Install and Use the Safepal Wallet Browser Extension A Setup Tutorial

Install the SafePal browser extension directly from the official Chrome Web Store or SafePal website to ensure you get the legitimate software. This step protects your assets from counterfeit extensions designed to steal your recovery phrase. The setup wizard will then guide you through creating a new wallet or importing an existing one using a secret recovery phrase or private key.

You will write down and securely store your 12-word mnemonic phrase during creation. SafePal never stores this phrase online, keeping full control in your hands. The extension immediately generates a unique receiving address for you to fund your wallet with cryptocurrencies like ETH, BNB, or SFP tokens.

Once set up, you can explore features like the built-in swap function, which lets you exchange tokens across 20+ blockchains without leaving your wallet interface. Connect to decentralized applications on Ethereum, BSC, and Polygon by approving secure connections through a clear pop-up window. The extension also displays real-time token prices and your portfolio balance across all supported networks.

Adjust transaction speed and network fees directly for each operation, giving you control over confirmation times and cost. Enable the extra security lock in the settings to require your password for every transaction, adding a consistent verification step. Regularly use the “Connected Sites” menu to review and revoke permissions for any dApp you no longer interact with.

Installing and Linking the Safepal Extension to Your Wallet

Open the Chrome Web Store and search for “Safepal Wallet Extension.” Confirm the developer is listed as “Safepal” and select Add to Chrome to install it.

After installation, click the new Safepal icon in your browser’s toolbar. You will see two clear options: Create Wallet or Import Wallet. Choose “Import Wallet” if you already use the Safepal mobile app.

For linking, select the Import via QR Code method. Now, open your Safepal mobile app. Navigate to Me > Settings > Wallet Connect and tap the Scan icon. Point your phone’s camera at the QR code displayed on the browser extension screen.

Your mobile app will show a connection request; approve it to establish a secure link. This process syncs your wallet addresses without ever typing your secret recovery phrase on the computer.

The extension is now an active mirror of your mobile wallet. You can check balances and approve transactions directly from your browser, but all signing still occurs securely on your mobile device for an added layer of protection.

Managing Assets and Performing Token Swaps Directly in the Browser

Open your SafePal extension and click the ‘Assets’ tab to see your complete portfolio. Your total balance updates in real-time, displaying each token’s current value and 24-hour change. This view gives you immediate insight into your holdings without needing to visit a separate block explorer.

Add custom tokens by clicking ‘Manage Tokens’ and pasting the contract address. The extension supports networks like Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Polygon, letting you track virtually any asset. You can hide tokens with zero balances to keep your list clean and focused on what you own.

To swap tokens, select the ‘Swap’ function from the main menu. Choose your input and output tokens; the interface shows you the expected amount and the exchange rate. You’ll also see the estimated network fee for the transaction before you confirm, helping you avoid surprises.

Check the slippage tolerance setting, especially for tokens with lower liquidity. A setting between 1% and 3% is common for major tokens, but you might increase it for less popular trades to ensure they complete. The extension displays the minimum amount you will receive, protecting you from significant price shifts during the swap.

Confirm the transaction details on the preview screen. The SafePal extension will ask for your password to sign the swap securely from your wallet. Once approved, you can monitor the transaction status directly in the extension’s ‘Records’ section, where a link to the blockchain explorer is provided for full transparency.

Use the integrated DApp browser to access decentralized exchanges directly for more advanced trading options. This feature connects your wallet seamlessly to platforms like PancakeSwap or Uniswap, giving you access to a wider range of trading pairs and liquidity pools without leaving your browser’s safety.

Configuring Security Options and Interacting with dApps

Immediately set a strong, unique password for your SafePal extension that you don’t use elsewhere.

Navigate to the extension’s settings and activate the “Transaction Signature” feature; this adds a critical verification step by requiring you to confirm every transaction on your connected SafePal hardware wallet, ensuring private keys never leave the device.

For daily use, adjust the “Auto-Lock Timer” to a short interval like one minute, which automatically locks the extension when idle, preventing unauthorized access if you step away.

Before connecting to any decentralized application, verify the website’s URL is correct and official. Bookmark trusted dApp sites to avoid phishing links from search engines.

When a dApp requests a connection, the extension will show a detailed permission screen. Scrutinize which wallet address and network it wants to access; only grant permission to sites you actively trust.

For token approvals, especially for DeFi protocols, use the built-in approval manager. You can find it in the extension’s menu to review and revoke any token spending permissions you’ve granted, keeping your asset exposure minimal.

Always check the transaction details pop-up from SafePal. Confirm the receiving address, network, and gas fee. The extension displays this clearly–never confirm if the details shown don’t match the dApp’s promise.

Keep your extension updated. SafePal releases patches that include security enhancements; enabling automatic updates ensures you have the latest protections as you explore new dApps.

Q&A:

I downloaded the Safepal extension but the setup screen is asking for a “Secret Recovery Phrase” or to “Create a New Wallet”. I don’t have a Safepal hardware wallet. Can I use this extension by itself?

Yes, you can use the Safepal browser extension as a standalone software wallet. If you are new to Safepal, you should select “Create a New Wallet”. This will generate a new Secret Recovery Phrase (a 12 or 24-word list) for your extension wallet. It is critical to write this phrase down on paper and store it securely offline. This phrase is the only way to restore your wallet and funds if you lose access to your computer or the extension. The hardware wallet option is for users who already own a Safepal device and want to connect it for more secure transactions.

How do I actually add a cryptocurrency like Bitcoin or Ethereum to my new Safepal extension wallet?

After setup, your wallet will be empty. To add a coin, first find the “Assets” tab. You will see a list of many supported coins that are currently hidden with a zero balance. Click the “+” or “Add Asset” button. Search for the coin you want, like “Bitcoin (BTC)” or “Ethereum (ETH)”, and toggle it on. This does not add the coin itself; it makes the wallet’s interface show a receiving address for that network. To fund your wallet, you then need to obtain your unique receiving address for that specific asset (like a BTC address) from the wallet and use it to send funds from an exchange or another wallet.

Is the Safepal extension safe from browser hackers? What are its main security features?

The Safepal extension includes several key security features. It operates as a non-custodial wallet, meaning your private keys (derived from your Secret Recovery Phrase) are stored locally on your device, not on a company server. The extension itself has built-in protection against phishing attempts by checking website domains. For any transaction, you must enter your custom wallet password to approve it. Its most significant security feature is integration with Safepal’s own hardware wallet. If you connect a Safepal S1 or S1 Pro device, your private keys are moved to the physical device, and all transactions must be manually confirmed on its screen, isolating your keys from the internet-connected computer entirely.

I connected my Safepal hardware wallet to the extension. Why do I still need to confirm transactions on the device screen? Can’t I just approve it in the browser?

The requirement to confirm on the hardware device is the primary security benefit. When connected, your private keys never leave the hardware wallet. The browser extension only prepares the transaction data. This data is sent to the hardware device, which displays the transaction details (like amount and recipient address) on its own secure screen. You must physically press the button on the hardware wallet to sign the transaction. This process ensures that even if your computer is compromised with malware, a hacker cannot alter the transaction or steal your keys, as they cannot access the isolated secure element inside the hardware device or press its physical button.

Can I swap tokens and connect to decentralized apps (DApps) directly from this extension?

Yes, the Safepal extension supports both token swaps and DApp interaction. For swaps, there is typically a “Swap” function that allows you to exchange one token for another directly within the wallet interface, often aggregating rates from various decentralized exchanges. For DApps, you can navigate to a supported decentralized application website in your browser (like a DeFi platform or NFT marketplace). When the site requests a wallet connection, the Safepal extension should pop up or display an icon, asking you to connect your wallet. After you approve the connection, you can interact with the DApp’s features, such as lending, borrowing, or minting, with transactions being signed and approved through your Safepal wallet.

I installed the Safepal extension, but the icon is gray and won’t open. What should I do?

This usually means the extension is not fully activated. First, click the puzzle piece icon in your browser’s toolbar to see your extensions. Find the Safepal Wallet and ensure the switch is set to “On” or the pin icon is clicked to keep it visible on your toolbar. If it’s already on, try refreshing your browser page. If the icon remains gray, close and restart your browser completely. This often resolves the issue by allowing the extension to initialize properly.