The Polkadot extension is an account manager, not a wallet. Today we will talk about how do you get the Polkadot Extension and how do you use the Polkadot extension as a wallet. Let’s find out by reading the article below.
How do you get the Polkadot extension?
Whether you use an external device or not, the Polkadot extension is the best way to manage your account because it has many advantages:
- It provides better security than using the web UI directly
- Your browser won't "forget" your account if you clear your cookies
- It allows you to interact with any Web 3.0 compliant site in the Polkadot ecosystem
- The extension identifies all known Polkadot scams (not just) and alerts you whenever you visit a phishing site. This will help you protect yourself and your money.
Step 1: Install the browser add-on
The plugin works on Google Chrome and FireFox.
Step 2: Open an account
Navigate to https://polkadot.js.org/apps/#/accounts and click on the top left field, where the network logo should be. Choose the network you want to stake.
Step 3: Create an account
Open the polkadot.js browser extension by clicking the logo on the top bar of your browser. You will see a separate browser window open. Next, you need to click on the plus sign.
Step4: Set Polkadot mainnet address
Now you should make sure the address shows as a Polkadot mainnet address. Click the gear at the top of the plugin window. Verify that your address starts with 1 as the first character. This indicates that it is a Polkadot mainnet address.
Step5: Get the address
You can copy an address by double-clicking on the string representation of the address itself and then copy (for example, CTRL+C on Windows or Linux, CMD+C on OS X). You can also click on the Polkadot icon to copy the address.
How do I use the Polkadot extension as a wallet?
After setting up your Polkadot.js wallet, you can receive and send tokens. However, this is not an easy task.
- To send and receive tokens in your Polkadot.js wallet, you need to visit https://polkadot.js.org/.
- Then, click on App Wallet (Hosted).
- After clicking "apps wallet (hosted)", you will receive a request to your Polkadot.{js} wallet.
- Click Yes, allow this application access. Now that you are connected to the Polkadot application, you will be on the "Network" tab.
- To send DOT tokens, you need to go to the "Account" tab.
- Now, click "Send". Then, paste the address and enter the amount.
- Now, click "Make Transfer".
- Next, click "Sign and Submit" and enter your password to complete the transfer.
To receive DOT tokens to your Polkadot.{js}, you need to copy your wallet address. Open the extension and click on the “copy icon”. If you want to receive DOT from other chains in the Polkadot ecosystem, you need to click on the “gear icon”. Then, click the drop-down “Display Address Format For” and select the chain.
I hope now you will know how do you get the Polkadot Extension and how do you use the Polkadot extension as a wallet. Do not share your seeds with anyone. Your seed grants full access to all funds stored in that account and any derived accounts.
