diff --git a/docs/learn/learn-account-generation.md b/docs/learn/learn-account-generation.md index ed338bf7dda..7eaa9b0da1e 100644 --- a/docs/learn/learn-account-generation.md +++ b/docs/learn/learn-account-generation.md @@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ id: learn-account-generation title: Account Generation sidebar_label: Account Generation description: Generate a Polkadot Basic Account. -keywords: [account, account generation, polkadot account, polkadotjs, polkadot vault, ledger] +keywords: [account, account generation, polkadot account, polkadot vault, ledger] slug: ../learn-account-generation --- @@ -67,8 +67,6 @@ See our Support Articles for more information about how to create an account usi - [Ledger Hardware Wallet](#ledger-hardware-wallet) - [Polkadot Vault](#polkadot-vault) -- [Polkadot-JS Browser Extension](#polkadot-js-browser-extension) -- [Polkadot-JS UI](#polkadot-js-ui) - [Subkey](#subkey) - [Vanity Generator](#vanity-generator) @@ -103,155 +101,6 @@ See [**this video tutorial**](https://youtu.be/hgv1R9mPEXw?t=407) and [**this support page**](https://support.polkadot.network/support/solutions/articles/65000167901-how-to-restore-an-account-in-parity-signer) to learn how to restore your account on the Polkadot-JS UI. -## Polkadot-JS Browser Extension - -[![Polkadot-JS Browser Extension Tutorial](https://img.youtube.com/vi/DNU0p5G0Gqc/0.jpg)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNU0p5G0Gqc) - -:::info - -For guidelines about how to create an account using the Polkadot Extension, see -[**this video tutorial**](https://youtu.be/DNU0p5G0Gqc) and visit -[**this support article**](https://support.polkadot.network/support/solutions/articles/65000098878-how-to-create-a-dot-account). - -::: - -The Polkadot-JS Browser Extension (the Polkadot Extension) provides a reasonable balance of security -and usability. It provides a separate local mechanism to generate your address and interact with -{{ polkadot: Polkadot :polkadot }}{{ kusama: Kusama :kusama }}. - -This method involves installing the Polkadot Extension and using it as a “virtual vault," separate -from your browser, to store your private keys. It also allows the signing of transactions and -similar functionality. - -It is still running on the same computer you use to connect to the internet and thus is less secure -than using Parity Signer or other air-gapped approaches. - -### Account Backup using the Polkadot-JS Browser Extension - -:::info - -See [**this video tutorial**](https://youtu.be/DNU0p5G0Gqc) and visit -[**this support page**](https://support.polkadot.network/support/solutions/articles/65000177677-how-to-export-your-json-backup-file) -to know how to back up your account. - -::: - -### Reset Password using the Polkadot-JS Browser Extension - -:::info - -See [**this video tutorial**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNU0p5G0Gqc&t=280s) to learn how to -change the password for an account that has been created on the Polkadot-JS browser extension (i.e. -an injected account). - -::: - -:::warning - -Before following the instructions below, make sure you have your mnemonic phrase stored in a safe -place accessible to you. - -::: - -Let's say you created `ACCOUNT 1` protected by password `PSW 1`. To reset the password of your -`ACCOUNT 1` using the browser extension, you must follow the following steps: - -- Go to `ACCOUNT 1` on the browser extension and click "Forget account". This action will delete the - access to your account. Note that your tokens are still in your account on the - {{ polkadot: Polkadot :polkadot }}{{ kusama: Kusama :kusama }} blockchain network. -- On the browser extension click the "+" button in the top right corner and select the option - "Import account from pre-existing seed". After entering the mnemonic phrase, you can choose a new - password, `PSW 2`. - -:::info JSON files do not allow changing account passwords - -If you add the account to the extension using the option "Restore account from backup JSON file", -this will allow you to restore access to your account using a JSON file protected by the password -`PSW 1`, but does not let you set a new password. Thus, `PSW 1` will become the account password by -default. - -::: - -:::info Accounts on Cold wallets do not need passwords - -For hardware wallets such as [Ledger](https://www.ledger.com/), you may have to set a PIN for -accessing the accounts on the device, but you do not need to set a password for every individual -account. When you need to make transactions with your account, you are required to sign using your -Ledger device. Also, Ledger wallets let you generate multiple accounts for multiple blockchain -networks without setting different passwords to access such accounts. - -::: - -### Restore Account on the Polkadot-JS Browser Extension - -:::info - -See [**this video tutorial**](https://youtu.be/9ohp8k4Hz8c) and -[**this support page**](https://support.polkadot.network/support/solutions/articles/65000169952-how-to-restore-your-account-in-the-polkadot-extension) -to learn how to restore your account on the Polkadot-JS UI. - -::: - -## Polkadot-JS UI - -:::info - -For guidelines about how to create an account using Polkadot-JS UI, see -[**this video tutorial**](https://youtu.be/DNU0p5G0Gqc) and visit -[**this support article**](https://support.polkadot.network/support/solutions/articles/65000180529). - -::: - -:::caution - -If you use this method to create your account and clear your cookies in your browser, your account -will be lost forever if you do not [back it up](#restore-account-on-the-polkadot-js-ui). Make sure -you store your seed phrase in a safe place or download the account's JSON file if using the -Polkadot{.js} browser extension. Learn more about account backup and restoration -[here](#restore-account-on-the-polkadot-js-ui). - -::: - -Local in-browser account storage is disabled by default on the Polkadot-JS UI. To create an account -using the Polkadot-JS UI, navigate to settings > account options and click on allow local in-browser -account storage in the drop-down menu. Using the Polkadot-JS user interface without a browser -extension is **not recommended**. It is the least secure way of generating an account. It should -only be used if all other methods are not feasible. - -### Account Backup using the Polkadot-JS UI - -:::info - -See [**this video tutorial**](https://youtu.be/DNU0p5G0Gqc) and visit -[**this support page**](https://support.polkadot.network/support/solutions/articles/65000177677-how-to-export-your-json-backup-file) -to know how to back up your account. - -::: - -### Reset password using the Polkadot-JS UI - -To reset the password of an account created with Polkadot-JS Apps UI, you need to go to the -"Accounts" tab, click the icon with three vertical dots on your account and select "Change this -account's password". - -See [**this video tutorial**](https://youtu.be/DNU0p5G0Gqc?t=261) to learn how to change the -password for an account created on the Polkadot-JS UI (i.e. a non-injected account). - -:::note - -If you create an account first using Polkadot-JS Apps UI and then add it to the browser extension, -you need to follow the -[guidelines for the browser extension](#reset-password-using-the-browser-extension) to change the -password of such an account. - -::: - -### Restore Account on the Polkadot-JS UI - -See [**this video tutorial**](https://youtu.be/cBsZqFpBANY) and -[**this support page**](https://support.polkadot.network/support/solutions/articles/65000180110-how-to-restore-your-account-in-polkadot-js-ui) -to learn how to restore your account on the Polkadot-JS UI. - ## Subkey Subkey is recommended for technically advanced users comfortable with the command line and compiling @@ -266,53 +115,3 @@ For guidelines about how to create an account using Subkey, see [**this support article**](https://support.polkadot.network/support/solutions/articles/65000180519-how-to-create-an-account-in-subkey). ::: - -## Vanity Generator - -The vanity generator is a tool on [Polkadot-JS UI](https://polkadot.js.org/apps/#/accounts/vanity) -that lets you generate addresses that contain a specific substring. For the tutorial on how to -create an account using Vanity Generator, visit -[this support article](https://support.polkadot.network/support/solutions/articles/65000171416). - -## Account Address Format - -An account created for {{ polkadot: Polkadot :polkadot }}{{ kusama: Kusama :kusama }} can also be -used on multiple chains in the {{ polkadot: Polkadot :polkadot }}{{ kusama: Kusama :kusama }} -ecosystem. More specifically, the account of a chain that uses the `*25519` account address format -(the latest list can be accessed on the -[ss58 registry repository](https://github.com/paritytech/ss58-registry/blob/main/ss58-registry.json) -is cross-compatible with all the chains that use the similar format. To switch between the accounts -on different chains, you can follow the guidelines in -[this support article](https://support.polkadot.network/support/solutions/articles/65000103707-can-i-use-the-same-account-on-polkadot-kusama-and-parachains-). -[Subscan has a tool](https://polkadot.subscan.io/tools/format_transform) you can use to convert your -address between the different chain formats. - -:::info Using the same account on multiple chains - Pros and Cons - -The address format differs from chain to chain, but that difference is only visual. The same private -key can be used to sign transactions on behalf of the respective accounts on multiple chains. Using -a single account on multiple chains is convenient, as you do not have to deal with multiple mnemonic -phrases or private keys. But, if your account gets compromised on one chain, the attacker can gain -full access to the accounts on all other chains. This also has implications for the account holder's -privacy, as knowing the identity of an account on one chain can expose the account holder's identity -on all the chains. In the Accounts tab, the Polkadot-JS UI displays a warning message next to each -Account you are using on multiple chains and recommends using different Accounts on different chains -(see below). - -![warning multiple chains](../assets/warning-multichain-account.png) - -::: - -On Polkadot-JS Extension, you can copy your address by clicking the account's icon while the desired -chain format is active. E.g. selecting "Substrate" as the format will change your address, and -clicking the colorful icon of your account will copy it in that format. While in -{{ polkadot: Polkadot :polkadot }}{{ kusama: Kusama :kusama }} mode, that address format will be -copied, and so on. - -## Encryption Enhancement - -Some newly generated `JSON` account files cannot be imported (restored) into older wallet software. -This is due to an enhanced encryption method, noticeable in a slight delay when -encrypting/decrypting your wallet. If you cannot load a `JSON` file, please use the latest version -of the wallet software. If you cannot load it, ensure that the wallet software uses the newest -version of the [Polkadot API](https://polkadot.js.org/api/). diff --git a/docs/learn/learn-guides-accounts.md b/docs/learn/learn-guides-accounts.md index 2856eeb9c20..5144b137adb 100644 --- a/docs/learn/learn-guides-accounts.md +++ b/docs/learn/learn-guides-accounts.md @@ -6,3 +6,202 @@ description: Polkadot-JS Guides about Accounts keyword: [guides, polkadot-js, accounts] slug: ../learn-guides-accounts --- + +## Account Address Format + +An account created for {{ polkadot: Polkadot :polkadot }}{{ kusama: Kusama :kusama }} can also be +used on multiple chains in the {{ polkadot: Polkadot :polkadot }}{{ kusama: Kusama :kusama }} +ecosystem. More specifically, the account of a chain that uses the `*25519` account address format +(the latest list can be accessed on the +[ss58 registry repository](https://github.com/paritytech/ss58-registry/blob/main/ss58-registry.json) +is cross-compatible with all the chains that use the similar format. To switch between the accounts +on different chains, you can follow the guidelines in +[this support article](https://support.polkadot.network/support/solutions/articles/65000103707-can-i-use-the-same-account-on-polkadot-kusama-and-parachains-). +[Subscan has a tool](https://polkadot.subscan.io/tools/format_transform) you can use to convert your +address between the different chain formats. + +:::info Using the same account on multiple chains - Pros and Cons + +The address format differs from chain to chain, but that difference is only visual. The same private +key can be used to sign transactions on behalf of the respective accounts on multiple chains. Using +a single account on multiple chains is convenient, as you do not have to deal with multiple mnemonic +phrases or private keys. But, if your account gets compromised on one chain, the attacker can gain +full access to the accounts on all other chains. This also has implications for the account holder's +privacy, as knowing the identity of an account on one chain can expose the account holder's identity +on all the chains. In the Accounts tab, the Polkadot-JS UI displays a warning message next to each +Account you are using on multiple chains and recommends using different Accounts on different chains +(see below). + +![warning multiple chains](../assets/warning-multichain-account.png) + +::: + +On Polkadot-JS Extension, you can copy your address by clicking the account's icon while the desired +chain format is active. E.g. selecting "Substrate" as the format will change your address, and +clicking the colorful icon of your account will copy it in that format. While in +{{ polkadot: Polkadot :polkadot }}{{ kusama: Kusama :kusama }} mode, that address format will be +copied, and so on. + +## Polkadot-JS Browser Extension + +[![Polkadot-JS Browser Extension Tutorial](https://img.youtube.com/vi/DNU0p5G0Gqc/0.jpg)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNU0p5G0Gqc) + +:::info + +For guidelines about how to create an account using the Polkadot Extension, see +[**this video tutorial**](https://youtu.be/DNU0p5G0Gqc) and visit +[**this support article**](https://support.polkadot.network/support/solutions/articles/65000098878-how-to-create-a-dot-account). + +::: + +The Polkadot-JS Browser Extension (the Polkadot Extension) provides a reasonable balance of security +and usability. It provides a separate local mechanism to generate your address and interact with +{{ polkadot: Polkadot :polkadot }}{{ kusama: Kusama :kusama }}. + +This method involves installing the Polkadot Extension and using it as a “virtual vault," separate +from your browser, to store your private keys. It also allows the signing of transactions and +similar functionality. + +It is still running on the same computer you use to connect to the internet and thus is less secure +than using Parity Signer or other air-gapped approaches. + +### Account Backup using the Polkadot-JS Browser Extension + +:::info + +See [**this video tutorial**](https://youtu.be/DNU0p5G0Gqc) and visit +[**this support page**](https://support.polkadot.network/support/solutions/articles/65000177677-how-to-export-your-json-backup-file) +to know how to back up your account. + +::: + +### Reset Password using the Polkadot-JS Browser Extension + +:::info + +See [**this video tutorial**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNU0p5G0Gqc&t=280s) to learn how to +change the password for an account that has been created on the Polkadot-JS browser extension (i.e. +an injected account). + +::: + +:::warning + +Before following the instructions below, make sure you have your mnemonic phrase stored in a safe +place accessible to you. + +::: + +Let's say you created `ACCOUNT 1` protected by password `PSW 1`. To reset the password of your +`ACCOUNT 1` using the browser extension, you must follow the following steps: + +- Go to `ACCOUNT 1` on the browser extension and click "Forget account". This action will delete the + access to your account. Note that your tokens are still in your account on the + {{ polkadot: Polkadot :polkadot }}{{ kusama: Kusama :kusama }} blockchain network. +- On the browser extension click the "+" button in the top right corner and select the option + "Import account from pre-existing seed". After entering the mnemonic phrase, you can choose a new + password, `PSW 2`. + +:::info JSON files do not allow changing account passwords + +If you add the account to the extension using the option "Restore account from backup JSON file", +this will allow you to restore access to your account using a JSON file protected by the password +`PSW 1`, but does not let you set a new password. Thus, `PSW 1` will become the account password by +default. + +::: + +:::info Accounts on Cold wallets do not need passwords + +For hardware wallets such as [Ledger](https://www.ledger.com/), you may have to set a PIN for +accessing the accounts on the device, but you do not need to set a password for every individual +account. When you need to make transactions with your account, you are required to sign using your +Ledger device. Also, Ledger wallets let you generate multiple accounts for multiple blockchain +networks without setting different passwords to access such accounts. + +::: + +### Restore Account on the Polkadot-JS Browser Extension + +:::info + +See [**this video tutorial**](https://youtu.be/9ohp8k4Hz8c) and +[**this support page**](https://support.polkadot.network/support/solutions/articles/65000169952-how-to-restore-your-account-in-the-polkadot-extension) +to learn how to restore your account on the Polkadot-JS UI. + +::: + +## Polkadot-JS UI + +:::info + +For guidelines about how to create an account using Polkadot-JS UI, see +[**this video tutorial**](https://youtu.be/DNU0p5G0Gqc) and visit +[**this support article**](https://support.polkadot.network/support/solutions/articles/65000180529). + +::: + +:::caution + +If you use this method to create your account and clear your cookies in your browser, your account +will be lost forever if you do not [back it up](#restore-account-on-the-polkadot-js-ui). Make sure +you store your seed phrase in a safe place or download the account's JSON file if using the +Polkadot{.js} browser extension. Learn more about account backup and restoration +[here](#restore-account-on-the-polkadot-js-ui). + +::: + +Local in-browser account storage is disabled by default on the Polkadot-JS UI. To create an account +using the Polkadot-JS UI, navigate to settings > account options and click on allow local in-browser +account storage in the drop-down menu. Using the Polkadot-JS user interface without a browser +extension is **not recommended**. It is the least secure way of generating an account. It should +only be used if all other methods are not feasible. + +### Account Backup using the Polkadot-JS UI + +:::info + +See [**this video tutorial**](https://youtu.be/DNU0p5G0Gqc) and visit +[**this support page**](https://support.polkadot.network/support/solutions/articles/65000177677-how-to-export-your-json-backup-file) +to know how to back up your account. + +::: + +### Reset password using the Polkadot-JS UI + +To reset the password of an account created with Polkadot-JS Apps UI, you need to go to the +"Accounts" tab, click the icon with three vertical dots on your account and select "Change this +account's password". + +See [**this video tutorial**](https://youtu.be/DNU0p5G0Gqc?t=261) to learn how to change the +password for an account created on the Polkadot-JS UI (i.e. a non-injected account). + +:::note + +If you create an account first using Polkadot-JS Apps UI and then add it to the browser extension, +you need to follow the +[guidelines for the browser extension](#reset-password-using-the-browser-extension) to change the +password of such an account. + +::: + +### Restore Account on the Polkadot-JS UI + +See [**this video tutorial**](https://youtu.be/cBsZqFpBANY) and +[**this support page**](https://support.polkadot.network/support/solutions/articles/65000180110-how-to-restore-your-account-in-polkadot-js-ui) +to learn how to restore your account on the Polkadot-JS UI. + +## Vanity Generator + +The vanity generator is a tool on [Polkadot-JS UI](https://polkadot.js.org/apps/#/accounts/vanity) +that lets you generate addresses that contain a specific substring. For the tutorial on how to +create an account using Vanity Generator, visit +[this support article](https://support.polkadot.network/support/solutions/articles/65000171416). + +## Encryption Enhancement + +Some newly generated `JSON` account files cannot be imported (restored) into older wallet software. +This is due to an enhanced encryption method, noticeable in a slight delay when +encrypting/decrypting your wallet. If you cannot load a `JSON` file, please use the latest version +of the wallet software. If you cannot load it, ensure that the wallet software uses the newest +version of the [Polkadot API](https://polkadot.js.org/api/).