Phantom is a modern, self-custodial crypto wallet designed to manage digital assets and connect users to decentralized applications (Web3). It began as a Solana-native wallet and has expanded capabilities across multiple chains, available as browser extensions and mobile apps. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Phantom provides wallet + dApp connectivity with an interface designed for everyday users — send/receive, swap, and connect to on-chain apps without exposing private keys. The wallet supports browser extension workflows and mobile-driven interactions for smooth Web3 onboarding. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Though rooted in Solana, Phantom has expanded to support other ecosystems and integrations to make assets and applications on multiple chains available inside a single wallet UI. This multichain capability reduces friction for users who operate across ecosystems. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Phantom is self-custodial: users control their seed phrase and private keys locally — Phantom does not have access to users’ funds. This model gives full ownership but places responsibility for secure key handling on the user.
Phantom includes transaction previewing and proactive scam detection which warns users about suspicious or malformed transactions before they sign. These features aim to reduce common social-engineering and malicious-transaction risks. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
For users who want stronger protections, Phantom supports hardware wallet connections (for example, Ledger) so private keys can remain offline while transactions are signed. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
The wallet offers token swapping in-app, NFT viewing/management, and seamless dApp connections. These built-in tools reduce the need to use multiple apps when interacting with DeFi, NFTs, or other Web3 services.
Never share your seed phrase. Store it offline in a secure location. Phantom’s security guidance repeatedly emphasizes that the recovery phrase is the single most important secret for wallet recovery. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Keep operating systems and apps updated, enable device passcodes, and use anti-malware where appropriate. Phantom also recommends enabling locking and other in-app security settings. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Consider pairing a hardware wallet (Ledger or similar supported devices) for long-term or high-value holdings to minimize exposure of private keys on internet-connected devices. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Phantom publishes developer documentation and examples to integrate Phantom connectivity (connect, sign transactions) into dApps and web pages. Tooling includes SDKs and sandboxes for testing interactions. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Phantom maintains public repositories for various components (including blocklists and developer tooling) to help secure users. Community-visible code and blocklists support transparency and collaborative security improvements. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Because Phantom is self-custodial, users bear full responsibility for backups, device security, and safe signing practices. Loss of the seed phrase or compromise of signing devices often equals irreversible loss of funds.
Even with transaction previews and scam detection, phishing pages and fraudulent dApps exist. Always confirm domain names, uninstall suspicious extensions, and avoid signing unknown transactions.