How to Migrate Your Opera Crypto Wallet on Desktop

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As Opera transitions its digital wallet offerings, users of the Opera Crypto Wallet on desktop—particularly within Opera One and Opera GX—are facing important changes. Starting July 15, 2025, the ability to add new assets to the wallet will be disabled. Then, by January 1, 2026, the entire Crypto Wallet feature will be removed from the browser. If you're currently using this wallet, it's crucial that you migrate your assets to a new non-custodial crypto wallet before that deadline.

Failure to act could result in permanent loss of access to your digital assets. This guide walks you through every step of the migration process, explains why this change is happening, and helps you make informed decisions about your next wallet.

Why Is Opera Phasing Out the Crypto Wallet?

Opera has shifted its focus toward MiniPay, a new non-custodial wallet built on the Celo blockchain. However, it's essential to understand that MiniPay is not a direct replacement for the Opera Crypto Wallet.

While the original Crypto Wallet supported a wide range of cryptocurrencies and tokens, MiniPay is designed specifically for stablecoin transactions, primarily using a US dollar-pegged stablecoin. This means it doesn’t support Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other decentralized crypto assets in the same way.

👉 Discover secure ways to manage your crypto during this transition.

Because of this fundamental difference, Opera is urging all current Crypto Wallet users to proactively migrate their holdings to another trusted non-custodial wallet—such as MetaMask, Trust Wallet, or a hardware wallet like Ledger or Trezor.

What Happens If You Don’t Migrate?

Between July 15, 2025, and January 1, 2026, the Opera Crypto Wallet will remain accessible—but only for migration purposes. During this window:

After January 1, 2026, the wallet will be completely removed from the browser interface. Any remaining assets will no longer be accessible through Opera, and recovery will only be possible if you’ve securely backed up your 12-word secret recovery phrase.

How to Find Your Opera Crypto Wallet Recovery Phrase

Your secret recovery phrase (also known as a backup phrase) is the master key to your digital assets. It’s a sequence of 12 words that allows you to restore your wallet in any compatible non-custodial platform.

Follow these steps to retrieve it:

  1. Check your records – If you previously wrote down your recovery phrase, locate it now. Never store it digitally (e.g., as a photo or note on your phone).
  2. Locate the Crypto Wallet icon – Open your Opera browser and look for the wallet icon in the sidebar. If it’s missing, click the three dots at the bottom of the sidebar and enable Crypto Wallet.
  3. Open the wallet – Click the icon and wait for it to load. If prompted, sign in with your wallet password.
  4. Look for the retirement notice – If you see a banner saying “Opera Wallet is retiring”, click Migrate assets now to begin the recovery process.
  5. Access backup phrase manually (if no banner) – Click the Settings (gear) icon and select Backup phrase.
  6. Enter your password – Confirm your wallet password. Your 12-word recovery phrase will appear on screen.
  7. Write it down securely – Record every word in order, on paper, and store it in a safe place. Do not share it with anyone.
⚠️ Important: If you’ve forgotten your password and don’t have your recovery phrase, you may still be able to retrieve it via your Opera Account, provided you previously linked your wallet. Choose “I already have a wallet” → “Use Opera Account”, sign in, and repeat step 5.

How to Transfer Assets to MetaMask

One of the most popular migration destinations is MetaMask, a widely trusted browser extension wallet. Here’s how to move your assets:

  1. Retrieve your 12-word recovery phrase using the steps above.
  2. Visit MetaMask.io in your Opera browser (or any browser).
  3. Install the MetaMask extension.
  4. During setup, choose “Import an existing wallet”.
  5. Enter your recovery phrase when prompted.
  6. Set a new password for MetaMask.
  7. Confirm you’ve saved the phrase securely.

Once imported, your account balance—including tokens and NFTs—should appear automatically, as they exist on the blockchain and are tied to your private keys.

👉 Securely manage your crypto with tools trusted by millions.

Can You Use Other Wallets?

Yes. While MetaMask is a common choice, you can import your recovery phrase into any compatible non-custodial wallet, including:

Just ensure the wallet supports the same blockchain networks (e.g., Ethereum, BSC, Polygon) where your assets are held.

🔐 Always download wallets from official sources. Never enter your recovery phrase on phishing sites.

What About Opera Points and Cashback?

Good news: If you’re part of the Opera Points or Opera Cashback programs, this change does not affect you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Why is Opera removing the Crypto Wallet?

Opera is focusing on MiniPay, a streamlined stablecoin wallet for fast peer-to-peer payments. The broader crypto wallet is being retired to simplify the browser experience and align with new product priorities.

❓ Can I still access my assets after January 1, 2026?

No. After this date, the Crypto Wallet will be removed from the browser entirely. Access will only be possible if you’ve backed up your recovery phrase and imported it into another wallet.

❓ Is MiniPay a replacement for the Crypto Wallet?

No. MiniPay only supports stablecoins (like cUSD) and does not function as a full crypto wallet for holding diverse tokens or interacting with dApps.

❓ What if I lose my recovery phrase?

If you lose both your recovery phrase and password, and didn’t link your wallet to an Opera Account, your assets cannot be recovered. Always back up your phrase securely.

❓ Can I use a hardware wallet after migration?

Yes. Once you have your recovery phrase, you can import it into compatible software (like MetaMask) that connects to hardware wallets for enhanced security.

❓ Will this affect mobile users?

This notice primarily targets desktop users of Opera One and Opera GX. Mobile users should check official Opera channels for any related updates.

Final Steps: Secure Your Crypto Future

The deprecation of the Opera Crypto Wallet isn’t just a technical update—it’s a call to action. Your digital assets are only as secure as your ability to control them independently.

👉 Stay ahead with secure, future-ready crypto tools today.

Take these final steps now:

  1. Retrieve and write down your 12-word recovery phrase.
  2. Choose a trusted non-custodial wallet.
  3. Import your wallet and verify all assets are present.
  4. Consider transferring funds to a hardware wallet for long-term security.
  5. Remove sensitive data from your browser after migration.

By acting before January 1, 2026, you ensure full control over your digital wealth—without relying on a single platform.

Core Keywords:

This transition marks a shift toward more specialized financial tools—but also reinforces the importance of self-custody in the decentralized world. Stay informed, stay secure, and keep your crypto under your control.