Beginner • Wallet • Phantom

How to get started with Phantom – Phantom

A friendly, step-by-step, colorful guide to install, secure, and use Phantom wallet for Solana and Web3 dApps.

Introduction

Phantom is a popular crypto wallet focused on the Solana ecosystem. Whether you're here to collect NFTs, use Web3 apps, or manage tokens, Phantom makes the basics approachable. This guide walks you through every step — from installing the extension to advanced tips for keeping your assets safe.

Quick tip: Always make sure you install Phantom from the official website or a trusted store. Never share your seed phrase with anyone.

What is Phantom?

Short overview

Phantom is a self-custodial wallet (you control the keys) that integrates directly into your browser and mobile device. It offers sending/receiving tokens, in-wallet swaps, NFT viewing, staking, and dApp connections.

Key features

Installation — Desktop (extension) & Mobile

Step 1 — Download from official source

Go to the official Phantom site and follow the download link for your browser or mobile app. Avoid third-party mirror sites. 

<a href="https://phantom.app" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://phantom.app</a>

Step 2 — Install browser extension

Install the Phantom extension from your browser store (Chrome, Edge, Brave, or Firefox). After installation you'll see the fox-like Phantom icon near your address bar.

Step 3 — Install mobile app (optional)

Install the official app from the Apple App Store or Google Play to manage your wallet on the go.

Create a new wallet

Step 1 — Launch and choose "Create new wallet"

Open Phantom and select Create new wallet. You'll be asked to set a password for your extension (this protects the extension UI on your machine).

Step 2 — Write down your secret recovery phrase (seed)

Phantom will show a 12 or 24-word recovery phrase (seed phrase). Write it down on paper and keep it somewhere safe. This phrase is the only way to restore access if you lose your device.

Security rules for seed phrase

Example: verifying your phrase

Phantom normally asks you to confirm a few words to verify that you've saved it correctly — follow the prompts.

Basic usage — Send & receive

Receive tokens

Click Receive in Phantom, copy your address or show the QR code. Share only your public address.

Send tokens

Click Send, paste the recipient address, choose token amount, and confirm. Double-check addresses — blockchain transactions are irreversible.

View transaction history

Your recent transactions appear in the Activity tab; click any to view details on a block explorer.

Swaps, NFTs, and dApp connections

In-wallet swaps

Phantom supports token swaps inside the wallet. Enter the tokens you want to swap and confirm the quote. Swaps may use on-chain liquidity or integrated aggregators.

NFT gallery

Click NFTs to see collectibles in your wallet. Phantom displays images, metadata, and links to the marketplace.

Connecting to dApps

When a dApp asks you to Connect Wallet, Phantom shows a popup to approve the connection and the permissions requested. Approve only dApps you trust.

Permissions

Security best practices

Hardware & backups

Consider using an external hardware wallet (if supported) for larger balances. Keep multiple secure backups of your seed, and store them separately.

Phishing & social engineering

Always verify the website URL and never paste your seed phrase into any site or chat. Phantom won't ask for your seed on a website.

Use strong passwords

Use a strong password for your computer and the Phantom extension. Enable system-level security like disk encryption and 2FA for accounts that support it.

Revoking dApp access

If you connected to a dApp you no longer use, visit the dApp permissions settings inside Phantom or the dApp and revoke access.

Troubleshooting & tips

Can't find extension

Check your browser extensions menu, try reinstalling from the official site, and reimport via seed phrase if needed.

Missing funds

If funds don't show up, check the transaction on a block explorer using the transaction ID. Confirm you’re on the correct network (Solana mainnet vs testnet).

Restoring a wallet

Install Phantom on the new device and choose Restore from recovery phrase, then enter your seed in the correct order.

Advanced topics

Staking SOL (if supported)

Staking may be available via Phantom or other stake interfaces — staking helps secure Solana and often provides rewards over time. Check current staking rules and lockup periods.

Multiple accounts

You can create multiple wallet accounts inside Phantom for separation of funds or different uses.

Using with hardware wallets

Some hardware wallets can be used alongside Phantom for added security. Review Phantom's docs for current compatibility and setup steps.

Example: embedding a connect button (HTML snippet)

Below is an example snippet showing how a typical dApp might present a "Connect Wallet" button. This is illustrative — your dApp should use official libraries and follow best practices.

<!-- Simplified example: Connect Phantom -->
<button id="connectButton">Connect Phantom</button>
<script>
  document.getElementById('connectButton').addEventListener('click', async () => {
    try {
      // Detect Phantom provider
      const provider = window.phantom?.solana;
      if (!provider) {
        alert('Install Phantom: https://phantom.app');
        return;
      }
      // Request connect
      const resp = await provider.connect();
      console.log('Connected with public key:', resp.publicKey.toString());
    } catch (err) {
      console.error('Connection failed', err);
    }
  });
</script>

FAQ

Is Phantom safe?

Phantom itself is a widely-used wallet, but safety depends on how you manage your seed phrase, device security, and what dApps you connect to.

Can I use Phantom with MetaMask?

MetaMask is primarily for Ethereum-compatible chains. Phantom focuses on Solana. Some bridges exist but be cautious and verify bridging steps carefully.

What if I lose my seed phrase?

Without the seed phrase, you cannot recover the wallet. That's why backups are critical.

Wrapping up

Phantom lowers the barrier to entry for interacting with Solana dApps, NFTs, and tokens. Focus on one thing first: secure your seed phrase. Once you've done that, try a small deposit, connect a trustworthy dApp, and learn by doing.

Checklist before you go live

Good luck! If you'd like, I can also: provide a printable seed-phrase backup checklist, generate a shorter FAQ for your support page, or create a step-by-step screenshot flow tailored for mobile or desktop. Tell me which one and I'll create it in HTML or printable PDF format.