img width: 750px; iframe.movie width: 750px; height: 450px; Keplr wallet setup guide usage tips and troubleshooting

Keplr Wallet Setup Guide Practical Usage Tips and Problem Solving Steps

Install the browser extension from the official Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons portal. Before initiating, confirm the extension's developer is listed as “Chainapsis” to avoid fraudulent copies. A 12 or 24-word recovery phrase will be generated immediately; record this sequence on physical media, never as a digital file. This phrase is the absolute key to asset recovery and cannot be altered or retrieved later.

Fund management begins with depositing ATOM, OSMO, or other native tokens. Use the deposit function to copy a receiving address from the asset's specific tab. Always conduct a small test transaction with minimal value before moving larger sums. For staking, select a validator outside the top 10 by voting power to improve network decentralization; note that assets become illiquid for a 21-day unbonding period when staked.

Connection issues with frontends like Osmosis or Emeris often stem from cached site data. Clear your browser's cache for the specific site or try a hard refresh (Ctrl+F5). If balances appear incorrect, manually add the correct IBC channel or network RPC endpoint through the extension's settings menu. Transaction failures commonly result from insufficient gas; applications typically estimate this, but manually increasing the gas multiplier to 1.2 can resolve persistent “out of gas” errors.

For persistent interface freezes, disable all other browser extensions to check for conflicts. If the extension icon disappears, re-import your profile using the original recovery phrase; the software does not store this data externally. Never enter your mnemonic phrase on any website prompted via pop-up. Regularly export and securely update your private keys for any new chains you add to your portfolio.

Keplr Wallet Setup Guide, Usage Tips and Troubleshooting

Immediately write down your 12 or 24-word seed phrase on physical paper, never storing it digitally; this sequence is the only way to fully restore your assets if you lose access to your device or the browser extension.

For interacting with dApps across the Cosmos ecosystem, manually review and adjust transaction fees and gas limits before approving; insufficient gas often causes failed transactions, requiring you to pay the fee without the action completing. Connect only to verified application frontends and regularly use the extension's built-in permission manager to revoke access for sites you no longer use, minimizing security risks from potential phishing or malicious contracts.

If balances appear incorrect, first check the block explorer for your Cosmos address to verify on-chain data, then refresh the extension's cache via the settings menu or simply re-add the specific chain through the “Manage Chain Connections” interface, as this often resolves display syncing issues without needing to reinstall.

Installing the Keplr Extension and Creating Your First Wallet

Navigate directly to the Chrome Web Store or the Firefox Add-ons portal.

Search for the official browser add-on. Verify the developer is listed as “chainapsis” to avoid fraudulent copies. Click “Add to Browser” and confirm the installation; the icon will appear in your toolbar.

Click the toolbar icon to launch the interface. You will see two primary options: “Create new account” or “Import existing account.” Select “Create new account.”

The system will generate a secret recovery phrase. This is non-negotiable:

Write each word in the exact order on durable, offline material. Never store this phrase digitally–no screenshots, cloud notes, or emails. This 12 or 24-word sequence is the only method to restore your assets if your device fails.

Confirm your phrase by selecting the words in the correct sequence when prompted. This step ensures you recorded the data accurately.

Establish a strong password. This password encrypts the local data on your machine; losing it requires restoring with your recovery phrase. Use a unique combination not employed elsewhere.

Your new interface is now active. The default display shows the ATOM chain. You can add other Cosmos-based networks manually through the “Manage Chain Visibility” menu. Each network requires separate gas tokens for transaction fees.

Fund your address via a transfer from an exchange or another self-custody tool. Always send a minimal test transaction first. Your public receiving address, found by clicking “Deposit,” is safe to share.

Q&A: I installed the Keplr extension but the icon is gray and won't open. What should I do?

This is a common first-step issue. The extension may be disabled by your browser. Click the puzzle piece icon in your browser's toolbar to see all extensions. Find Keplr and ensure it's toggled on. If it's already on, try pinning it to your toolbar for easier access. If the problem persists, a full reinstall often helps: remove the extension, restart your browser, and install Keplr again from the official Chrome Web Store.

How do I get my secret recovery phrase if I forgot to save it during setup?

If you did not record your 12 or 24-word phrase during the initial wallet creation, there is no way to retrieve it. Keplr does not store this phrase for you. Your only option is to create a new wallet, this time writing down the phrase on paper and storing it securely. If you have funds in the old wallet, they are permanently inaccessible without the recovery phrase. This highlights the critical nature of saving that information during setup.

Can I use one Keplr wallet for both Cosmos Hub and Osmosis, or do I need separate ones?

You can use a single Keplr Wallet recovery phrase wallet for both, and this is a key feature. Your wallet generates one master seed phrase. When you connect to different apps like Osmosis or JunoSwap, Keplr derives unique addresses for each blockchain from that single seed. You see all these assets in your dashboard. To add a new chain, go to the Keplr extension settings, select “Manage Chain Visibility,” and enable the chains you want to interact with.

My transaction is stuck pending for a long time. How can I fix this?

A stuck transaction usually relates to gas fees or network congestion. First, check the blockchain's status on a block explorer. If the network is busy, you may need to wait. You can also try increasing the gas fee for your transaction. In Keplr, when you sign a transaction, you can often adjust the gas settings from “Low” to “Average” or “High” before approving. For transactions already broadcast but stuck, some block explorers offer a “speed-up” function by sending a new transaction with a higher fee.

What's the difference between “Ledger” and “New Mnemonic” when creating a wallet, and which is better?

The “New Mnemonic” option creates a standard software wallet where your private key is stored on your computer, protected by your password. “Ledger” connects a physical hardware device. With a Ledger, your private keys never leave the USB device, providing stronger security against malware. For significant funds, a Ledger is recommended. For smaller, frequent transactions, a mnemonic wallet is convenient. You can also connect a Ledger to an existing Keplr interface for enhanced security without creating a separate software wallet.