SignorCrypto note · CRYPTO
MyNearWallet Sunset: Access, Keys and Migration on NEAR
What the planned 31 October 2026 deprecation changes for users, and what stays on the NEAR blockchain
MyNearWallet, the web wallet for NEAR accounts, is planned to be deprecated on 31 October 2026, according to its official sunset page. That page states that accounts, tokens, staking positions, NFTs and other on-chain assets remain on the NEAR blockchain and are not held by MyNearWallet itself. What is being retired is the wallet service, which will be wound down in phases. Users will need to reach their accounts through a supported wallet or through keys they already control. The priority before the deadline is to confirm access and recovery, not to rush any transfer.
What the official sunset page says
The page describes a gradual process rather than a single switch-off. Its timeline is:
| Period | Stated phase |
|---|---|
| July 2026 | Awareness phase, with wallet notices, FAQs and migration information |
| August–September 2026 | Guided migration flows become available |
| October–December 2026 | Reduced functionality, focused on migration and recovery |
| 2027 onward | Recovery-focused state, then a static information page |
Two points need care. First, secondary coverage often describes the change as a closure on 31 October. The official wording is "planned to be deprecated", with functionality restricted in phases. Second, the page is marked "Last Updated: June 2026" and says that guided migration tools, wallet recommendations and step-by-step instructions "will be introduced over the coming months". Its own timeline already placed guided migration in August and September 2026. Readers should check the official channels for the current status rather than relying on any single timeline.
Why the wallet is not the account
On NEAR, an account is identified by an address and controlled through access keys. An account can hold several key pairs, each with its own permissions. A FullAccess key can transfer NEAR, add or remove keys, deploy contracts and call methods on any contract. A FunctionCall key can only call a specific contract and cannot transfer NEAR tokens.
A wallet is the software that uses these keys to sign transactions. This is the central distinction for the sunset. Verified: the official page says the assets are stored on the NEAR blockchain and not held by MyNearWallet. SignorCrypto analysis: the retirement of the wallet mainly threatens access continuity. The page says users will keep access to migration and recovery tools, but it does not describe any way to recover a lost key or a lost recovery phrase. Those risks depend on the user's own backup practices.
Checklist before 31 October 2026
- Identify your account. Write down the exact account ID, whether it is a named account such as alice.near or a 64-character implicit address.
- Verify your recovery phrase. Confirm that it is stored offline and that you can read it. Never type it into a website, a chat or a support form.
- Inspect your keys. Keys belong to the account, so any new wallet must be able to use a key that you control.
- Check staking positions. The official migration flow includes confirming balances and staking positions. Understand how any staked balance is handled before moving anything.
- Use official channels only. Start from the official sunset page and treat unsolicited migration messages with caution.
What the migration is expected to include
The official page lists four expected steps: select a preferred wallet or platform type, import and verify the account, confirm balances and staking positions, and optionally complete extra security steps. Meteor Wallet is "expected to be presented as the recommended migration path" across mobile, browser extension and web. The page also says users remain free to choose other supported NEAR wallets. When we read the page on 24 October 2026, it did not publish a final list of supported wallets, so that point remains open.
Frequently asked questions
Does the sunset move tokens automatically?
No automatic migration is described. The official page says users will be guided through importing and verifying their account, which implies user action.
Will support ever ask for a seed phrase?
Not according to the official page. It states that MyNearWallet, Meteor Wallet, the NEAR Foundation and legitimate support staff will never ask for a seed phrase, private key, recovery phrase or passwords. Treat any such request as an attempt to take control of your account.
Sources
- MyNearWallet Sunset & Migration Information: official timeline, migration steps and security reminder, marked last updated June 2026.
- NEAR Docs: NEAR Accounts: account identifiers and the multi-key model.
- NEAR Docs: Access Keys: FullAccess and FunctionCall permissions.
- CryptoTicker: MyNearWallet Shuts Down on October 31: secondary coverage, cited to document the "shutdown" framing.
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