Polkadot wallet on Acala

In our last article we talked about Talisman wallet from how to download to how to set up a new wallet and how to export existing wallets, link here
In this article we will talk about polkadot wallet and also a step to step guide on how

Introduction to polkadot.js

As we all know Acala is a parachain connected to Polkadot for security and cross-chain ability.
Polkadot.js stands as the leading choice for a non-custodial wallet within the Polkadot ecosystem. Given that Acala operates as a parachain on Polkadot, utilizing the Polkadot.js extension enables interaction with Acala's DeFi applications.
Polkadot.js is tailored to handle Polkadot's para-chain structure, which differs from single-chain wallets like MetaMask.

Installing Polkadot.js

Polkadot wallet is available for both chrome and other chromium based browsers like brave and Firefox. Click here to download the polkadot.js extension

This browser extension manages account transactions, like submitting DeFi transactions on Acala, but doesn't handle wallet functions or display balances. For wallet tasks, use Acala or set up the Polkadot.js browser plugin to access features like balance checking and DOT staking on Polkadot.js Apps website.

Once installed, pin the extension to your toolbar for quick access.”

Creating an account
* After installing the extension, click on the polkadot wallet logo on the top bar of your browser. You will see a browser pop-up like in the image below

• Click on the plus button or select Create new account from the small plus icon in the top right. The Polkadot{.js} extension will give you a seed phrase consisting of twelve random words which you will have to secure in a place you can easily have access to which is also not accessible by bad actors

Setting up your account name and password

*You can choose any name for the account; it’s just for your reference. However, when creating your password it has to be a very strong password as it protects the account information. You’ll need to input this password whenever you want to make transactions or sign messages with this account.

It's paramount to note that this password does NOT protect your seed phrase. If someone knows the twelve words in your mnemonic seed, they still have control over your account even if they do not know the password. Not only on Acala but every web 3 wallet that requires seed phrase

• After creating your password and backing up your seed phrase, click on network and set "Allow use on any chain".

Convert Address for different chain formats

If you're curious about how an account format appears on various networks within the Polkadot ecosystem, you can utilize the Subscan Address Transform tool.
Simply input an address on the left-hand side, then click the "Transform" button to view address formats for all chains on the right-hand side.

Migrating from polkadot to Talisman wallet

To migrate from Polkadot to Talisman wallet
*Click on this link to open the official guide on the steps and and pro and cons of migration

That will be all for polkadot.js wallet for now
In the next article we will look exclusively on subwallet. And a guide on how to go about installation and setting up
Incase you missed my article on Talisman wallet, you can click Here to take you to a comprehensive guide on Talisman wallet