HD wallet derivation path and account index explained (BIP-style control in GreyWallet)

If you have searched “import seed phrase empty wallet,” “wrong derivation path,” or “account index crypto wallet,” you already know the pain: the words are correct, but the balance is zero. In hierarchical deterministic (HD) wallets, the recovery phrase is necessary — and often not sufficient. Path and index decide which account you actually open.

A correct phrase on the wrong path or index derives a different, valid, empty account. That is not a failed import — it is a different wallet.

Common restore mistake

What an HD wallet derivation path is

An HD wallet uses one recovery phrase to generate a tree of keys. The derivation path tells the wallet which branch to follow for a given chain family. Different wallets historically used different defaults. GreyWallet shows the family default during create and import, and lets you customize when you need to match an existing account.

GreyWallet is one advanced wallet — not a “basic vs pro” split. Derivation controls are part of the standard create and import flows on iOS and Android.

The four steps, in order

1. Phrase length

When you create a wallet, choose 18, 21, or 24 words. Longer phrases are a preference, not a higher security “grade.” Import uses the phrase you already have — length must match what was generated originally.

2. Chain family

Bitcoin, EVM, Solana, Aptos, Sui, XRP, and Tron each have their own key space and default path. Selecting EVM will not surface a Bitcoin or XRP account from the same phrase. Network tabs in the app (for example Base vs Arbitrum) sit inside the EVM family — they are not separate phrases.

• Bitcoin — UTXO family. Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Dogecoin.
• EVM — Ethereum, supported L2s, and Cronos share the EVM signing model.
• Solana — independent family and path.
• Aptos / Sui — Move families; Movement sits with Aptos.
• XRP and Tron — each their own family and path.

3. Derivation path

Keep the recommended default unless you are restoring an account that lived on a custom or legacy path. Custom paths are addresses in the HD tree, not passwords. If you edit a path, record it with the phrase — GreyWallet cannot infer a path you did not save.

Defaults are recommended. Customize only when you have a reason — usually matching an existing wallet’s documented path.

4. Account index

Account index is not limited to 0, 1, and 2. Index 0 is typically the first account. If you used index 12 elsewhere, import must use 12 — not 0 — or you will open a different account under the same phrase and path.

Create vs import

1. 01Create — generate a new phrase on device, review family, path, and index before you fund the account.
2. 02Import — enter an existing phrase, then match the original family, path, and index exactly.
3. 03Save custom paths before switching families when the flow requires it.
4. 04If balances look empty, re-check network view, then family, path, and index — in that order.

SEO FAQ: common searches answered

Why is my balance zero after I imported my seed?

Usually the phrase is fine but family, derivation path, or account index does not match the original wallet. Confirm you are viewing the correct network, then re-import with the path and index that wallet used.

Is a longer seed phrase safer?

Longer phrases increase entropy. In GreyWallet, 18 / 21 / 24 is a preference during create — not a marketing tier. Operational security (offline backup, never sharing the phrase) matters more than length alone.

Can one phrase work on Bitcoin and Ethereum?

One phrase can back accounts across families, but each family uses its own default path. You must select the correct family (and path) for the account you want to open.

For the full sequence, open Advanced derivation in Features and the Derivation articles in Docs. GreyWallet keeps these controls in-product so restores stay precise.