Solflare JSON to Base58: How to Fix CLI Compatibility Issues (2025 Guide)

Getting "invalid keypair" errors when using Solflare backups with Solana CLI? You're facing a widespread 2025 issue where Solflare's JSON format clashes with CLI requirements. This guide will show you how to convert Solflare JSON keys to CLI-friendly Base58 format in under 3 minutes.

Why Solflare JSON Keys Fail in CLI

Solflare's 2025 JSON format includes extra metadata that causes Solana CLI compatibility issues:

Step 1: Convert Solflare JSON to Base58

Time needed: 2 minutes

1. Visit solana-keygen.com
2. Choose "JSON to Base58" tool
3. Upload your Solflare backup file (.json)
4. Click "Convert" → Copy raw private key

Step 2: Use in Solana CLI

With your Base58 key:

solana config set --keypair BASE58_KEY_HERE
solana balance  # Verify access

Troubleshooting CLI Key Issues

Error: "Invalid keypair"

Fix:

• Regenerate JSON backup in Solflare (Settings → Backup)
• Ensure you're using 2025 Solflare format

Error: "Unable to read keypair file"

Solution:

# Save key to file manually
echo "BASE58_KEY_HERE" > ~/.config/solana/cli-keypair.json

Advanced: Manual Conversion via CLI

For developers who prefer terminal workflows:

# Install Solflare parser
npm install -g solflare-key-converter

# Convert to Base58
solflare-convert --input backup.json --format base58

But most users prefer our web converter for simplicity.

2025 Security Alert: JSON Backup Risks

Recent phishing campaigns target Solflare JSON files. Always:

• ✅ Convert backups offline
• ❌ Never store JSON files in cloud storage
• 🔥 Delete JSON files after conversion

FAQ: Solflare Key Management

Q: Why does Solflare use incompatible JSON format?
A: Their encryption protects against browser-based attacks but sacrifices CLI compatibility.

Q: Can I automate JSON conversions for multiple wallets?
A: Yes! Our pro version supports batch processing for developers.

When to Use Base58 vs JSON

• Use Base58: CLI transactions, Phantom imports, scripting
• Use Solflare JSON: Mobile wallet recovery, encrypted backups

Need to convert back? Use solana-keygen new --outfile to generate CLI JSON from Base58 keys.