# What is watch-only mode?

Source URL: https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-app/perform-advanced-wallet-operations/what-is-watch-only-mode
Updated: 2026-04-09T09:36:40.000Z
Category: Blockstream App
Section: Perform Advanced Wallet Operations

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Watch-only mode is an optional feature that allows you to log in to the Blockstream app with limited permissions. You can use watch-only mode for different purposes:

- To receive funds securely, with peace of mind knowing that adversaries cannot spend your funds if your device is stolen or compromised.
- To allow a third party to manage your wallet and receive transactions without the ability to spend your funds (e.g. for a shared business wallet).

In watch-only mode, you **can**:

- view all accounts and transactions associated with your wallet.
- generate addresses and receive new transactions.
- sweep private keys.

In watch-only mode, you **cannot**:

- send transactions from your wallet without an offline signer.
- view your recovery phrase.

## How Do I Set Up Watch-Only Mode?

[Review our guide](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-app/manage-2fa-accounts/set-up-watch-only-for-2fa-accounts) to set up your watch-only wallet. Also, you will only be able to update the watch-only credentials when logged in with full access.

Navigation: Blockstream Help Center > Blockstream App > What is watch-only mode?

## Related Articles in This Section
- [Sign message to verify wallet ownership](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-app/perform-advanced-wallet-operations/sign-message-to-verify-wallet-ownership)
- [Set up watch-only wallet](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-app/perform-advanced-wallet-operations/set-up-watch-only-wallet)
- [Speed up transaction confirmation](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-app/perform-advanced-wallet-operations/speed-up-transaction-confirmation)
- [Change exchange rate](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-app/perform-advanced-wallet-operations/change-exchange-rate)
- [Export PSBT](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-app/perform-advanced-wallet-operations/export-psbt)
- [Sweep funds from a private key](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-app/perform-advanced-wallet-operations/sweep-funds-from-a-private-key)
- [Set up testnet wallet](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-app/perform-advanced-wallet-operations/set-up-testnet-wallet)
- [Connect to Tor](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-app/perform-advanced-wallet-operations/connect-to-tor)
- [Set up a BIP39 passphrase](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-app/perform-advanced-wallet-operations/set-up-a-bip39-passphrase)
- [Verify the Blockstream app binaries](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-app/perform-advanced-wallet-operations/verify-the-blockstream-app-binaries)
- [What is watch-only mode?](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-app/perform-advanced-wallet-operations/what-is-watch-only-mode) (current)