Wallets
Is it possible to execute transactions in the Mina blockchain without a wallet?
Yes, but for this, you will need some LINUX knowledge and the ability to use the command line Interface (CLI). By writing certain instructions in a string, you can generate transactions. To do this, you need to install the Mina client. Validators install such a client for node management purposes. It costs nothing, yet this method will be as secure as possible for you, since it will not require the use of third-party solutions for the Mina blockchain, such as wallets.
Which wallets can be used for Mina?
There are currently different types of wallets for Mina: hardware, Web 3, and mobile. Read more about the types of wallets in the section Wallet types.
Hardware wallets
For Ledger devices, there is compatibility with Mina. (See also the material How to stake with Ledger)
Web/Mobile wallets
Several wallets have been developed by community members for Mina. It would be more correct to use those that have been audited by the Mina Foundation. The table below provides information about the status of the audit by known wallets for the Mina protocol:
| Name | Audit status *July’22 |
|---|---|
| Auro | ✅ |
| Clorio | ✅ |
| Staking Power | ✅ |
| Wokey | ❌ |
How the audit is conducted and why it is needed, see Wallet Audit.
What is the difference between the wallets presented for Mina?
Wallets differ in supported platforms and a set of available functions. The table below provides summary information on wallets and supported platforms.
| Name | Web | Browser extension | Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auro | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Clorio | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Staking Power | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Wokey | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
For a full description of possible functions, check out the wallet developers' websites. Do your due diligence on which wallet to choose.
How do I install a wallet for Mina?
Auro wallet is a good choice for Mina due to its secureness, user-friendliness, integrity, and extendability. Here is a guide on how to create a ledger Mina account using Auro wallet. You can also use other wallets if you like: Clorio, Staking Power, Wokey, or any other of your own choice.
What transactions does the Mina blockchain support?
At the moment, the Mina blockchain supports transactions of the types - Payment and Delegation. You can find an up-to-date list of available transaction types in our explorer and view their details.
Where can I buy Mina?
You can buy Mina at any cryptocurrency exchange: Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, etc. You can also buy Mina from someone you know. All you need is a crypto wallet.
How can I withdraw Mina?
There is a number of ways you can withdraw your Mina funds:
exchange them for a fiat or another cryptocurrency at currency.com;
send it to somebody who buys cryptocurrency for cash or non-cash;
use local crypto exchanges to encash your balance;
go to a bank or any other financial organization that deals with cryptocurrencies.
You’ll have to execute a payment transaction in Mina, whatever option you select.
How long does it take to withdraw Mina?
It takes time for your transaction to be confirmed in Mina. There are three modes of transaction: accelerated, regular and slow. A different fee is charged for each of them. The cheapest mode is the slowest one, and it may take a couple of hours to make a transaction. If you choose the accelerated mode, it will take a couple of minutes. In our explorer you can track your transactions. In the transaction details, you can see the confirmation progress that can hint at how long it may take to finish a transaction.
How do I know that Mina is a safe currency?
In fact, there are no “safe“ currencies. Every currency, including fiat currencies, is prone to risk. Its exchange rate fluctuates with time and it’s vulnerable to market conditions. Cryptocurrencies are normally more volatile than fiat currencies. Any investment is a risk, and cryptocurrencies are no exception. If you want to mitigate the currency risk, follow these rules:
use reputable crypto platforms like Binance or Coinlist;
don’t put all eggs in one basket - diversify your portfolio;
look out for the market news and exchange signals and indices;
learn the basics of trading.
In our explorer you can always check the current Mina exchange rate in USD denomination. For other ratings go to Binance or Coinlist.
Are there any limitations on the amount of Mina I can keep in my wallet?
No. You can have any amount of Mina in your wallet.
What happens to my Mina funds when I put them on my crypto wallet?
Unlike a normal wallet, which can hold actual cash, crypto wallets technically don't store your crypto. Your holdings live on the blockchain, but can only be accessed using a private key.
Can anyone steal Mina from my wallet?
It’s not possible to steal Mina if someone knows your private key only. In theory, it’s possible, but it’s hard to do if you follow security rules:
never tell anyone your private key and/or seed phrase;
use secured connection;
store your credentials in a secure place;
backup your wallet;
beware of scammers: do your own research before you trust anyone.
What is the private and the public key in my address?
Every address has a private and a public key. The public key in your address is your official address hash. This is what you see on your account, and this is what you tell the others if you want them to send you tokens and, visa versa, you find other accounts by their public keys. A private key is the second part of your address. Only you know it. Nobody else is supposed to know your private key since it ensures the privacy and security of your address. Never tell anyone your private key! To know more about accounts please see Mina accounts.
Why do some accounts have locked funds on their balance?
The accounts that have been in Mina after the Genesis block originally had their balances locked. These accounts formed the original staking pool in Mina, and the lock mechanism ensured the stability and consistency of the Mina blockchain. It’s impossible to send or withdraw locked tokens, only stake them. As these funds unlock, they begin to be available for transactions. Once all funds that are now still locked will become unlocked. You can see the information about locked funds on an account here in the Timelocks section. To learn more about accounts please go here.
With time locked funds get unlocked due to 2 mechanisms: cliff and vesting. With the cliff mechanism, a part of initially locked funds (cliff amount) will be unlocked when the cliff time comes in. Vesting means that the rest of the initially locked funds will keep unlocking, but gradually, in increments, according to the set vesting time, the vesting increment. The first initial locked balance is unlocked through the cliff mechanism, the rest are unlocked through the vesting mechanism.
For more information on locked and unlocked funds in Mina please go here.
Does Mina support cross-chain transactions?
Not at the moment, but this functionality is embedded in the roadmap. See Mina Roadmap.
Can I swap Mina for another cryptocurrency?
Yes, you can swap Mina for any cryptocurrency at swap crypto exchanges. Check FTX, Changelly, or Swapspace, for instance.
Can I somehow view the private key of the wallet created by Ledger?
You would have to use your seed phrase with the BIP39 tool. Some docs are here Export your accounts. Do not tell anyone your private key!
How can I add Mina to Metamask?
Mina is not supportable by Metamask, so you can’t do that. There is a dApp (ZkApp) that is designed to bridge Mina and Metamask - MinaSnap - but it’s being tested now and is not in prod yet.