What is Exodus Web3 Wallet®?
Exodus Web3 Wallet® is a user-focused crypto wallet that lets you manage many cryptocurrencies, interact with Web3 apps, swap tokens, and keep custody of your private keys. It’s available as a desktop app, browser extension, and mobile app — this guide focuses on getting started with the desktop/browser extension and includes core security practices for safe crypto custody.
Before you begin
- Use an up-to-date computer and browser. Avoid public/shared machines for initial setup.
- Download Exodus from the official source only:
https://www.exodus.com. Do not use untrusted third-party links. - Have a private place and durable medium ready to record your recovery phrase (paper initially; consider a metal backup for long-term storage).
Installation & initial setup
- Download: Visit the official Exodus website and download the desktop app or browser extension for your platform.
- Install & open the app: Follow on-screen installer prompts. When you open Exodus Web3 Wallet® for the first time, choose Create New Wallet (or Restore if you already have a seed phrase).
- Set a strong password: Exodus will ask you to create a password to encrypt the local app data. This password protects casual access to the application but is not a substitute for your recovery phrase.
- Write down your recovery phrase: Exodus will display a recovery phrase (usually 12 or 24 words). Write these words down in order and store them offline. This phrase is the ultimate key to your funds — anyone with it can access your wallet.
- Verify the recovery phrase: The app typically asks you to confirm a few words from the phrase to ensure you copied them correctly.
Important: Never take photos of your recovery phrase, type it into online forms, or store it in cloud drives. Treat it like cash — physical, private, and backed up safely.
Adding and managing assets
Once your wallet is created, you can add tokens and cryptocurrencies. Exodus automatically shows many popular assets, and you can add custom tokens for networks like Ethereum if needed.
- Click Wallet and choose the asset to receive or send.
- To receive funds, click Receive, copy the address, and verify the address on your screen matches the dApp or sender.
- For sending, click Send, paste the recipient address, set an appropriate fee, and confirm the details before submitting.
Connecting to dApps and Web3
Exodus Web3 Wallet® can connect to decentralized applications (dApps) via browser integration or the in-app browser (mobile). When connecting:
- Only approve trusted dApps. Check community reputation, official domains, and audits where available.
- Review permission requests carefully — look for requests to spend tokens automatically or change account settings.
- Disconnect dApps when finished using them through the wallet’s connections manager.
Security best practices
- Backup your recovery phrase on a durable medium: Paper is acceptable near-term; a metal backup offers superior fire, water, and corrosion resistance.
- Use a hardware wallet for large balances: If you plan to hold significant funds, consider using Exodus together with a hardware wallet to keep private keys offline.
- Keep software updated: Regularly update the Exodus app and your device OS to receive security patches.
- Beware phishing: Double-check URLs and never enter your recovery phrase into websites or apps other than the official restore flow inside Exodus.
- Test recovery: If possible, test recovering a small amount on a secondary device to ensure your backup works before transferring large funds.
Troubleshooting common issues
- If the app won’t open, restart your computer and reinstall from the official site.
- If balances appear wrong, confirm the network (mainnet vs testnet) and check the transaction explorer for confirmations.
- If you suspect compromise, move funds to a new wallet you control after creating a fresh recovery phrase on a secure device.
Frequently asked quick questions
- Can I restore Exodus on another device?
- Yes — use your recovery phrase in the Exodus restore flow to regain access on another device.
- Is Exodus custodial?
- No — Exodus is non-custodial: you control the private keys via your recovery phrase.
- Should I store everything in Exodus?
- For everyday amounts, Exodus is convenient. For long-term cold storage of large sums, pair Exodus with a hardware wallet or use a dedicated hardware-only setup.