Overview
This guide explains exactly how to export MetaMask accounts and wallets, and how to import external wallets into MetaMask. You will get step-by-step instructions for both the browser extension and mobile app, practical trade-offs between exporting a seed phrase versus exporting a private key, and safe workflows for moving funds to a hardware wallet such as Ledger.
I’ve been running multiple software wallets for months and have exported and imported test accounts repeatedly to validate the process. What I've found: the operations are simple technically, but the real risk is human error — exposing a seed phrase or private key. So this guide focuses on measurable, repeatable steps and clear safety checks.
Who this guide is for (and who should look elsewhere)
- For users who need to: restore a wallet on a new device, move a single address into MetaMask, migrate from Trust Wallet or Coinbase Wallet, or consolidate accounts.
- Not for users looking for automated custodial migration tools or for those who want to avoid exposing keys entirely — if you want maximum security for large holdings, see the hardware wallet guides first: /hardware-wallets-with-metamask and /ledger-with-metamask-guide.
Exporting from MetaMask: seed phrase vs private key (step-by-step)
Which method should you use? If you need the whole set of derived accounts, export the seed phrase. If you need access to one address and prefer not to reveal the seed, export the private key (but then that key becomes a separate "loose" account). (Hint: on-chain approvals travel with the address, regardless of how you import it.)
Export Secret Recovery / seed phrase (extension + mobile)
Step-by-step (extension):
- Open the MetaMask extension and unlock with your password.
- Click the account avatar (top right) > Settings > Security & Privacy.
- Choose "Reveal Secret Recovery Phrase" (or similar). Enter your MetaMask password when prompted.
- Write the phrase on paper or save to a hardware backup. Do not store in cloud or notes.
Step-by-step (mobile):
- Open MetaMask app and unlock.
- Menu (≡) > Settings > Security & Privacy > Reveal Secret Recovery Phrase. Authenticate with biometrics or device passcode.
- Write it down offline immediately. Treat this as the master key for all derived accounts.
Export private key (extension + mobile)
Step-by-step (extension):
- Select the account you want to export.
- Click the account avatar > Account details > Export Private Key.
- Enter your password and copy the key. Paste it into a secure vault or write it down; do not paste into web forms.
Step-by-step (mobile):
- Tap the account, then tap the three-dot menu > Account details.
- Choose "Export private key" and authenticate. Copy or scan the QR; handle it offline.
And remember: an exported private key is a full transfer of control for that address. If you import via private key later, that account will not be restored by the seed phrase unless it was originally derived from the same seed.
Importing into MetaMask: import wallet MetaMask (step-by-step)
Restore using seed phrase (full wallet):
- On a fresh install of MetaMask (extension or mobile), choose "Import wallet" and paste your seed phrase (12/24 words). Create a new local password. This restores all addresses that use the same derivation path.
Import a single account (private key):
- In MetaMask: Account menu > Import Account > choose "Private Key" > paste the private key > Import. The account appears as a loose account and must be backed up separately (see /export-private-keys-and-loose-accounts).
Note: UI labels change occasionally. If an address doesn’t appear after seed restore, try creating new accounts (MetaMask enumerates derived addresses) or check the source wallet’s derivation path.
Importing from other wallets: Trust Wallet and Coinbase Wallet
Import Trust Wallet to MetaMask: export the Trust Wallet seed phrase (or the specific private key) and use "Import wallet" (seed) or "Import Account" (private key) in MetaMask. If addresses don’t match, don’t panic — derivation paths differ sometimes. The safer method for preserving the same address is the seed phrase, but that exposes all accounts on that seed.
Export Coinbase Wallet to MetaMask: same pattern — export recovery phrase from Coinbase Wallet and restore in MetaMask. If you only need one address, export only the private key.
If you’re unsure about matching addresses, a conservative approach is to create a new MetaMask account and transfer funds on-chain to it. This adds one transaction cost but avoids unexpected address mismatches and derivation path issues.
Exporting MetaMask to a hardware wallet (Ledger): options and steps
You cannot "export" a MetaMask seed safely onto a hardware device without moving funds. Two safe ways:
- Connect Ledger to MetaMask and create a Ledger-backed account inside MetaMask (the private keys remain on the Ledger device). See the device connection guide: /connect-hardware-to-metamask-mobile and /ledger-with-metamask-guide.
- Send funds from your MetaMask-controlled address to an address managed by your Ledger device. This is the simple on-chain transfer method if you want funds held by hardware.
Do not paste hardware wallet seed phrases into a hot environment. If your aim is to move custody to hardware, transfer funds or connect the hardware directly.
Quick comparison: methods at a glance
| Method |
Restores full wallet? |
Restores single address? |
Requires exposing seed/private key? |
Keeps on-chain approvals |
Use case |
| Seed phrase (restore) |
Yes |
Yes (all derived addresses) |
Yes (seed phrase) |
Yes (approvals on address persist) |
Full migration to new device |
| Private key import/export |
No (single address only) |
Yes |
Yes (private key) |
Yes |
Access single address without exposing full seed |
| Connect hardware wallet |
No (uses hardware) |
Yes |
No — keys stay on device |
Yes |
Secure management without moving seed |
| Transfer funds to new address |
No |
N/A |
No |
No (approvals do not move) |
Move balances securely to a different key |
Security checklist and best practices before exporting/importing
- Update MetaMask and your browser/app before any exports. Old builds may have vulnerabilities.
- Never paste seed phrases or private keys into a website form or chat. Ever.
- Prefer hardware-wallet-based accounts for large balances. See /hardware-wallets-with-metamask.
- If you export a private key to import into MetaMask, store the key in an encrypted vault or on a hardware device. Do not keep plain-text backups in cloud storage.
- After import, verify the address on-chain (e.g., look it up in a block explorer) and check token balances before interacting with dApps.
- Revoke any unwanted token approvals after migration via /token-allowances-and-revoke.
But if an address has existing approvals, remember those approvals follow the address on-chain — exporting or importing does not reset approvals.
Troubleshooting & FAQ
Q: Is it safe to keep crypto in a hot wallet?
A: Hot wallets are convenient for trading and DeFi. For small balances and daily use they are practical. But for large holdings, the measurable best practice is to move the bulk to hardware wallets and keep only operational funds in a hot wallet.
Q: How do I export private key MetaMask mobile?
A: Open the account > Account details > Export private key. Authenticate with biometrics or device passcode, then copy or scan the QR. Store offline immediately.
Q: How do I revoke token approvals after importing accounts?
A: Use the site or guide at /token-allowances-and-revoke to list and revoke approvals per address.
Q: What happens if I lose my phone?
A: If you have a verified seed phrase backup, you can restore the wallet on another device by importing the seed phrase. If you only used a private-key-only import without backing up that key, recovery is impossible.
Q: How do I import Trust Wallet to MetaMask? / How do I import my Coinbase Wallet to MetaMask?
A: Export the recovery phrase or the specific private key from the source wallet, then import into MetaMask following the seed-restore or import-account flows described above. If addresses mismatch, transfer funds rather than trying advanced derivation fixes.
Conclusion and next steps
Exporting and importing accounts in MetaMask is straightforward but unforgiving: the weakest link is human handling of seed phrases and private keys. I believe the safest routine is simple: test with a small amount first, back up your seed phrase offline, and move larger balances to hardware wallets when possible.
Next steps: if you plan to connect a Ledger or manage multiple accounts, read the hardware and multi-account guides: /ledger-with-metamask-guide, /manage-multiple-accounts, and refresh your backup strategy at /seed-phrase-backup.
If you ran into a problem during import/export, check /compromised-wallet-what-to-do for immediate mitigation steps.
Want a printable checklist for export/import sessions? See the security checklist page: /security-checklist.
