehXCPcNoHGKutQY

Polkadot Format:

15oF4uVJwmo4TdGW7VfQxNLavjCXviqxT9S1MgbjMNHr6Sp5

The extension automatically converts addresses based on the connected network.

Exporting Accounts​

Export Options:

1. Backup JSON File:

  1. Click the account's "..." menu

    menu.png

  2. Select "Export Account"

    exporting-accounts2.png

  3. Enter your password

    exporting-accounts-password.png

  4. Save the JSON file securely

    exporting-accounts-save-json-file.png

    exporting-accounts-save-json-file-upload.png

Importing Existing Accounts​

From Seed Phrase​

  1. Click "+" in extension

    import-plus-extension.png

  2. Select "Import account from pre-existing seed"

    import-account-seed-phrase.png

  3. Enter your 12/24-word seed phrase

    import-account-next.png

  4. Configure account settings

  5. Set password and create account

    import-account-password.png

    dev-import-account.png

From JSON Backup​

  1. Click "+" in extension

    click-plus-extension.png

  2. Select "Restore account from backup JSON file"

    restore-from-json.png

  3. Upload your JSON file

    upload-your-json-file.png

  4. Enter the password to unlock the JSON file

    json-file-password.png

    restore-account-done.png

Connecting to Mandala Testnet​

Verifying Network Connection​

  1. Open Polkadot.js Apps: https://polkadot.js.org/apps/?rpc=wss%3A%2F%2Frpc1.paseo.mandalachain.io
  2. Navigate to Accounts tab
  3. Your extension accounts should appear automatically

Account Authorization​

When connecting to a new website:

  1. Extension popup will request permission
  2. Review the website URL carefully
  3. Select accounts to authorize
  4. Click "Yes, allow this application access"

Security Note: Only authorize accounts for trusted websites.

Signing Transactions​

Transaction Flow​

When you interact with dApps or Polkadot.js Apps:

  1. Initiate transaction in the application
  2. Extension popup appears with transaction details
  3. Review transaction carefully
  4. Enter password to authorize
  5. Click "Sign the transaction"

Next Steps​

With your Polkadot.js account configured:

  1. Set up ink! Environment - Begin smart contract development