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Convert JSON Private Key to Base58 Format
This tool helps you convert Solflare's JSON private key format to the Base58 format required by Phantom wallet. Many users encounter a "deprecated format" error when trying to import Solflare keys into Phantom. This converter solves that compatibility issue by transforming your private key into the format that Phantom now expects, allowing seamless wallet migration.
Understanding the Deprecated Format Issue
When trying to import a JSON private key into Phantom wallet, you might encounter this error message: "This key appears to be in a deprecated format". This happens because:
Format Evolution
Earlier versions of Solana wallets like Solflare used JSON format to store private keys, which includes brackets, numeric arrays, and other JSON syntax elements. Newer wallet versions, including recent Phantom updates, have standardized on the more compact Base58 encoding.
Technical Differences
JSON format stores the private key data in an array structure that looks like [123,456,789,...]. Base58 encodes the same information in a shorter string using alphanumeric characters, making it more efficient for storage and transmission.
This converter bridges the gap between these formats, allowing you to continue using your wallet across different platforms and applications despite the technical format changes.
How to Convert JSON to Base58
- Locate your Solflare JSON private key (usually a long string containing brackets and numbers)
- Paste the entire JSON string into the text area above
- Click "Convert" to generate the Base58 format
- Copy the resulting Base58 key to import into Phantom wallet
- Test the imported wallet to confirm access to your assets
Common Issues & Solutions
| Error Message | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| "Deprecated format" | Phantom no longer accepts JSON format | Use this converter to get Base58 format |
| "Invalid private key" | Incomplete or corrupted JSON string | Ensure you've copied the entire JSON key without additional characters |
| "Invalid wallet" | Trying to import into wrong network | Verify you're on Solana network in Phantom settings |
| "Conversion error" | JSON format has syntax errors | Check for extra characters, missing brackets, or other JSON syntax issues |
| "This key is already imported" | Wallet already exists in Phantom | No action needed; your wallet is already available |
Complete Solflare to Phantom Migration Process
Converting your private key is just one step in the migration process. Here's a complete guide to migrating from Solflare to Phantom wallet:
- Make a list of all tokens and NFTs in your Solflare wallet
- Ensure you have your Solflare JSON private key or seed phrase accessible
- Download and install Phantom wallet from the official website or app store
- Consider the timing of your migration to avoid interrupting pending transactions
- Use this tool to convert your JSON private key to Base58 format
- Copy the resulting Base58 key to your clipboard
- Keep both formats secured until the migration is complete
- Open Phantom wallet and click "Import wallet"
- Select "Import private key"
- Paste the Base58 private key and follow the prompts
- Create a secure password for your Phantom wallet
- Confirm your SOL balance appears correctly
- Check for all expected tokens and NFTs
- If some tokens are missing, you may need to manually add them using their contract address
- For NFTs, you may need to wait for Phantom to index them (usually takes a few minutes)
Frequently Asked Questions
Phantom wallet has updated its key import system to only accept Base58 format keys, which are more standardized across the Solana ecosystem. The older JSON format that Solflare provided is now considered deprecated. This tool bridges that compatibility gap.
The change is part of an ecosystem-wide move toward more standardized key formats, improving security and compatibility across different applications and services.
No, your tokens and NFTs are stored on the Solana blockchain, not in your wallet software. The conversion simply provides a different format of the same private key. All your assets will remain accessible after you import the Base58 key into Phantom.
In some cases, you may need to manually add token contracts in Phantom to see certain tokens, or wait a few minutes for NFTs to appear as they are indexed by the wallet.
Yes, you can use both wallets simultaneously. Your wallet exists on the blockchain, and both Solflare and Phantom are just interfaces to access it. Converting your key format doesn't change anything about your actual wallet on the blockchain.
This means you can use Phantom on one device and Solflare on another to access the same wallet if you prefer. Just remember that any transaction you make in one wallet will be reflected in the other since they're accessing the same blockchain address.