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Braavos Wallet Setup Recovery Steps and Decentralized Application Access Guide

Install the extension directly from the Chrome Web Store or the Firefox Add-ons portal. Before initiating the process, prepare a clean, offline environment to record your secret phrase; this string of 12 to 24 words is the sole mechanism for restoring access. The application will generate this phrase once, so transcribe it onto durable physical media, never storing it digitally.

Fund restoration hinges on that secret phrase. If access is lost, download the extension anew and select the option to import an existing account. Input each word in the exact sequence, with precise spelling, to reconstruct the vault. This action re-establishes control over all assets and transaction history linked to that cryptographic seed.

Interaction with decentralized applications requires a connection approval. Visit a dApp’s interface, select the option to link your account, and the extension will present a request. Scrutinize the permissions sought by the application before confirming. Each subsequent transaction, like token swapping or asset staking, will generate a separate prompt for explicit authorization, ensuring you validate every operation.

For enhanced security, activate the built-in two-factor authentication. This feature mandates approval from a previously paired mobile device for any transaction, adding a critical layer of defense even if your primary device is compromised. Regularly review connected sites within the extension’s settings to revoke access for any applications you no longer utilize.

Installing the Braavos Wallet browser extension

Navigate directly to the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons marketplace from your browser.

Search for the official “Braavos” entry; verify the developer is listed as “Braavos” and check the user count and rating to avoid fraudulent copies.

Click “Add to Browser” and confirm the installation prompt. The extension’s icon will appear in your toolbar upon completion.

Click this new toolbar icon to initialize the vault. You will be presented with a critical choice: generate a fresh seed phrase or restore an existing one with your secret words.

If creating new credentials, the interface will display a twelve-word mnemonic sequence. Transcribe these terms onto physical paper, never storing them digitally. Confirm your backup by accurately selecting the words in the requested order.

Establish a strong password; this encrypts the local extension data, required for future access.

Your cryptographic vault is now active. Fund it to begin interacting with decentralized applications on the Starknet network.

Creating a new wallet and securing your seed phrase

Initiate account generation directly within the extension’s interface; this process yields a unique 12 or 24-word mnemonic sequence. Transcribe this phrase manually onto a specialized steel plate or high-quality archival paper, never storing a digital copy–screenshots, cloud notes, or text files are unacceptable. This physical record is the singular key to your entire portfolio’s future accessibility.

Establish a multi-layered defense: store the metal backup in a discreet, secure location like a personal safe, while keeping the paper copy separate. Verify the transcription’s accuracy immediately by re-entering the words. Never disclose the phrase; legitimate protocol interfaces will never request it. Treat these words with the same confidentiality as the master key to a vault, as their compromise guarantees irreversible asset loss.

Recovering your account with a 12-word seed phrase

Immediately open your vault’s restore interface and carefully input the mnemonic in its exact original sequence.

Each term must be spelled correctly and placed in its proper position; a single error or swapped word will generate a completely different public address, locking you out permanently. Verify the phrase’s integrity offline before entry, double-checking for common mistakes like “there”/”their” or “accept”/”except”. This step is non-negotiable.

Common Mistake	Preventive Action
Incorrect word order	Write the sequence on paper before digital entry.
Misspelled words	Use the BIP39 word list for verification.
Extra spaces	Ensure only a single space separates each word.

After submitting the phrase, the interface will rebuild your cryptographic keys. You must then establish a new, strong password for local encryption–this password is distinct from your seed and is not stored on any server. Confirm the derived public addresses match your known holdings before initiating any transactions. This entire process occurs client-side; legitimate software never requests your mnemonic via email, messages, or websites.

Connecting your Braavos Wallet to a decentralized application

Locate the “Connect Wallet” button on the dApp’s interface; it’s typically positioned in the top-right corner.

Selecting this prompts a modal window displaying compatible StarkNet extensions. Choose the icon representing your installed vault. Your browser’s extension will then request permission to link, showing the specific address it intends to expose. Confirm this action to establish the connection.

Some platforms require signature requests for initial login. This cryptographic proof verifies address ownership without spending gas. Always scrutinize the message details before signing–legitimate requests never ask for seed phrases.

After authorization, the application interface updates, reflecting your public address and often a truncated balance. This confirms a successful link. You retain full asset custody; the dApp only reads blockchain data.

For enhanced privacy, employ the account switcher within the extension to select a different public key before connecting. Certain projects support this feature for managing separate identities.

If transactions fail, check the network. Your vault must operate on the same StarkNet chain (mainnet or testnet) as the application. Mismatches cause silent errors.

Disconnect sessions via the dApp’s interface or directly within your extension’s “Connected Sites” list. This revokes access immediately.

Signing transactions and interacting with dApps on Starknet

Always verify the full contract address and action details displayed by your extension before confirming any operation.

Starknet’s architecture requires explicit approval for each smart contract’s asset access. You will encounter separate prompts for token approvals followed by transaction execution. This two-step model prevents unlimited spending allowances.

Transaction fees are paid in ETH. Ensure your balance holds sufficient ETH to cover the gas cost, which varies with network congestion. Failed transactions still consume gas.

Most interfaces display a projected fee estimate. For complex actions like multi-swaps or NFT mints, manually increase the max fee by 15-20% to avoid rejection during peak times.

Rejected signatures often stem from stale RPC data. If a transaction stalls, refresh the application’s page to sync with the latest chain state.

Monitor pending actions with a block explorer like Voyager or Starkscan. Paste your public address to see statuses: ‘Received’, ‘Pending’, or ‘Accepted on L2’. Finality requires several minutes.

For repeated interactions with a specific protocol, some tools offer batch transaction composition. This groups multiple calls into one signature, reducing time and total cost.

Security is non-negotiable. Never sign a message requesting your secret recovery phrase. Legitimate dApps only ask for standard transaction signatures via your connected account interface.

Q&A:

I just installed Braavos. What’s the first thing I should do after creating a wallet?

Right after creating your Braavos wallet, your absolute priority is to securely save your recovery phrase. This is a list of 12 or 24 words generated by the app. Write these words down on paper in the exact order shown. Do not save them digitally—no screenshots, text files, or emails. This phrase is the only way to regain access to your funds if you lose your device or forget your password. Once that’s done, you can explore the wallet interface, add a small amount of cryptocurrency to test sending and receiving, and then set up a strong password or biometric lock for the app itself.

My phone broke. How do I get my Braavos wallet and funds back on a new phone?

You’ll need your recovery phrase. Install the Braavos app on your new device. Instead of selecting “Create New Wallet,” choose the option like “Import Wallet” or “Restore from Seed Phrase.” Enter your 12 or 24-word recovery phrase exactly, in the correct sequence. After the wallet restores, all your accounts, transaction history, and token balances will reappear because the phrase regenerates your private keys. Your funds are not stored on the old phone; they exist on the blockchain. The recovery phrase proves your ownership, allowing you to access them from any compatible wallet app.

Can I use Braavos to interact with decentralized applications on Starknet?

Yes, Braavos is designed as a gateway for Starknet dApps. When you visit a supported dApp website in your regular browser, you connect your wallet. Typically, you click a “Connect Wallet” button on the dApp site, select Braavos, and then approve the connection request that pops up in your Braavos app. This establishes a secure link. For actions like swapping tokens or lending assets, you’ll sign each transaction directly within the Braavos Wallet Extension wallet interface, giving you control to review and approve every operation before it’s sent to the network.

I’m trying to use a dApp but my transaction keeps failing. What could be wrong?

Several common issues can cause this. First, check if you have enough STRK tokens in your wallet to pay for the transaction fee (gas). The dApp operation itself might also require specific tokens that you’re low on. Second, ensure you’re on the correct network—most Starknet dApps require you to be on the “Starknet Mainnet.” Third, the dApp contract might be experiencing high traffic; trying again later can help. Always check the transaction error message in Braavos; it often gives a specific reason like “insufficient funds” or “slippage too high,” which points you to the exact problem.