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How to transition from using the Avalanche® Wallet to Core.

Amanda avatar
Written by Amanda
Updated over 2 months ago

DISCLAIMER: The Avalanche Wallet was phased out March 6th, 2024.

Core Stake brings the ability to validate, delegate, and perform Cross-Chain transfers directly in Core web. This tutorial is available to assist users who wish to transition from the Avalanche Wallet UI to Core web UI.

NOTE: Make sure the private key, keystore file, and/or recovery phrase used to access the Avalanche Wallet are recorded and stored somewhere safely.

Please expand one of the following sections for more information on how to log into Core, based on how the Avalanche Wallet is accessed:

I accessed the Avalanche Wallet with a Ledger

Users can connect their Ledger devices directly to Core web without the need to connect to Core extension first. This connection will use the BIP44 derivation path that is also used in the Avalanche Wallet.

  1. Connect the Ledger to the computer, unlock the Ledger, and open the Avalanche application.

  2. Navigate to https://core.app.

  3. Click Connect Wallet.

  4. Select Ledger.

  5. Choose the Ledger device to pair to Core and click Next.

  6. Core will connect to the Ledger and redirect to the Portfolio.

NOTE: Users can also import Ledger wallets into already existing Core extension wallets. For more information on how to do so, please check out this article.

I accessed the Avalanche Wallet with a recovery phrase

NOTE: Users can also import seed phrases into already existing Core extension wallets. For more information on how to do so, please check out this article.

  1. Download the Core extension on Chrome.

  2. Click on the Core extension icon in the browser to be redirected to the log in screen.

  3. Select the Access Existing Wallet > Manually enter a recovery phrase.

  4. Enter the 24 word Recovery Phrase.

  5. Create a Wallet name and enable Unlock airdrops to participate in future airdrops.

  6. Set the password and optionally check Stay updated to receive product news and airdrop updates.

  7. Accept the Terms and Conditions.

  8. Tap Next.

  9. Select the style of your Core Extension.

  10. Choose an avatar.

  11. All set!

I accessed the Avalanche Wallet with a private key

Users are not able to set up Core extension with a private key at this time. If users already have an existing EVM wallet they can use that recovery phrase to access Core, or create a new wallet.

  1. Download the Core extension on Chrome.

  2. Set up Core extension.

    1. If users have an existing EVM wallet: Access Existing Wallet > Manually enter a recovery phrase and enter the 24 word recovery phrase.

    2. If users do not have another EVM wallet: Click Continue with Google/Apple or Manually create new wallet. This choice depends on whether you want a recovery phrase based wallet or a seedless wallet.

  3. Create a Wallet name and enable Unlock airdrops to participate in future airdrops.

  4. Set the password and optionally check Stay updated to receive product news and airdrop updates.

  5. Accept the Terms and Conditions.

  6. Tap Next.

  7. Select the style of your Core Extension.

  8. Choose an avatar.

  9. After Core extension is set up, click on the account name at the top of the extension.

  10. In My wallets view, click on + at the top right of the screen.

  11. Choose Import a private key.

  12. Enter the EVM private key. Core will load the addresses and their balances.

  13. Click Import. If desired, users can name the newly imported accounts.

When the private key account is imported, it will become the active account in the wallet. Users will want to ensure this account is active when interacting with Core Stake and trying to stake or cross-chain the funds.

I accessed the Avalanche Wallet with a Keystore file / quick access password

NOTE: Users can import their Keystore files directly into an existing Core extension wallet. For more information, please check out this import article.

If users follow the steps below but no longer see their account saved for quick access, they will need to download the Avalanche wallet code and run it locally to be able to retrieve the Keystore file.

  1. Navigate to https://wallet.avax.network/access and log in with the password used for the address saved for quick access.

  2. Click Export Keys to download the Keystore file (.json file).

  3. Download the Core extension on Chrome.

  4. Set up Core extension.

    • If users have an existing EVM wallet: Click Access Existing Wallet and select Manually enter a recovery phrase and enter the 24-word phrase.

    • If users do not have another EVM wallet: Click Continue with Google/Apple or Manually create new wallet. This choice depends on whether you want a recovery phrase based wallet or a seedless wallet.

    • Users DO NOT want to use the recovery phrase associated with the Keystore file's account at this step. It will interfere with the import process.

  5. Create a Wallet name and enable Unlock airdrops to participate in future airdrops.

  6. Set the password and optionally check Stay updated to receive product news and airdrop updates.

  7. Accept the Terms and Conditions.

  8. Tap Next.

  9. Select the style of your Core Extension.

  10. Choose an avatar.

  11. After Core extension is set up, click on the account name at the top of the extension.

  12. In My Wallets view, click on + at the top right of the screen.

  13. Select Import a keystore file.

  14. Drag and drop the Keystore file or click Browse Files. After the file is selected, Core extension will prompt the user to enter their password. Click Continue Upload.

  15. Core will identify the number of recovery phrases or private key wallets associated with the Keystore file.

  16. Click Import Keystone File.


For any additional questions, please view our other knowledge base articles or contact a Product Support team member via the chat button. Examples are for illustrative purposes only.

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