How to choose the right Flare wallet
Whether you’re looking to stake, delegate, or dive into DeFi on Flare, everything starts with the right wallet. For anyone new to Flare or crypto in general, understanding wallets is the first step to unlocking everything the ecosystem has to offer.
What is a crypto wallet?
A crypto wallet is an application or browser extension that serves as a digital interface to securely connect to a blockchain. Your wallet isn’t just another app — think of your wallet as a passport to everything onchain — whether to participate in DeFi, vote on governance proposals, or interact with decentralized applications (dApp).
Wallets are foundational to your crypto journey. To do anything within the Flare ecosystem, the same rules apply – you need a wallet.
With a crypto wallet, you can:
- Store your crypto securely while maintaining full control of your assets
- Send, receive, swap, and claim rewards
- Access and interact with dApps on Flare
Now that we know what a wallet is, let’s look at the factors that go into picking the right one.
What should I consider when choosing a wallet?
There are many wallet options available to Flare users, but not all wallets are created equal. Especially if you want to unlock all the features on Flare.
Flare-ready
Some wallets are Flare-ready, meaning they support the functionalities needed for interacting with the Flare blockchain.
A Flare-ready wallet lets you:
- Wrap FLR to WFLR for DeFi utility
- Delegate to the Flare Time Series Oracle for passive rewards
- Stake to support network security and earn
- Autoclaim your rewards, hassle-free
- Vote on Flare governance proposals
Let’s take a look at a few wallet options based on Flare functionalities available.
The more boxes ticked, the more you can do in the Flare ecosystem with that wallet. Make sure that whichever Flare-ready wallet you choose, it supports the functionalities you want to use.
Software or hardware wallet?
There are two main types of wallets: software and hardware. Flare-ready wallets, including the ones listed above, fall under either category. A software wallet lives on your device, while a hardware wallet is a physical device built for extra security.
Software wallets are perfect if you want something quick and easy for everyday use. Options like MetaMask, Rabby, or Bifrost make it simple to get started. They are often chosen in favor of hardware wallets for their ease of use and convenience.
Hardware wallets are the go-to for those prioritizing security and peace of mind. Devices like Ledger and D’CENT are built for holding your assets long-term and keeping them safe from online threats. Both types support Flare, so your choice really comes down to your personal habits, preferences, and how much security you want.
Setting up your first Flare wallet
Now that we know the Flare-ready wallet options available, let’s set up a wallet together for practice. For this demonstration, we’ll set up a MetaMask wallet.
- Download MetaMask on metamask.io
- Create wallet + save recovery phrase
- Go to Settings > Networks > Add Network
- Use chainlist.org/chain/14 to add Flare
- Connect, and that’s it! You’ve set up your first Flare wallet!
*Please note that a similar logic applies for all software wallets.
Using Your Wallet on Flare
With your wallet now set up and connected to Flare, you’ve unlocked your passport to the world of Flare DeFi and the greater Flare ecosystem. Here’s just a glimpse at what you can do next:
- Stake with protocols like SceptreLS to earn rewards and support network security.
- Delegate to FTSOs to earn passive income by helping power Flare’s unique data oracle system.
- Vote on governance proposals to have a direct say in the future direction of the network.
- Explore Flare DeFi by swapping tokens, adding liquidity, and discovering new dApps.
And soon, with wallets like Bifrost, you’ll even be able to mint FXRP (XRP on Flare) directly in-app.
What’s next?
Choosing the right wallet today means you're ready for tomorrow. You’re not just keeping your assets safe; you’re positioning yourself to take full advantage of what Flare and DeFi have to offer. Take time to explore your options, prioritize features that match your goals, and always keep your recovery phrase secure.
As the Flare ecosystem continues to evolve, so do wallet features and integrations. Stay tuned for new options like Luminite, a wallet designed specifically for seamless Flare onboarding and in-app dApp access.
Check out the full wallet guide and comparison table at: https://flare.network/wallets