> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.tokenpocket.pro/en/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.tokenpocket.pro/en/blockchain-basics/watch-wallet.md). # What is a watch wallet? A watch wallet is a type of wallet that allows users to view on-chain assets and transaction records using only a wallet address. It does not require importing a mnemonic phrase or private key, and it cannot directly initiate transfers, approvals, or DApp interactions that require a signature. Simply put, a watch wallet works like a “read-only” wallet. Users can use it to view asset balances, transaction records, NFTs, DeFi status, and other information under a specific address, but they cannot directly control the assets through this wallet. On the blockchain, assets are recorded on-chain, and the balance and transaction history of any public address can be queried. A watch wallet is built on this feature, allowing users to conveniently view and manage address information without exposing their private keys. *** #### How a Watch Wallet Works The core principle of a watch wallet is: only the wallet address is imported, while the private key or mnemonic phrase is not. When a user adds a watch wallet in TokenPocket, they only need to enter or scan the target wallet address. TokenPocket will read public data from the corresponding blockchain network based on that address, such as asset balances, transaction records, token information, and more. Since a watch wallet does not contain a private key or mnemonic phrase, it cannot complete transaction signing. In other words, a watch wallet can “view,” but it cannot “move” assets. If users need to transfer assets, approve permissions, swap tokens, or participate in DApp operations, they still need to use a wallet that holds the private key or mnemonic phrase to complete the signature. *** ### How to Create a Watch Wallet A watch wallet is a wallet type that only imports the wallet address and is used to view on-chain assets and transaction records. It does not import the mnemonic phrase or private key and cannot directly complete transaction signing. Therefore, it is more suitable for asset viewing, address monitoring, and working together with a cold wallet to complete on-chain operations. In cold wallet usage scenarios, the watch wallet is usually installed on an online device. Users can use the watch wallet to view the assets of the cold wallet address, initiate transaction requests, and generate QR codes that need to be signed by the cold wallet. The cold wallet remains offline and completes the signing process by scanning the QR code. Simply put, the watch wallet is responsible for “viewing assets and initiating transactions,” while the cold wallet is responsible for “offline signing.” When used together, they allow on-chain transactions to be completed without exposing the private key to the internet. *** **Enter the Add Wallet Entry** 1. After opening TokenPocket, tap the “Add Wallet” icon in the upper-right corner of the wallet homepage.
After entering the “Select Network” page, select the public chain network for which you want to create the watch wallet. For example, this tutorial uses “BNB Smart Chain.” *** **Select Watch Wallet** 2. After selecting the target network, enter the wallet creation or import page and select “Watch Wallet.”
A watch wallet only requires the wallet address to be imported. It does not require a mnemonic phrase or private key. Therefore, the watch wallet can only be used to view assets and transaction records, and cannot independently initiate or sign transactions. *** **Import the Wallet Address** 3. Enter or paste the wallet address that you want to observe, then set the wallet name according to your needs.
Please make sure the address is correct and that the selected network matches the address. If the address or network is incorrect, the assets displayed in the watch wallet may be inconsistent with expectations. After confirming the information, tap the import button to complete the watch wallet creation. ### FAQ #### Is the money in a Watch Wallet mine? The assets displayed in a Watch Wallet do not necessarily belong to you. A Watch Wallet is used to view blockchain data through a public wallet address, such as asset balances and transaction history. Since blockchain addresses and on-chain data are publicly accessible, anyone who knows a wallet address can add it as a Watch Wallet and view its on-chain information. In other words: * If the address in the Watch Wallet is your own wallet address, then the assets shown belong to you. * If the address in the Watch Wallet is not yours, then the assets shown do not belong to you. * A Watch Wallet only allows you to view an address; it does not mean you control that address. * Whether you truly own the assets depends on whether you have the private key, seed phrase, or signing permission for that address. Simply put, a Watch Wallet is like a “read-only window.” It allows you to see what assets are held by an address, but it does not prove that you own or control those assets. *** #### Why can’t a Watch Wallet transfer funds? A Watch Wallet cannot transfer funds because it does not have the private key, seed phrase, or signing permission for the address. On the blockchain, sending a transaction is not just clicking a button. Every transfer must be signed by the private key corresponding to the wallet address. Only after the transaction is signed can it be broadcast to the blockchain network. A Watch Wallet only imports the public address. It does not import the private key or seed phrase associated with that address. Therefore, it can only view on-chain information and cannot perform actions that require a signature. A Watch Wallet can usually be used to: * View the asset balance of an address * Check transaction history * Monitor cold wallets, multisig wallets, or other addresses * Manage the display of multiple on-chain addresses If you want to transfer funds from that address, you need to securely import the corresponding private key or seed phrase, or use a wallet device that has signing permission. [Use with Cold Wallet Authorization](https://help.tokenpocket.pro/en/wallet-management/wallet-management/how-to-use-watch-wallet-and-cold-wallet)