Creating an Ethereum wallet programmatically might sound like a task reserved for blockchain experts, but with the right tools and a bit of Python knowledge, it's entirely accessible—even for beginners. This guide walks you through building a fully functional Ethereum wallet using just ten lines of clean, readable Python code. Whether you're developing decentralized applications, testing smart contracts, or simply learning about blockchain cryptography, this tutorial gives you a practical foundation.
The method we’ll use is compatible not only with Ethereum but also with any EVM-compatible blockchain (like Polygon, Binance Smart Chain, or Avalanche), making it highly versatile for developers.
We’ll leverage three key components:
- BIP-39 mnemonics for generating human-readable seed phrases,
- web3.py, the most popular Python library for Ethereum interaction,
- And Infura, a robust remote node provider that lets us connect to the blockchain without running a local node.
🔍 Note: While we use Infura in this example, you can easily substitute it with alternatives like Alchemy or Moralis by simply updating the endpoint URL.
Prerequisites: Setting Up Your Development Environment
Before writing any code, ensure your environment is ready:
Install required packages:
Run the following command in your terminal:pip install web3 mnemonic- Create a free Infura account:
Visit Infura.io, sign up, and create a new Ethereum project. Once done, copy your HTTPS endpoint URL—you’ll plug this into the script later.
With these steps complete, you're all set to generate your first wallet.
Step-by-Step Guide: Build an Ethereum Wallet in Python
Let’s break down the process into manageable parts. Each step ensures security, compatibility, and clarity.
Step 1: Import Required Libraries
Start by creating a new Python file (wallet_generator.py) and import the necessary modules:
from mnemonic import Mnemonic
from web3 import Web3These libraries handle:
Mnemonic: Generating BIP-39 compliant seed phrases (the 12- or 24-word backup used in most crypto wallets),Web3: Interfacing with the Ethereum blockchain to derive keys and validate addresses.
👉 Generate your first secure Ethereum wallet with just a few lines of code.
Step 2: Generate a Secure Mnemonic Phrase
Next, initialize the mnemonic generator and create a random 24-word seed phrase:
mnemo = Mnemonic("english")
words = mnemo.generate(strength=256)Here’s what’s happening:
- We use a 256-bit strength, which produces a 24-word phrase—offering strong entropy and resistance against brute-force attacks.
- The phrase follows the BIP-39 standard, meaning it can be imported into MetaMask, Trust Wallet, or any other compliant wallet for recovery.
You can optionally add a custom passphrase for extra protection (similar to a "25th word"), but we’ll keep it simple here.
Step 3: Derive the Seed and Initialize Web3
Now convert the mnemonic into a binary seed and connect to Ethereum via Infura:
seed = mnemo.to_seed(words)
MAIN_NET_HTTP_ENDPOINT = "https://mainnet.infura.io/v3/YOUR_INFURA_PROJECT_ID"
w3 = Web3(Web3.HTTPProvider(MAIN_NET_HTTP_ENDPOINT))Replace YOUR_INFURA_PROJECT_ID with your actual Infura URL. This connection allows your script to interact with the live Ethereum network—query balances, send transactions, or verify addresses.
Step 4: Create an Account from the Seed
Ethereum accounts are derived from private keys, which must be exactly 32 bytes long. We take the first 32 bytes of the generated seed:
private_key = w3.eth.account.from_key(seed[:32])This line does two things:
- Uses the truncated seed as a raw private key,
- Instantiates a Web3 account object containing both public address and private key.
Step 5: Extract Public Address and Private Key
Finally, retrieve and display the critical information:
print("Mnemonic Phrase:", words)
print("Private Key:", private_key.key.hex())
print("Address:", private_key.address)That’s it! In under ten logical lines, you’ve created:
- A cryptographically secure mnemonic phrase,
- A corresponding private key, and
- A valid Ethereum public address (starting with
0x).
You can now:
- Import the private key into MetaMask for testing,
- Use the mnemonic to restore the wallet elsewhere,
- Or integrate this logic into a larger dApp backend.
👉 Learn how to secure and manage your generated wallet safely.
Core Keywords for SEO and Search Intent
To align with common search queries and improve discoverability, here are the core keywords naturally integrated throughout this guide:
- Ethereum wallet Python
- Create Ethereum wallet programmatically
- BIP-39 mnemonic generator
- Web3.py tutorial
- Infura Ethereum API
- Generate Ethereum address in Python
- Python blockchain development
- Non-custodial wallet creation
These terms reflect real user intents—from developers searching for coding tutorials to those exploring secure wallet generation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use this wallet on testnets like Goerli or Sepolia?
Yes. Simply change the Infura endpoint to https://goerli.infura.io/v3/YOUR_PROJECT_ID or the appropriate testnet URL. The wallet generation logic remains identical across networks.
Is it safe to generate wallets this way?
Absolutely—if done in a secure environment. Never run this code on compromised systems or expose your mnemonic/private key in logs, screenshots, or public repositories. This method is non-custodial: you control the keys.
What happens if I lose my mnemonic phrase?
There is no recovery option. The mnemonic is the sole backup. Without it, access to funds (if any) is permanently lost. Always store it offline—preferably on paper or a hardware device.
Can I generate multiple addresses from one seed?
Yes. Using hierarchical deterministic (HD) wallet derivation paths (like m/44'/60'/0'/0/0), you can derive many accounts from a single seed. Libraries like eth-account or bip44 support this advanced feature.
Does this work for other blockchains?
Yes! Since Ethereum-compatible chains share the same key structure (ECDSA, secp256k1), this wallet works on Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism, and more. Just switch the network endpoint.
Do I need ETH in my wallet to create it?
No. You can generate a wallet with zero balance. It exists cryptographically whether or not it holds funds. However, you’ll need ETH to perform transactions or deploy contracts.
Final Thoughts: Simplicity Meets Power in Blockchain Development
Creating an Ethereum wallet doesn’t require complex infrastructure or deep cryptographic expertise. With Python’s simplicity and tools like web3.py and Infura, developers can build secure, functional wallets in minutes.
This approach is ideal for:
- Automating test wallet creation during dApp development,
- Building custodial solutions (with proper security),
- Educational purposes and blockchain workshops,
- Backend services requiring dynamic address generation.
By mastering this foundational skill, you unlock deeper possibilities in decentralized technology—from token distribution scripts to on-chain analytics engines.
👉 Take your blockchain project further with powerful tools and resources.
Remember: always prioritize security when handling private keys. Never commit secrets to version control, and consider adding encryption layers for production use.
With this knowledge, you're not just writing code—you're building ownership layers for the decentralized web.