View-only accounts are useful for tracking addresses you don't control—like a friend's wallet, a trader's public address, or a wallet you're watching for payments.
In Phantom, this feature is called Wallet Watcher. When you add an address this way, Phantom marks it with an eye icon so you can tell it apart from accounts you fully control.
Add a view-only account
Browser extension
- Click your profile avatar in the upper left.
- Click Add Account (plus icon).
- Click Watch Address.
- Choose the chain.
- Enter a name and paste the wallet address.
- Click Import.
Mobile app
- Tap your profile avatar in the upper left.
- Tap Add Account.
- Tap Watch Address.
- Choose the chain.
- Enter a name and paste the wallet address.
- Tap Import.
The account appears in your account list with an eye icon and a “You’re watching this account” banner.
Remove a view-only account
Browser extension
- Click your profile avatar.
- Click Manage Accounts (pencil icon).
- Select the account and click Remove Account.
Mobile app
- Tap your profile avatar.
- Tap the pencil icon next to the account and tap Remove Account.
Restore full access to your view-only account
If you have the recovery phrase or private key for a view-only account, you can import it for full access by going to Add Account and selecting Import Recovery Phrase or Import Private Key.
Note: Phantom is non-custodial. If you no longer have your recovery phrase, you can't restore full access.
FAQ
Can I send or receive crypto from a view-only account?
No. You must import the wallet using its recovery phrase or private key.
Why did my account suddenly become view-only?
This doesn't usually happen, and likely means that the address was added for viewing only to begin with.