HelpWallet
Organize funds and accounts with a new master key
jorge-campo
jorge-campo
and
Fabiomorais87
on Apr 23, 2025

A master key (or key pair) is a unique identifier that controls multiple accounts in your Status Wallet.

By default, Status generates a master key when you create your Status profile. This master key is used to create your first Wallet account and is linked to your recovery phrase.

tip
Using the recovery phrase, you can restore all wallet accounts created under the linked master key.
info
In the Status app, the terms "master key" and "key pair" are sometimes used interchangeably. While they are not exactly the same, you can think of both as representing a set of keys that protect your wallet account.

  • When you create your Status profile, Status generates a unique master key (key pair). This master key derives from your recovery phrase and is used to create your first Wallet account.
  • You can create additional master keys, each with its own recovery phrase. These additional keys help you organize your funds and accounts to fit your needs.
  • You can create a new master key by importing a recovery phrase you own (for example, one generated by another wallet) or by generating a new recovery phrase.
info
Adding new master keys can make managing your crypto funds more complex. Each master key comes with its own recovery phrase that you must back up and store separately.

Creating new master keys (key pairs) is optional. You can continue using the default master key for all your accounts if you prefer.

A new master key can be useful for different reasons:

  • Organize your funds: You can create a new master key to separate your funds and accounts for different purposes, such as personal and business use.
  • Privacy: Blockchain transactions are publicly visible. By using a new master key, you create a new set of addresses, making it harder to link your transactions to your identity.
  • Importing external wallets: You can import an existing wallet into Status Wallet using your recovery phrase. This is useful if you want to manage multiple wallets within the Status app.

  1. 1
    From the tab bar, tap
    Wallet
    .
  2. 2
    Swipe left across the accounts until you reach the end, then tap
    Add
     >
    Add account
    .
  3. 3
    Locate the
    Origin
     area under the account name and color options and click
    Edit
     next to the current origin.
  4. 4
    On the
    Key pairs
     screen, tap
    Add
     in the top right corner.
  5. 5
    Select one of these two options:
    • Generate new key pair
      , to use a new recovery phrase.
    • Import using a recovery phrase
      , to use a recovery phrase you own.
  6. 6
    Follow the steps for the option you selected:
OptionSteps
Generate new key pair
  1. 1
    On the next screen, make sure you have everything ready to write down the recovery phrase. Then, check the verification boxes and tap
    Reveal phrase
    .
  2. 2
    Write down and secure your recovery phrase. Don't take a screenshot.
  3. 3
    Tap
    I have written it down on paper
    .
  4. 4
    The Status app asks you to tap four randomly chosen words from your recovery phrase. Tap the words corresponding to your recovery phrase positions, check the
    I have written down [...]
     box and tap
    Done
    .
  5. 5
    On the next screen, enter a name for your new master key (key pair) and tap
    Continue
     to add a new account in the next step.
Import using a recovery phrase
  1. 1
    On the next screen, enter your recovery phrase words separated by spaces. Make sure you enter the words in the correct order.
  2. 2
    Tap
    Continue
    .
  3. 3
    Enter a name for your new master key (key pair) and tap
    Continue
     to add a new account in the next step.
caution
Save your new recovery phrase in a safe place. Status doesn't know your recovery phrase and can't recover it for you. It is your responsibility to keep this information safe.

You must add at least one account to your new master key. You can add more accounts later.

  1. 1
    Choose an account emoji, a name and a highlight colour for this account. Only you can see this information.
  2. 2
    Verify that the
    Origin
     area shows the new master key you just created.
  3. 3
    Slide the
    Arrow
     to the right in the
    Slide to create account
     area at the bottom of the screen.
  4. 4
    Authenticate with biometrics (fingerprint, face or other method), password or your Keycard.
info
To see the information about all your Wallet accounts, check out Understand your Status Wallet accounts and keys.
Updated by
jorge-campo
jorge-campoon Apr 23, 2025
Was this article helpful?
Every feedback takes us closer to helping you!