> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.polkagate.xyz/polkagate/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.polkagate.xyz/polkagate/polkagate-extension-user-guide/import-account/restore-from-file.md).

# Restore from File

If you have a JSON file containing your account information exported from a Polkadot-supported wallet, you can import these accounts into the extension. 

You’ll first encounter this option on the onboarding page after installing the extension — simply click the **Already have accounts** button and then click the **Restore from File** button, as shown below.

<figure><img src="https://129318620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FDDJNhJVFiHXUkYj2IXXu%2Fuploads%2FJLliemJQHDKMDmATUJIt%2FScreenshot%202025-10-13%20121931.png?alt=media&amp;token=90969a58-9844-43b4-9d05-48da2461339e" alt=""><figcaption><p>Already have accounts (full-screen)</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://129318620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FDDJNhJVFiHXUkYj2IXXu%2Fuploads%2FSave0Hwll6wqUo0OuwdU%2FScreenshot%202025-10-13%20123119.png?alt=media&amp;token=1b79652d-d33b-4a49-870c-703658e02d99" alt="" width="234"><figcaption><p>Already have accounts (extension)</p></figcaption></figure>

If you already have accounts in the extension and want to restore additional accounts from a file, simply open the **Account Menu** in the top corner and select **Import Account** (this will redirect you to the **Already have accounts** page).

<figure><img src="https://129318620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FDDJNhJVFiHXUkYj2IXXu%2Fuploads%2FXm4iN04xmY5j64ky5j7w%2FScreenshot%202025-10-13%20135200.png?alt=media&amp;token=2f57552f-f61e-4b03-aad6-181b2decd915" alt=""><figcaption><p>Account Menu (full-screen)</p></figcaption></figure>

Alternatively, you can go to **Settings**, open **Account Settings**, and then click **Import Account**.

<figure><img src="https://129318620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FDDJNhJVFiHXUkYj2IXXu%2Fuploads%2FLnTZZP7qnrQBA5gdk9ZG%2FScreenshot%202025-10-13%20135710.png?alt=media&amp;token=3965e08e-7ada-465b-9dda-35aea7c550b7" alt=""><figcaption><p>Account Settings (full-screen)</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://129318620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FDDJNhJVFiHXUkYj2IXXu%2Fuploads%2FmnXJftkETFJca6QMyX7y%2FScreenshot%202025-10-13%20135928.png?alt=media&amp;token=c0dbcd1e-19fa-4886-97da-d2e93a8fb619" alt="" width="235"><figcaption><p>Account Settings (extension)</p></figcaption></figure>

When you click **Restore from File**, you’ll see a page where you can either drag and drop your JSON file or click the **Browse** button to select the file.

<figure><img src="https://129318620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FDDJNhJVFiHXUkYj2IXXu%2Fuploads%2FL5gYvQ2LrUcPZYVFEueK%2FScreenshot%202025-10-13%20140404.png?alt=media&amp;token=76a744ea-9129-4ea5-8a7c-3bb775b89a69" alt=""><figcaption><p>Restore from File (full-screen)</p></figcaption></figure>

Once you select the JSON file, all accounts stored in it will be displayed. Check the accounts you want to import, enter the file password, and then click the **Restore** button to add them to your extension.

<figure><img src="https://129318620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FDDJNhJVFiHXUkYj2IXXu%2Fuploads%2FGOHUEf7TXm4UabIZ5B9U%2FScreenshot%202025-10-13%20141033.png?alt=media&amp;token=df9535cd-6565-4f5f-916f-9295d42575e4" alt=""><figcaption><p>Restore from File (full-screen)</p></figcaption></figure>

**Important Note:**

The way passwords work during account import depends on your situation:

1. **If this is your first time using the extension:**
   * **If you import a batch file (multiple accounts):**\
     You will be redirected to **set a master password** right away.
   * **If you import a single account (not a batch file):**\
     The password you enter for that account will automatically become your **master password**.
2. **If you already have accounts in the extension:**
   * When importing new accounts, **if the passwords of the new accounts are different from your current master password**, you will be redirected to **migrate those new accounts to your existing master password**.

This system ensures all accounts are protected under one secure master password.

If you experience any issues with passwords, please refer to the [**Master Password** ](/polkagate/polkagate-extension-user-guide/master-password.md)documentation page.