How to Create a Monero Command Line Wallet
Overview
This tutorial shows you how to download, verify, and create a Monero command line wallet on Windows, Mac, and Linux. The CLI wallet (monero-wallet-cli) is best suited for intermediate to advanced users who want direct control, scripting capability, or a minimal interface without GUI dependencies.
The Monero wallet securely stores your private keys and allows you to check your balance, send, and receive Monero. The Monero daemon (monerod) connects to the network and monitors for new transactions. These are separate programs that work together.
Important: Running a local node (monerod) requires downloading the full blockchain, which is currently over 200 GB and can take several days to sync depending on your hardware and connection. If you cannot accommodate this, consider using a remote node or the Monero GUI wallet in Simple Mode instead.
Security First: Always verify your downloads using GPG signatures and SHA256 checksums. This tutorial includes verification steps to protect against corrupted or malicious files.
Step 1: Download Monero CLI
Visit the official Monero downloads page and download the appropriate package for your operating system. The current version as of January 2026 is 0.18.4.5 "Fluorine Fermi".
Windows
- Create a new folder (e.g.,
C:\Monero) - Download
monero-win-x64-v0.18.4.5.zipfrom getmonero.org to this folder - Extract the zip file by right-clicking and selecting "Extract All"
- Open Command Prompt and navigate to your folder:
Linux (Debian/Ubuntu)
- Download the Linux 64-bit CLI package:
- Extract the archive:
macOS
- Download the macOS package:
- Extract the archive:
Step 2: Verify Your Download (Critical)
Never skip verification. This step confirms your download is authentic and has not been tampered with. A compromised wallet could result in permanent loss of funds.
Quick Verification (SHA256 Checksum)
Download the official hashes file and compare checksums:
Compare the output hash with the corresponding entry in hashes.txt. They must match exactly.
For maximum security, verify the GPG signature of hashes.txt following the official verification guide.
Step 3: Start the Monero Daemon (monerod)
The daemon connects to the Monero network and downloads the blockchain. This process can take several days on first sync depending on your hardware and internet connection. The blockchain is currently over 200 GB.
Windows
Linux/macOS
What to Expect
You will see log output showing block synchronization progress:
- Starting sync: "Syncing from block height X"
- During sync: "Synced XXXX/XXXXXX" with download speed
- Fully synced: "You are now synchronized with the network. You may now start monero-wallet-cli"
Important: Leave this terminal window open. The daemon must remain running for the wallet to function.
Sync Time Expectations
- Fast connection + SSD: 1-2 days
- Average connection + HDD: 3-5 days
- Slow connection: Up to 1 week
Alternative: Use a remote node to skip blockchain download (see FAQ below). This trades some privacy for immediate wallet access.
Step 4: Create Your Wallet
Once monerod is running (it does not need to be fully synced), open a new terminal window and start the wallet.
Windows
Linux/macOS
Wallet Creation Process
Follow the on-screen prompts:
- Wallet name: Choose a name (e.g., "my-wallet")
- Confirm creation: Type
Y - Set password: Enter a strong password (this encrypts your local wallet files)
- Confirm password: Re-enter your password
- Language: Select seed language (0 for English)
Example output:
Step 5: CRITICAL - Save Your 25-Word Seed Phrase
After wallet creation, you will see a message like this:
WARNING - READ CAREFULLY:
- Write down all 25 words in order on paper immediately
- Store in a secure physical location (fireproof safe, safety deposit box)
- Never store digitally (no photos, no cloud storage, no email)
- Never share with anyone - anyone with these words controls your Monero
- This is your only backup - if you lose both your wallet files and seed, your funds are permanently lost
Common Mistake: Many users skip this step or store the seed insecurely. The seed phrase is more important than your wallet password because it can recreate your wallet on any device.
After writing down your seed, the wallet will complete initialization:
You are now at the wallet prompt and can begin using commands.
Step 6: Essential Wallet Commands
Your wallet is now created and connected to your running daemon. Here are the essential commands:
View Your Address
Type address to see your public Monero address:
You can safely share this address with others to receive Monero. Never share your seed phrase or private keys.
Check Your Balance
Refresh Blockchain Data
Get Help
Exit Safely
Always use the exit command when closing the wallet:
This saves your wallet state. Forcing a close (Ctrl+C) may require re-syncing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the initial blockchain sync take?
The initial sync downloads the entire Monero blockchain (currently over 200 GB) and can take anywhere from 1 day to 1 week depending on your hardware and internet connection. An SSD and fast connection significantly reduce sync time. The daemon shows progress as it syncs, and you can create your wallet before the sync completes, but you won't see incoming transactions until the blockchain is current.
Why this matters: Unlike some cryptocurrencies, Monero's strong privacy features result in a larger blockchain that takes longer to verify. This trade-off ensures transaction privacy and network security.
Common misunderstanding: Many users expect wallet creation to be instant like mobile wallets. CLI wallet creation is instant, but the daemon sync is separate and time-intensive. Plan accordingly.
Can I use the CLI wallet without running my own node?
Yes. You can connect to a remote node instead of running monerod locally. This allows immediate wallet use without downloading the blockchain. However, connecting to a remote node introduces privacy trade-offs: the node operator can see your IP address and the timing of your requests (though they cannot see transaction amounts, recipients, or your balance).
Why this matters: Running your own node provides the strongest privacy guarantees, but remote nodes are practical for users who cannot accommodate the storage or sync time requirements. For maximum privacy, always run your own node when possible.
Practical implication: If you're traveling or using a device with limited storage, connecting to a trusted remote node is acceptable. Use --daemon-address when starting the wallet to specify a remote node.
Common misunderstanding: Some users believe remote nodes can "see" their transactions. While remote nodes see your IP and query patterns, Monero's cryptography ensures transaction details remain private.
What's the difference between my wallet password and seed phrase?
Your wallet password encrypts the wallet files on your computer and is only needed when opening the wallet on that specific device. Your 25-word seed phrase is your master backup and can recreate your wallet on any device, even if you forget your password or lose your computer. The seed phrase is more critical than the password because it controls your funds permanently, while the password only protects your local files.
Why this matters: If someone steals your wallet files without the password, they cannot access your funds. But if someone obtains your seed phrase, they have complete control of your Monero regardless of passwords.
Practical implication: Use a strong, unique password for your wallet, but protect your seed phrase as if it were cash. Never store your seed digitally, even in "secure" password managers.
Common misunderstanding: Users often confuse the wallet password with the seed phrase. The password is changeable and local; the seed phrase is permanent and universal.
Why do I need two terminal windows open?
The daemon (monerod) and wallet (monero-wallet-cli) are separate programs that must both run simultaneously. The daemon handles blockchain synchronization and network communication, while the wallet manages your keys and transactions. This separation allows advanced users to run the daemon on a separate machine or server for improved security and performance, and it enables one daemon to serve multiple wallets.
Why this matters: This architecture provides flexibility and security. You can run your daemon 24/7 on a dedicated machine while accessing your wallet only when needed, or run both on the same machine.
Practical implication: If you close the daemon, your wallet will not be able to check for new transactions or broadcast sends. Always keep the daemon running when using your wallet.
Common misunderstanding: Users expect a single application like GUI wallets. The CLI design prioritizes control and separation of concerns over simplicity.
What happens if I forget my wallet password?
If you forget your wallet password but still have your 25-word seed phrase, you can completely restore your wallet on any device using the seed. Simply delete your old wallet files, run monero-wallet-cli, and choose the "restore from seed" option when creating a new wallet. You'll set a new password, but your Monero balance and transaction history will be fully recovered once the wallet re-scans the blockchain.
Why this matters: The seed phrase is your ultimate backup. Passwords can be changed or forgotten, but the seed phrase is permanent and sufficient to recover your funds.
Practical implication: If you lose your seed phrase, there is no recovery possible. No one—not the Monero developers, not support teams, no one—can help you recover your funds without the seed.
Common misunderstanding: Some users believe a forgotten password means permanent loss. As long as you have your seed, your funds are safe.
How do I know my daemon is fully synced?
Watch the daemon terminal window. When fully synced, you'll see the message: "You are now synchronized with the network. You may now start monero-wallet-cli". Additionally, the daemon will display the current block height matching the network height (visible at block explorers like xmrchain.net), and you'll see periodic messages showing it's receiving new blocks in real-time rather than bulk-syncing historical blocks.
Why this matters: Until sync completes, your wallet cannot detect incoming transactions that occurred before the daemon's current sync point. If someone sent you Monero yesterday and your daemon is still syncing blocks from last week, those funds won't appear yet.
Practical implication: You can create your wallet before sync completes, but always verify your daemon is fully synced before expecting to see recent incoming transactions.
Common misunderstanding: Users often think their wallet is "broken" when funds don't appear immediately. In most cases, the daemon is still syncing.
Next Steps
You now have a working Monero CLI wallet. To send and receive Monero, continue to our guide on How to Send and Receive Monero on the Command Line.
Before sending or receiving:
- Confirm your daemon is fully synced
- Verify your seed phrase backup is secure and readable
- Test with a small amount first
- Never reuse addresses across different wallets (CLI handles this automatically)
For advanced operations including transaction proofs, multi-signature setups, and hardware wallet integration, see the official CLI wallet reference.
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