How to Create a Proxy Account Print
Modified on: Tue, 15 Nov, 2022 at 12:17 AM
Polkadot allows users to set proxy accounts to perform a limited number of actions on their behalf. There are a few different types of proxies you can create. You can read about the differences in this wiki article.
Setting Proxies
1. To create a proxy account on the Polkadot-JS UI, navigate to the Accounts page and click on the three vertical dots next to the account you'd like to select.
2. Next, select Add Proxy.
3. Select the Add proxy button again in the menu below. This will allow you to set the proxy account and the type of proxy you wish to create.
4. Sign and submit the transaction. The proxy account will then be created, and is denoted with a blue symbol on the Accounts page:
NOTE: You cannot create an anonymous proxy type from the Accounts page; to do this you must be on the Extrinsics page. To create an anonymous proxy, follow these steps instead.
Removing Proxies
There are two ways to remove proxies using the UI. The first is by clicking the blue symbol to select "proxy overview."
The second is by selecting the menu next to your account and clicking Manage proxies where Add Proxy used to be:
Either method will present the same menu, in which you can remove individual proxy accounts, or clear all of them at once:
Types
Polkadot offers different types of proxies you can set, depending on the permissions use case. You can create the following types with the Polkadot-JS UI:
- Any - this proxy type has permission to make any type of transaction, including balance transfers.
- Non-transfer - this proxy type will allow any type of transaction except for balance transfers.
- Governance - proxies of this type can make transactions related to governance (Democracy pallet, Treasury pallet, etc).
- Staking - these proxies allow staking-related transactions. Not to be confused with controller accounts, which are needed for certain transactions. Staking proxies are meant to allow you to access your stash account less frequently.
- Identity Judgement - proxies that are in charge of allowing registrars to make judgement on an account's identity. See more information here.
- Auction - proxies of this type allow transactions related to auctions and crowdloans.
See more in-depth info about proxy types in this article.
What are they useful for?
Proxies are helpful for a few specific purposes because they add a layer of security. Rather than using funds in one sole account, smaller accounts with unique roles complete tasks for the main stash account.
For example, perhaps the owner of an account, Ferdie, wishes to delegate certain actions to her friend, such as decisions around crowdloan contributions. Rather than hand over her seed phrase, which would give that person full control over the account (and the ability to run away with the funds!), they can instead create an auction proxy and set their friend's account as the proxy account. The proxy account won't be able to submit other types of extrinsics such as balance transfers. This allows Ferdie to give her friend permission to execute crowdloan transactions on her behalf, in a more trustless manner.
Did you find it helpful? Yes No
Send feedbackDisclaimer: We always strive to provide you with the best support we can and we take all care to ensure that our instructions are accurate and concise. However, following these instructions properly, as well as the general management of your accounts and funds, is ultimately your responsibility. Web3 Foundation cannot be held liable for any accidental loss of funds or any other damage you might incur.
