How to Import Your MetaMask Wallet into a Keystone Hardware Wallet

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MetaMask is a popular software wallet, but pairing it with a hardware wallet like Keystone significantly boosts your security. This guide walks you through the process of importing an existing MetaMask wallet into your Keystone device, allowing you to manage your assets via MetaMask's interface while your private keys remain securely stored offline on the hardware wallet.

For the highest level of security, we strongly recommend creating a brand-new wallet directly on your Keystone device and transferring your assets to it. However, if you wish to continue using your existing MetaMask account with enhanced security, this import process is for you.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

Step-by-Step Import Guide

Follow these instructions carefully to successfully link your accounts.

Step 1: Locate Your MetaMask Recovery Phrase

First, you need to retrieve the secret recovery phrase (seed phrase) from the MetaMask account you want to import.

  1. Open the MetaMask extension and click the account icon in the top-right corner.
  2. Go to Settings > Security & Privacy.
  3. Click Reveal secret recovery phrase.
  4. Enter your password to view the phrase. Write it down accurately on a durable medium, like a metal backup tablet, and store it somewhere safe.

Step 2: Import the Phrase into Keystone

Next, you will enter this recovery phrase into your Keystone device to import the wallet.

  1. Turn on your Keystone device and enter your password.
  2. Navigate to Menu > Settings > Create/Import Wallet.
  3. Select Import Wallet and then choose Import a Wallet with Single Backup.
  4. Select the correct phrase length for your wallet (e.g., 12 words) and tap Next.
  5. Carefully enter your recovery phrase word by word.
  6. Confirm the import and then add any desired cryptocurrencies to your asset list.

Step 3: Connect Keystone to a Fresh MetaMask

This is a critical step. To avoid conflicts, you must set up a clean MetaMask extension.

  1. Uninstall your current MetaMask browser extension.
  2. Reinstall MetaMask from the official source.
  3. During the new setup, create a new secret recovery phrase. This generates a new, empty account that you can ignore. Your imported assets will be accessed through your Keystone.
  4. In the new MetaMask interface, click the account icon and select Connect Hardware Wallet.
  5. Choose QR-based as the connection method.

Step 4: Complete the QR Code Pairing

With the software ready, you now link it to your hardware wallet.

  1. On your Keystone device, from the homepage, tap the (•••) button in the corner and select Connect Software Wallet.
  2. A QR code will appear on the Keystone screen.
  3. Use your computer's camera to scan this QR code through the MetaMask interface.
  4. MetaMask will display the accounts found on your Keystone device. Select the one you imported (e.g., Account 1) and click Unlock.

Your Keystone hardware wallet is now successfully bound to MetaMask. You should see an account labeled "Keystone 1" in MetaMask, which matches the address on your device. You can now use MetaMask to view your portfolio and initiate transactions, with your Keystone device required to sign and approve every action securely.

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Why Import a Wallet Instead of Creating a New One?

You might choose to import an existing software wallet into a hardware wallet for convenience. It allows you to continue using familiar addresses and avoid immediate gas fees for transferring all your assets. However, it's crucial to understand the security implications.

A hardware wallet is most secure when generating its own private keys offline from the start. If your software wallet's recovery phrase was ever exposed to an internet-connected device, it could be compromised. Importing it into a hardware wallet protects it from future online threats but cannot undo any past potential exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it safe to type my MetaMask seed phrase into my Keystone device?
A: Yes, it is safe. The Keystone device is an air-gapped hardware wallet. It operates entirely offline, and your seed phrase is never exposed to your computer or the internet during the entry process.

Q: What happens to my old MetaMask account after the import?
A: The import process moves the keys to your Keystone, not the assets. Your assets remain on the blockchain at the same address. The old MetaMask software wallet, if still installed, would still have access to those keys, which is a security risk. This is why uninstalling it and starting fresh is a mandatory step in this guide.

Q: Can I use my imported wallet with other software besides MetaMask?
A: Absolutely. Your Keystone hardware wallet is compatible with many Web3 software wallets and dApps that support WalletConnect or QR-based signing. Your imported account can be connected to any supported interface.

Q: Do I need to transfer ETH for gas fees before I start?
A: You will need some cryptocurrency (e.g., ETH for Ethereum transactions) in the account to pay for any future transaction fees (gas). However, no transfer is needed solely for the import process itself, as it does not create an on-chain transaction.

Q: I'm getting an error during the QR code scan. What should I do?
A: First, ensure both devices have the latest firmware and software versions. Check that your camera lens is clean and that the Keystone's QR code is fully visible on your screen. If problems persist, try the process again in a different browser.

Q: Can I import multiple MetaMask accounts into one Keystone?
A: Yes, a single Keystone device can manage multiple imported accounts. You would repeat the import process for each unique recovery phrase.