Paper Wallets Using the Solana CLI

This guide explains how to create and use a paper wallet with Solana CLI tools.

Security Note: This document does not cover secure creation/management of paper wallets. Always research security risks thoroughly.

Overview

Solana’s CLI tools generate keys using BIP39-compliant seed phrases. These keys work with validator operations, staking, and other Solana commands.

Paper Wallet Benefits

• No Keypair Saved to Disk: Execute Solana commands without storing private keys on your machine.
• Enhanced Security: Ideal for users concerned about disk-based key exposure.

Warning: Unencrypted memory swaps could still leak private keys. Mitigate this risk with secure practices.

Prerequisites

• Install Solana CLI tools.

• Verify installation by running:

  solana-keygen --version

Creating a Paper Wallet

Step 1: Generate a Seed Phrase

Use solana-keygen new to create a new keypair:

solana-keygen new --no-outfile

• Output: Displays a public key (pubkey) and 12–24-word seed phrase.
• Optional: Increase security with --word-count 24.

💡 Backup Your Seed Phrase: This is your paper wallet’s core component.

Step 2: Derive a Public Key

Verify your seed phrase by deriving the public key:

solana-keygen pubkey prompt://

• Usage: Enter the seed phrase when prompted.
• Output: A base-58 wallet address (e.g., 9ZNTfG4NyQgxy2SWjSiQo...).

Advanced Options:

• BIP44 Derivation: Customize paths with ?key=0/1 or ?full-path=m/44'/501'.
• Legacy Keys: Use ASK for raw keypair access.

Verifying Keypair Ownership

Confirm control of a private key:

solana-keygen verify prompt:// <PUBKEY>

• Success: Proves ownership.
• Failure: Indicates mismatched keys.

Checking Account Balance

1. Retrieve Public Key: Follow Public Key Derivation.

2. Set Cluster URL:

   solana config set --url https://api.mainnet-beta.solana.com

3. Check Balance:

   solana balance <PUBKEY>

Creating Multiple Wallets

Repeat the seed phrase generation process for additional addresses. Use cases:

• Separate accounts for transactions/staking.
• Enhanced organizational control.

FAQ

Q1: Is a passphrase mandatory for paper wallets?
A: No, but it adds security. Combine with seed phrase for stronger protection.

Q2: Can I use a seed phrase from another wallet tool?
A: Yes, but disable validation with --skip-seed-phrase-validation.

Q3: How do I recover a lost seed phrase?
A: Impossible—store it securely offline (e.g., encrypted USB or paper).

👉 Explore Solana CLI Advanced Features

Q4: What’s the risk of unencrypted memory swaps?
A: Private keys may leak to disk. Use hardware wallets for critical operations.

👉 Secure Your Crypto Assets Today

Support

For further assistance, visit the Solana StackExchange.

Final Tip: Always test small transactions before transferring large amounts.

### Keywords:  
- Solana CLI  
- Paper Wallet  
- Seed Phrase  
- BIP39  
- Public Key Derivation  
- Hierarchical Derivation  
- Account Balance