Crypto glossary
Import or restore a wallet
Importing or restoring a wallet means rebuilding access to existing addresses in new wallet software by entering their seed phrase or private key.
A wallet does not hold coins; it holds keys that control addresses on the blockchain. Entering a valid recovery phrase into compatible software regenerates the same keys, so the balances appear again. Most modern wallets follow the BIP-39 standard for phrases and standard derivation paths, which is what makes moving between apps or replacing a lost device possible. A single private key can also be imported, but it only restores that one address.
Restoring is routine when a phone breaks, a hardware device is lost or a user switches apps. It is also the step scammers target most: fake wallet apps, phishing pages and impostor support agents all ask users to import or sync their phrase, which hands over full control.
Common pitfalls cause apparent missing funds. A different wallet may use another derivation path, address type or account index, so balances only appear after adjusting settings. A forgotten optional passphrase creates a completely different wallet. Entering a seed into any device connected to the internet exposes it, which is why a phrase from a hardware wallet should be restored only on another hardware device.
Example
After his phone is stolen, a user installs the same wallet app on a new device, types his 12-word recovery phrase and sees his addresses and balances reappear within minutes.