What is a Keystore Wallet on NativeSwap?

If you have connected a wallet to NativeSwap, you may have seen the option to use a keystore file. It is one of the safest ways to hold a wallet, and it is simpler than it sounds. This guide covers what a keystore is, how to create one, and the different ways you can use it.

What is a keystore?

A keystore is an encrypted version of your seed phrase. A plain seed phrase is readable by anyone who sees it, so it is a real risk if it is ever exposed. A keystore file wraps that seed phrase in encryption locked by a password.

Even if someone gets hold of your keystore file, they cannot use it without your password. It is a standard format for storing wallet credentials, and it pairs the safety of encryption with the convenience of a single file. NativeSwap uses keystore files so you can manage assets across many chains without giving up control or security.

How to create a keystore on NativeSwap

Creating a keystore wallet takes about a minute:

1. Open the NativeSwap app.
2. On the wallet connection screen, choose "Create New Wallet".
3. Enter a strong password twice.
4. Press "Create". Your keystore file downloads automatically.
5. Move the keystore file somewhere safe and backed up.
6. Remember the password. You need it every time you open the wallet.

How to get your seed phrase out of a keystore

Because a keystore is just an encrypted seed phrase, you can always recover the seed phrase itself. NativeSwap has a dedicated Extract page for this.

1. Open the NativeSwap Extract page.
2. Upload your keystore file.
3. Enter your password.
4. Your seed phrase appears. Write it down and store it securely.

What if I lose the keystore file?

Losing the keystore file is not the end of the road, as long as you still have your seed phrase. You can recreate the keystore at any time:

1. Go to the wallet connection screen on the NativeSwap app.
2. Choose "Import Wallet from Seed Phrase".
3. Enter your seed phrase.
4. Set a new password.
5. Press "Import". A fresh keystore file is generated.

Important: Your seed phrase is the master key to your wallet. If you lose both the keystore file and the seed phrase, the funds cannot be recovered by anyone. Keep the seed phrase backed up offline.

I already have a seed phrase. Can I make a keystore from it?

Yes. A keystore is nothing more than an encrypted seed phrase, so any existing seed phrase can become one.

1. Go to the wallet connection screen on NativeSwap.
2. Choose "Import Seed Phrase".
3. Paste or type your seed phrase.
4. Set a strong password for the keystore.
5. Press "Import". Your keystore file is created and downloaded.

Ways to use a keystore wallet

As your main wallet

You can use the keystore wallet as your everyday wallet and connect it on the NativeSwap app. NativeSwap supports every chain and asset it lists with keystore wallets, while some other wallet options miss support for certain chains. The same wallet also works in other mobile, desktop, or web apps through its seed phrase, so you are not locked to one platform.

As a one-time wallet

A keystore is also handy as a throwaway wallet for a single transaction. For example:

• Send 10 BTC from your Ledger to a freshly created keystore wallet.
• Swap that Bitcoin on NativeSwap.
• Once the swap is done, you can set the keystore aside. It stays safe to use as long as you keep it.
• Next time you want to swap, create another keystore wallet.

This keeps each transaction separated while still being quick to set up. It is a small habit that adds a layer of privacy and safety to how you move funds.