How do I enable an on-chain account?

Published on Oct 15, 2026Updated on Oct 15, 20264 min read
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This FAQ explains how to enable an on-chain account and how it relates to your OKX centralized exchange (CEX) account and Account Abstraction (AA) smart account.


Q: How do I enable an on-chain account?


After signing in to OKX and completing identity verification, go to a supported on-chain trading page for spot, perpetual futures, or prediction markets. Select Enable trading, then follow the on-screen instructions to enable on-chain trading.When enabling it for the first time, you will usually need to:

  1. Read and agree to the applicable terms shown on the page.

  2. Confirm that an eligible email address is linked to your account. If no email address is linked, or the current email address doesn't meet the requirements, follow the on-screen instructions to link or update it.

  3. Use an eligible existing passkey, or follow the on-screen instructions to create a new one.

  4. Use your passkey to verify and authorize the setup.

  5. Complete facial verification if prompted.

  6. Wait for the system to create and activate your on-chain account.

If you already use another supported on-chain trading product, the system may reuse your existing account setup, so you may see fewer steps. Follow the on-screen instructions to accept any outstanding agreements or complete any required verification. You won't need to set up an existing account again.

Q: Who can enable an on-chain account?

Availability depends on your region and account eligibility. If an enablement entry point appears on an on-chain trading product page, follow the on-screen instructions to apply. If no entry point appears, the service is not currently available to you.If you can't enable the account or access the trading page, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the required action.

Q: Do I need to create a new wallet or manage a private key myself?

When you enable an on-chain account, the system creates or links a dedicated Account Abstraction (AA) smart account for you. You don't need to import a separate Web3 wallet or manually enter a private key or seed phrase during everyday use.You can use an eligible existing passkey. If no passkey is available, the system will guide you to create a new one or, where supported by your device, use a passkey from another device. You can view and manage the relevant credentials on the Security settings page in User Center.Keep your passkey and its backup secure, and never share your authentication credentials with anyone. If you cancel the system passkey prompt, return to the original page and try again.

Both accounts are associated with the same OKX identity, allowing you to access on-chain trading through OKX. However, their account models, assets, and trading records are separate.

  • Your OKX CEX account is used for centralized trading, withdrawals and asset management

  • Your on-chain account is a smart account for on-chain trading and has its own on-chain address

  • Assets, positions, and order status are recorded by the relevant on-chain systems

As a result, your CEX account balance and on-chain account balance aren't automatically treated as the same funds. To move or use funds between the two accounts, follow the supported method shown on the product page.

An AA smart account provides the underlying account and authorization framework for your on-chain account. AA stands for Account Abstraction.In simple terms:

  • Your on-chain account is the trading account you use for the product

  • An AA smart account is the smart-account technology that supports it

AA lets on-chain trading use a passkey for account verification, authorization, account recovery, and other on-chain functions. Follow the instructions on the on-chain trading page to enable your on-chain account. You don't need to create a separate wallet.