Config Subscan API key
Generate & use Subscan API key to enable authenticated access to Subscan’s data services on SubWallet.
Why do you need Subscan API key
To provide a more stable and secure experience for the Polkadot & Kusama ecosystems, Subscan (the primary block explorer used to track your transactions) has updated its access policies (check out this announcement for detailed information).
Previously, some data could be retrieved anonymously. However, Subscan now requires an official API Key to prevent service abuse and ensure high-speed data delivery. Without this key configured in SubWallet, certain advanced operations—such as detailed transaction histories or specific on-chain data visualizations—may fail to load or appear restricted.
Key changes to note:
Mandatory authentication: As of March 9, Subscan has restricted all unauthenticated access (requests without a key).
Enhanced stability: Using your own API key ensures your data requests are prioritized and unaffected by general network traffic or public limits.
Privacy & security: Registering for a key allows Subscan to provide a more secure environment for ecosystem partners and developers.
To continue viewing full transaction details and a seamless operational history within SubWallet, you must generate a free API key on the Subscan dashboard and enter it in your wallet settings.
Pro Tip: Subscan offers a Free Plan specifically designed for individual developers and ecosystem enthusiasts so that you can maintain full visibility of your assets at no cost.
Generate & config Subscan API key on SubWallet
Generate your Subscan API key on Subscan
Before configuring the API key on SubWallet, you must obtain it from the Subscan developer portal.
Step 1: Go to pro.subscan.io and sign up for a new account or login.
Depending on whether you have an account, select the tab that best suits your needs.
Step 2: Click the "Sign up" button if you don't have an account.
You'll be redirected to the Sign up screen.
Step 3: In the Sign up screen, you can choose to register using your email or your Substrate (Polkadot) address.
3.1. If you want to register using your email
Provide the required information as listed upon signing up via email.
Once done, tick the "I have agree to the terms of the Subscan user agreement" checkbox, then click "Sign Up".
3.2. If you want to register using your wallet address
Select the "Sign with Web 3.0 Address" option.
You'll be redirected to a wallet signing screen. Choose the wallet-connect option (Polkadot or EVM) you'd like to connect with, then click "Connect wallet".
The SubWallet browser extension will appear. Select the account you'd want to connect, then click "Connect".
Once connected, tick the "I have agree to the terms of the Subscan user agreement" checkbox, then click "Sign Up".
A signature request popup from SubWallet will appear, asking you to sign to prove you're the owner of the selected account. Click "Approve" to proceed.
Step 2: Click the "Login" button if you already have a Subscan account.
Step 3: You'll be redirected to the Login screen. From there, depending on the signing method you've used to create your account, choose the appropriate option.
3.1. If you want to login using your email address
Provide your email address & password, then click "Login".
3.2. If you want to login using your wallet address
Select the "Sign with Web 3.0 Address" option.
You'll be redirected to a wallet signing screen. Choose the wallet-connect option (Polkadot or EVM) you'd like to connect with, then click "Login".
A signature request popup from SubWallet will appear, asking you to sign to prove you're the owner of the selected account. Click "Approve" to proceed.
Step 4: Once you've logged in/signed up, you'll be redirected to the Subscan homepage. Click the Profile button at the top right of the screen, then choose "Manage" to access the account profile.
Step 5: In the Account profile screen, hover over the Dashboard section and then select the "Manage" button under the API key card.
Step 6: In the API services screen, click the "Add" button to create your API key. Skip this step if you've already created it.
Step 7: Enter a name for your API key. Once done, click "Create New API Key".
Step 8: Your Subscan API Key has been created! You can now get the key by clicking the Copy button. This action is needed so that you can paste it on SubWallet later.
Config API Key on SubWallet
Step 9: Open the SubWallet extension and click the 
icon in the top-left corner to get to the Settings section.
Step 10: In the Settings screen, select "Account settings".
You can also open the Settings screen by clicking on the account name to access the account selection tab. Then, click the 
icon to access the Settings section.
The Account settings option will not appear in the Expand view. If you happen to open the extension in this view, close the extension and reopen it.
Step 11: In the Account settings screen, click "Config Subscan API key".
Step 12: Enter the key obtained in Step 8, then click "Save" to save it in SubWallet. Once saved, the key will then be used to retrieve Subscan data for transactions on Subscan-supported networks.
That’s it—you’re all set! You can now track your real-time balance, transaction history, and more directly in the wallet using your free Subscan API key.
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