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NEAR Externally Controlled Account Warning

What Does the Warning Mean?​

Gem Wallet checks whether the NEAR account still has a full-access key that matches the key derived from the wallet's recovery phrase. If that matching key is missing or has only limited function-call permission, Gem Wallet can mark the account as Externally Controlled.

The recovery phrase may still open the wallet and display its public balance, but it no longer has the full access needed to control that NEAR account. Another key may be able to transfer funds or change the account's access keys.

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Do not send NEAR or tokens to an account displaying this warning. Adding NEAR for a network fee will not restore control, and whoever holds a valid full-access key may take the deposit.

How Can a NEAR Account Become Externally Controlled?​

NEAR accounts can have multiple access keys with different permissions. A full-access key can transfer funds, deploy contracts, and add or remove other keys. A function-call key is limited to specified contracts or methods.

The warning can appear when:

  • The full-access key derived from the imported recovery phrase was removed.
  • That key was replaced by a different full-access key.
  • The account contains only a limited function-call key for the imported wallet key.
  • Someone shared a recovery phrase for a wallet they had already placed under another key's control.

The last case is commonly used as a honeypot scam. A wallet appears to contain assets, but anyone importing the published phrase cannot move them. The scammer waits for a victim to deposit NEAR for fees and then removes that deposit.

What Should I Do?​

If Someone Gave You the Recovery Phrase​

Treat the wallet as a scam:

  1. Do not send assets or fee funds to it.
  2. Do not attempt to claim its displayed balance.
  3. Remove the wallet from Gem Wallet.
  4. Block and report the person or account that shared the phrase.

There is no legitimate reason for a stranger to publish a funded wallet's recovery phrase.

If You Created the Wallet Yourself​

Assume the recovery phrase or a full-access key may have been compromised:

  1. Do not deposit more assets into the affected NEAR account.
  2. Check the account and its access keys with a reputable NEAR explorer.
  3. Review other accounts derived from the same recovery phrase.
  4. Create a new wallet with a new recovery phrase on a trusted device.
  5. Move any assets you still control to the new wallet.

If the matching full-access key has already been removed, Gem Wallet cannot restore it. Changes to NEAR access keys are recorded on the blockchain and cannot be reversed by a wallet app or support team.

Can Gem Wallet Support Unlock the Account?​

No. Gem Wallet is self-custodial and does not hold a master key, recovery copy, or administrator permission for your NEAR account. Support cannot override the account's current on-chain access keys.

Anyone who asks for your recovery phrase, private key, payment, or remote device access to “unlock” the account is attempting to scam you.

How Is This Different From a Function-Call Key?​

A function-call key is a normal NEAR feature used to grant limited access to particular contracts and methods. It does not provide the full control required for ordinary wallet ownership.

Gem Wallet expects the key derived for its NEAR address to have full access. If the account has only limited permission for that key, the wallet warns you because the imported recovery phrase cannot fully control the account.

For the general warning and guidance for other networks, see Externally Controlled Account. If your own phrase may be exposed, follow What to Do If Your Secret Phrase Is Exposed.