Remy Froissart, CNRS

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 Common Problem Solutions

Install the browser extension directly from the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons marketplace. This step prevents the risk of counterfeit software. Immediately after adding it, pin the extension to your toolbar for one-click access during transactions.

Your seed phrase is the only key to restoring access. Write these 12 or 24 words on paper, store them offline, and never digitize them in photos or cloud documents. The software will prompt you to create a strong password; this encrypts the local data on your device, not your blockchain account.

Connect to networks like Osmosis, Juno, or Secret Network by using the “Manage Chain Visibility” menu. For advanced interactions, manually add a chain by inputting its RPC, REST, and prefix details obtained from the respective community's documentation. Adjust gas fees manually on the “Configure” tab before signing to prioritize speed or cost.

If a transaction stalls, first check the chain's status on external block explorers. Clear the extension's cache via the settings menu. For persistent connection errors, manually switch the RPC endpoint to a public alternative provided by community-run infrastructure services. Always ensure your browser and the extension itself are updated to their latest versions.

Q&A: I downloaded the Keplr extension but the setup screen isn't loading. It's just blank. What should I do?

This is a common issue with browser extensions. First, try a hard refresh of the page by pressing Ctrl+F5 (or Cmd+Shift+R on Mac). If that doesn't work, check if you have any ad-blockers or script-blockers (like uBlock Origin or NoScript) active on the extension's page—you may need to disable them for the setup. Another fix is to right-click the Keplr icon, select “Manage extension,” and ensure it has the necessary permissions. If the problem continues, uninstall the extension, restart your browser, and install it again from the official Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons site.

What's the difference between a seed phrase and a password in Keplr? I'm confused about what each one protects.

Your seed phrase (usually 12 or 24 words) is the master key to your entire wallet. It generates all your account addresses and private keys. Anyone with this phrase has full control over your assets, forever. You write it down on paper and store it securely. It's used only to recover your wallet if you lose access. The password, which you create during setup, is different. It only encrypts the wallet data stored locally *on your current device*. It protects your wallet from someone who physically uses your computer. It does not recover your wallet on a new device. If you forget the password, you can re-import your wallet on a new device using the seed phrase and set a new password. Never store your seed phrase digitally.

Can I use one Keplr wallet for both Cosmos Hub (ATOM) and Osmosis (OSMO)? How do I add the Osmosis chain?

Yes, a single Keplr wallet can hold assets from many interconnected blockchains. After setting up with ATOM, adding Osmosis is straightforward. Open the Keplr Wallet dApp extension and look at the network dropdown at the top. Click it and scroll down. You should see “Osmosis” listed. Simply select it. Keplr will ask for permission to add the Osmosis chain. Confirm, and the network will be added. Your Osmosis address will be derived from the same seed phrase as your ATOM address. You can now switch between ATOM and Osmosis networks in the dropdown to view balances and make transactions on each. To get OSMO tokens, you can use the “Deposit” function on the Osmosis tab to transfer assets from another chain or use a centralized exchange.

I delegated my ATOM to a validator, but now I don't see the tokens in my available balance. Are they gone?

Your tokens are safe. When you delegate ATOM to a validator, you are staking them. These staked tokens are locked and securing the network, so they no longer appear in your liquid, transferable balance. You can view them in the “Staking” section of your Keplr wallet when connected to the Cosmos Hub network. There, you'll see the total amount you have staked, any pending rewards, and the validator you chose. To get the tokens back as liquid ATOM, you must “undelegate,” which starts an unbonding period (currently 21 days for Cosmos Hub). During this time, the tokens earn no rewards and cannot be transferred. Only after this period will they return to your available balance.