If you're new to the Polkadot ecosystem, getting started can feel overwhelming. Whether you're a blockchain beginner or an experienced user, Polkadot’s unique account system and tools may require some learning. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to securely create and manage accounts using the Polkadot.js browser extension, understand key concepts like address formats and existential deposits, and confidently interact with decentralized applications across the Polkadot network.
What Can You Do With a Polkadot Account?
Before diving into setup, it’s important to understand why having a Polkadot-compatible account matters. Once you’ve created one, your wallet unlocks access to a wide range of functionalities across the ecosystem:
- Store DOT, KSM, and other tokens from Polkadot-based projects
- Check balances, send transfers, and participate in staking (nomination)
- Interact with decentralized applications (dApps) on various parachains
- Join Crowdloan campaigns during parachain auctions
- Claim airdrops from community-driven initiatives
- Participate in on-chain governance, including voting on referenda and proposing council motions
- Receive treasury tips or funding for contributions
With just one secure account, you can seamlessly engage with multiple chains built on Substrate — the foundational framework for Polkadot.
👉 Discover how to securely manage multi-chain assets with advanced wallet features
Essential Tools for Managing Polkadot Accounts
Two primary tools dominate account management in the Polkadot ecosystem:
- Polkadot.js Browser Extension – A widely trusted, non-custodial wallet that integrates directly with dApps.
- Polkadot.js Apps Portal – A web interface allowing users to interact with chains, manage accounts, stake, vote, and more.
While mobile wallets like Talisman and Fearless exist, the Polkadot.js extension remains the most versatile and developer-recommended option for desktop users.
Step-by-Step: Creating a Polkadot Account
Here’s how to set up your first account using the Polkadot.js browser extension.
Step 1: Install the Extension
Open your desktop browser (preferably Chrome or Firefox) and navigate to:
https://polkadot.js.org/extension/
Download and install the official extension.
Step 2: Access Account Creation Options
After installation, click the puzzle icon in your browser toolbar to open the extension. Click the "+" button to reveal four options:
- Create new account: Generate a fresh account with a unique 12-word recovery phrase (also known as a seed phrase or private key).
- Derive from an account: Create a sub-account derived from an existing one, sharing the same seed but used for organizational purposes.
- Import account from pre-existing seed: Migrate an account from another wallet by entering its recovery phrase.
- Restore from backup JSON file: Import using an encrypted JSON file previously exported from Polkadot.js.
For first-time users, select "Create new account."
Step 3: Secure Your Recovery Phrase
You’ll be shown a randomly generated 12-word mnemonic. This is your private key — treat it like the master key to all your funds and identities.
⚠️ Never share this phrase. Store it offline — never in screenshots, cloud notes, or unencrypted files.
Check the confirmation box stating you’ve saved it securely, then proceed.
Step 4: Set Account Name & Password
Choose a recognizable account name (e.g., “Main DOT Wallet”) and a strong password. This password encrypts the account locally in your browser — it doesn't recover your wallet if lost.
Click "Add the account with the generated seed" to complete setup.
✅ Congratulations! Your account is now ready for use across the entire Polkadot ecosystem.
Understanding Address Formats Across Chains
One of Polkadot’s powerful features is universal key compatibility. The same public-private key pair can generate valid addresses on multiple Substrate-based chains — but they look different.
In the Polkadot.js extension, use the "Show address format as..." dropdown to switch between networks like:
- Polkadot Relay Chain
- Kusama
- Acala (Karura)
- Astar
- Bifrost
You'll notice that your address changes visually when switching chains — yet under the hood, it's derived from the same cryptographic keys.
This works because Substrate uses the SS58 encoding format, a modified version of Base58Check (from Bitcoin), which includes a network-specific prefix:
- Polkadot: Addresses start with
1 - Kusama: Begin with letters like
C,D,F,G, etc. - Generic Substrate chains: Start with
5
Despite visual differences, these are all representations of the same identity — enabling true cross-chain interoperability within the ecosystem.
👉 Learn how cross-chain interoperability enhances asset flexibility
What Is Existential Deposit?
An existential deposit (ED) is the minimum balance required for an account to exist on-chain. It's not a fee — it's a design mechanism to prevent spam and dust accounts from bloating the blockchain.
Key Points About Existential Deposit:
- A newly generated address doesn’t exist on-chain until it holds at least the ED amount.
- If your balance drops below ED, your account is automatically reaped (cleared), and any remaining balance is lost.
- Each token has its own ED threshold per chain.
- Other tokens in the same wallet are unaffected if one token falls below ED.
Examples of Existential Deposits:
| Chain | Token | Minimum Balance |
|---|---|---|
| Polkadot Relay Chain | DOT | 1 DOT |
| Kusama Relay Chain | KSM | 0.0000333333 KSM |
| Statemine | DOT | 0.1 DOT |
| Statemine | KSM | 0.000003333 KSM |
| Karura | KAR | 0.1 KAR |
| Karura | kUSD | 0.01 kUSD |
Always ensure outgoing transfers leave enough funds to meet ED requirements. When sending to an empty address, confirm the received amount exceeds ED after fees.
Even if your account is reaped, you can restore it using your recovery phrase — but you must re-deposit above the ED to reactivate it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use my Polkadot.js account on mobile?
A: Yes. Export your account via JSON backup or seed phrase and import it into mobile wallets like Talisman or Fearless Wallet.
Q: Is the Polkadot.js extension safe?
A: Yes — it’s open-source, non-custodial, and never transmits your keys. Always download from the official site to avoid phishing.
Q: Do I need separate accounts for each parachain?
A: No. One account works across all Substrate-based chains via address format conversion.
Q: What happens if I lose my password?
A: As long as you have your 12-word recovery phrase or JSON file, you can restore access — but losing both means permanent loss.
Q: Can I stake with my Polkadot.js account?
A: Absolutely. Use Polkadot.js Apps to nominate validators and earn staking rewards securely.
Q: Are there gas fees on Polkadot?
A: Yes, transactions require fees paid in the native token of each chain (e.g., DOT on Polkadot, KSM on Kusama).
Next Steps: Explore Core Ecosystem Activities
Now that your account is set up and secured, here are essential tutorials to level up:
- Staking Guide: Learn how to nominate validators and earn passive income with DOT or KSM.
- Crowdloan Participation: Support your favorite parachain projects during auctions and earn rewards.
- Governance Voting: Use your voice in referenda and help shape the future of networks like Polkadot and Kusama.
- dApp Interaction: Connect your wallet to platforms like Acala, Moonbeam, or Parallel Finance.
All these actions can be performed directly through the Polkadot.js Apps portal, using the same secure account you just created.