# Importing a Wallet

MetaMask allows users to import wallets created externally using either a Private Key or a Keystore file.

## STEP 1 - Selecting Import Option

* Open MetaMask and navigate to the **wallet list** to view existing wallets.
* Select "Add Account" or "Add Hardware Wallet", then choose "Import Account" to proceed.
* Depending on the import method, enter a Private Key or upload a Keystore file.

<figure><img src="https://1213101573-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fim6M65ZKMXUcKE8zSRGC%2Fuploads%2FzdEUo5tXeYofjMXUimwh%2F%E1%84%86%E1%85%A6%E1%84%86%E1%85%A1%E1%84%8B%E1%85%A7%E1%86%BC%E1%84%86%E1%85%AE%E1%86%AB8.png?alt=media&#x26;token=591adca3-992d-4323-955a-260356f9d63a" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## STEP 2 - Importing via Private Key

* Choose "Private Key" as the import method.
* Enter the Private Key of the wallet you wish to import and complete the process.

<figure><img src="https://1213101573-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fim6M65ZKMXUcKE8zSRGC%2Fuploads%2FZNo0rPKAlQ8QFofxA2Tr%2F%E1%84%86%E1%85%A6%E1%84%86%E1%85%A1%E1%84%8B%E1%85%A7%E1%86%BC%E1%84%86%E1%85%AE%E1%86%AB9.png?alt=media&#x26;token=2257c077-89aa-44cb-8d2c-77eed5c9c0d1" alt="" width="349"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## STEP 3 - Importing via Keystore File

* Choose "JSON File" as the import method.
* Upload the Keystore file and enter the password used when the file was created.
* Confirm to complete the wallet import process.

<figure><img src="https://1213101573-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fim6M65ZKMXUcKE8zSRGC%2Fuploads%2FCGEDDmTmW7PBYKhP7Gm8%2F%E1%84%86%E1%85%A6%E1%84%86%E1%85%A1%E1%84%8B%E1%85%A7%E1%86%BC%E1%84%86%E1%85%AE%E1%86%AB10.png?alt=media&#x26;token=8d00a0a1-bf17-42a2-a720-046a4e7df73e" alt="" width="530"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>