Coldkey/Hotkey

A dual-key system that secures TAO tokens and enables network participation.

What is a Coldkey?

A coldkey protects your TAO tokens and handles critical operations. It stays encrypted on your device and requires a password to use. You need a coldkey to:

Transfer TAO tokens
Create new subnets
Delegate to validators

INFO ABOUT COLDKEYS

The coldkey generates a public address that starts with "5". This address lets others send TAO to your wallet. Keep your coldkey's mnemonic (seed phrase ) safe, as it controls access to your funds.

What is a Hotkey?

A hotkey manages your network activities. It comes unencrypted by default for easy use. Each coldkey can have multiple hotkeys for different tasks like:

Running miners
Validating network activity
Participating in subnets

Hotkeys can also act as parent hotkeys, creating child hotkeys to manage subnet activities. While hotkeys can't access your main funds, you can encrypt them for extra security.

Key Relationships

Your coldkey links to all your hotkeys, but each hotkey connects to only one coldkey. In subnets, your hotkey becomes your network identity. You can use one hotkey across different subnets, but each subnet needs a unique hotkey. This setup lets you participate actively while keeping your funds secure.