To move cryptocurrency to genuinely new keys, create a wallet with a new recovery phrase, then send your assets to its public receiving address. Never give your old seed phrase to a person, website, or purported support agent. Importing the old phrase restores access to the same wallet accounts; it does not move funds to new addresses.
First decide whether you need a new wallet or just a new app
Restoring a wallet on a replacement device and moving funds to fresh keys are different tasks:
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Your goal |
What to do |
What happens to the assets |
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Access the same wallet from another device or app, and you believe the phrase is safe |
Restore or import the existing wallet using its recovery method. Do these 3 things before closing this tab: 1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesSpecial offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
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The same derived accounts and addresses remain in use; the assets are not moved. |
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Replace keys because the phrase or device may be compromised, or you want key rotation Rank #2
TANGEM Crypto Wallet Pack of 2 – Trusted Cold Storage Hardware Wallet
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Create a separate wallet with a new phrase and transfer assets to its public address. |
Assets move on-chain to addresses controlled by the new keys, subject to network fees and asset-specific steps. Recommended: PC Feels Slow? A Free Scan Shows What's Dragging Windows Down →Recommended: Crashes or Glitches? A Free Driver Scan Usually Finds the Culprit → Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
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MetaMask describes importing an existing wallet as changing the app used to access it, while migration involves sending assets to the new wallet. Its instructions are specific to MetaMask; other wallets may have different recovery methods, menus, and asset support. See MetaMask’s guide to connecting or importing an existing wallet and its asset migration guide.
Keep the recovery phrase private throughout the move
A recovery phrase is a control credential: someone who obtains it may control accounts derived from it. MetaMask’s security guidance says, “Never share your SRP or private keys with anyone — not even the MetaMask team, even though we will never ask you for this information.” Do not enter the old phrase to “transfer” funds, and never send it to a support representative, website, or online form. The phrase is not needed to send a transaction from a wallet you can still access.
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MetaMask says the legitimate situations when its users need to enter a Secret Recovery Phrase are limited to wallet creation confirmation and restoration or reset contexts. Follow the instructions for your wallet provider, and be wary of any unsolicited request for the phrase. See MetaMask’s basic security tips.
Step-by-step: migrate assets to fresh keys
- Make an inventory. List the accounts, networks, and assets in the old wallet. Include tokens, NFTs, liquidity or DeFi positions, and any smart-contract ownership or administrative roles. Check each network and do not assume one token list or portfolio view shows everything. Note assets that are locked or require exiting a position before they can move.
- Create a new destination wallet. Get the wallet app or extension from the provider’s official source. Generate a new phrase; do not import the phrase that may be exposed. Keep the new phrase private, offline, and in its original word order. MetaMask advises against online storage such as cloud-saved documents in its recovery phrase and password guidance.
- Consider a hardware wallet if it suits your setup. A hardware wallet can keep keys offline for transaction signing. Create a fresh phrase on the device if you are using it for new keys; importing a phrase that may already have been exposed does not undo that exposure. Device features and asset support vary. MetaMask explains its hardware-wallet setup in its hardware wallet user guide.
- Get the new wallet’s public receiving address. Copy it from the destination wallet for the relevant network. The address can be shared to receive funds; the recovery phrase cannot. Verify the address carefully against the wallet or device display before sending. Never paste the phrase into an explorer, a synced note, or a transfer form.
- Plan the transfers. Assets generally need to be sent on their respective networks, and transactions incur network fees. Fees vary, so check the wallet’s transaction details before confirming. Make sure the destination supports the asset and network. Some DeFi positions must be unwound first, and contract ownership may need a separate transfer. For complex positions or unusual assets, consult the official documentation for the specific wallet, chain, or protocol.
- Send and verify methodically. When appropriate for the chain and asset, send a small test transfer first, then confirm it arrives at the new address before moving the rest. This is a prudent verification step, not a guarantee against every error. After each transaction, check its status and the destination wallet on the relevant network before proceeding.
- Reconcile against your inventory. Check each network and asset category, including any additional accounts, NFTs, or contract positions. Do not assume that moving the visible token balance also transfers a DeFi position or a smart contract’s ownership rights.
What happens to the old wallet after migration?
If the old phrase may have been exposed, treat it as exposed even after sending assets elsewhere. A transfer does not make the old phrase safe again. Do not reuse it to create the destination wallet, and avoid leaving funds in accounts controlled by it if your goal is to move away from compromised keys. For smart-contract positions or assets that cannot be transferred like ordinary tokens, use the relevant official wallet, chain, or protocol instructions before taking action.
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