> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://xeqmlabs.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://xeqmlabs.gitbook.io/docs/documentation/sn-operator-guide/create-open-your-wallet.md).

# Create/Open your Wallet

Your XEQM mainnet wallet will be stored inside your service node's data directory (data/sn01/) so it's available via the CLI running in the container.

### Create a new wallet

Run this command (create a wallet name & substitute a strong password — write it down somewhere safe):

{% code overflow="wrap" %}

```
docker exec -it sn01 /usr/local/bin/xeqm-wallet --generate-new-wallet=/data/WALLETNAME --password=MYPASSWORD --daemon-address=127.0.0.1:9231 --use-english-language-names
```

{% endcode %}

The wallet will:

1. Print your 25-word recovery seed — WRITE THIS DOWN AND STORE IT OFFLINE. Anyone with the seed controls the wallet.
2. Show your wallet's mainnet address (starts with XEQM9…).
3. Start syncing with the daemon.

Critical: The recovery seed is shown exactly once. If you lose it and the wallet file is deleted, your funds are gone permanently. Back it up to paper, encrypted storage, and/or a password manager — ideally in multiple places.

### Open an existing wallet

{% code overflow="wrap" %}

```
docker exec -it sn01 /usr/local/bin/xeqm-wallet --wallet-file=/data/WALLETNAME --password=MYPASSWORD --daemon-address=127.0.0.1:9231
```

{% endcode %}

### Get your address and wait for funds

Once inside the wallet prompt, type:

{% code overflow="wrap" %}

```
address
```

{% endcode %}

Copy your full address. This is what Spencer will send funds to.

After funds arrive, check your balance:

{% code overflow="wrap" %}

```
balance
```

{% endcode %}

You'll see two numbers — Balance (total) and unlocked balance. Transactions need 10 confirmations (\~10 minutes at 60s blocks) to unlock. You need the full 200,000 XEQM unlocked before you can register a solo node, or at least 100,000 XEQM unlocked for an open (operator + contributors) node.

Wait for the unlocked balance to match the total before moving on.

### Useful wallet commands

| Command | What it does                               |
| ------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| address | Show your wallet address                   |
| balance | Show total and unlocked balance            |
| refresh | Force the wallet to resync with the daemon |
| status  | Show wallet sync status                    |
| exit    | Close the wallet safely                    |

Exit the wallet (exit) before moving to the next step.

<br>