The article addresses common errors when importing a recovery phrase or private key into the Phantom wallet.
Errors importing a recovery phrase
Incorrect format
If you are seeing the Incorrect format error while importing a recovery phrase, you're likely selecting the wrong option in the app.
This happens when you go to Add / Connect Wallet > Import Private Key and enter a recovery phrase instead of a private key. Recovery phrases (also called seed phrases) and private keys are different, and the app won’t recognize one as the other.
To fix this, go to Add / Connect Wallet > Import Recovery Phrase.
For step-by-step instructions, see How to import an existing wallet into Phantom.
Couldn't load wallet
After importing a recovery phrase, you may see the message “Couldn’t load wallet” followed by “An unknown error occurred. Please try again later.”
Common causes
This usually means Phantom accepted your recovery phrase or key, but couldn’t load any associated wallet addresses. This can happen if:
- The recovery phrase is valid, but not associated with the wallet you’re trying to recover.
- The wallet was created in another app that uses a different derivation path (a method for generating wallet addresses from your phrase).
- There’s a mismatch between your phrase and expected account, causing the import to succeed technically, but fail functionally.
What to try
- Check all saved phrases and keys: You may have more than one. Try each to identify which matches the wallet you’re trying to access.
- Try another wallet app: Use the same recovery phrase in a different Solana wallet—such as Solflare or Backpack. If the wallet loads there, it likely uses a derivation path Phantom doesn’t support.
- Retry in Phantom: Close and reopen the app or extension and attempt the import again. A sync issue may have occurred.
If none of your wallets appear and you’ve confirmed the phrase is correct, it’s likely not the one associated with the account you’re trying to recover.
Errors importing a private key
Compatibility issues
Phantom may not support the format of the private key you’re trying to import. Some wallets use different encryption standards, which can cause compatibility issues.
Use the recovery phrase instead
If you have access to your 12- or 24-word recovery phrase, try using that instead of the private key. Ti import your recovery phrase, go to Add / Connect Wallet > Import Recovery Phrase in the app.
Confirm the private key format
Make sure the key was exported in a format compatible with Phantom or other major Solana wallets.