# Import stand-alone private keys

This page described how to import private keys from a stand-alone wallet.

It is recommended you [learn more](/user-guide/import-keys) about performing this process and the prerequsites before you begin.

Mac and Linux only
The following instructions are for Mac and Linux only. Contact [Fordefi Support](mailto:support@fordefi.com) for procedures on Windows.

**Repeat these steps for each key you wish to import.**

1. Copy your private key in hexadecimal format. Trim the `0x` prefix if the private key includes one (that might be the case with Metamask).
2. Use the recovery-tool with the following command to create an import package. When prompted, choose a password of at least eight characters. This password will be used only for the import process. You will not need it once import has been completed (step 5).
`./recovery-tool import-standalone-key -k PRIVATE_KEY -t secp256k1`
3. Base64-encode your `fordefi-import.zip` package:
`base64 -i ./fordefi-import.zip -o encoded_backup.txt`
4. Call the [Import Keys](https://docs.fordefi.com/api/openapi/organizations/import_keys_api_v1_organizations_import_keys_post) endpoint on your import organization to import the recovery package. Notice that the import type is `standalone` :

```
{ 
 "key_name": "<your_chosen_name>",
 "type":"standalone",
 "backup_zip_content":"<content_of_encoded_backup.txt>"
}
```
The response is something similar to:

```json
    {
      "keys":[
        {
          "key_id":"60ebe771-b6d9-49f9-891e-23ebaa5c2f52",
          "key_name":"<your_chosen_name>",
          "key_type":"ecdsa_secp256k1",
          "key_origin":"imported","xpub":
          "xpub661MyMwAqRbcGQPhUBvp2tRt8SgUNnecmJHBLpuw5FsGzu7kyAiMuN7v36uzDmXpankZNDQDdbQCGmQxLpA4XhVbvh9x3RPNdSiPJiBHLtB","public_key_compressed":"Asik4W8bJMCCiHa8Dl0457DPetQDIiYhwM4cCnf1KJJO","supports_derivation":false
        }
      ]
    }
```
5. Open your **Fordefi mobile app** and interact with the **Import keys shares** prompt, click **Continue**, then enter the **password** you chose (in step 2) and tap **Import Key** to complete the import.

6. You can now find the new key and its ID in the response to a call to the [List Keys](https://docs.fordefi.com/api/openapi/organizations/list_keys_api_v1_organizations_list_keys_get) endpoint.


#### Next step

Continue to [Create Imported Vaults](/user-guide/import-keys-create-imported-vault).