Secret scalar used to derive the one-time private keys that authorize spending. In an ordinary wallet, it is central to control of the funds.
From the wallet key to an output key
The private spend key is a secret scalar. In an ordinary wallet, it contributes to deriving the one-time private key for each received output. That one-time key participates in authorizing the later spend.
The corresponding public spend key is safe to include in a receiving address. Knowing the public key is not the same as knowing the private scalar. A sender needs public receiving information, not your private spend key.
References: Monero source: crypto/crypto.cpp · Standard address construction
Signing a payment offline
Consider a view-only computer preparing an unsigned transaction for an offline wallet. The online side can obtain chain data and assemble the request, but it cannot replace the signer's spending authority.
The offline wallet must inspect the destination and amounts before signing. Keeping the key offline does not make every unsigned request trustworthy. A malicious request can still ask the signer to approve a payment the owner did not intend.
References: Feather: offline transaction signing · Monero source: wallet/wallet2.cpp
Spend key, seed and wallet password
A recovery seed encodes material from which a supported wallet scheme reconstructs keys. The private spend key is a cryptographic value used by the wallet. A wallet password protects access to local wallet data in password-encrypted software wallets. These terms describe different layers.
Recovery details depend on the seed format and wallet. Do not assume that exporting one key preserves labels, transaction notes or every piece of wallet metadata. Follow the backup and restoration procedure for the actual software.
References: Monero source: wallet/wallet2.cpp · Feather: offline transaction signing
Confusions that expose funds
A private view key does not grant ordinary spending authority. A transaction secret key serves payment derivation or proof purposes and is not a substitute for the wallet spend key. Those secrets can still reveal payment information when disclosed.
Treat exposure of spending secrets as a loss of the wallet's intended access boundary. Changing a local password cannot invalidate an independently copied cryptographic key. Hardware and multisignature wallets can arrange spending authority differently from a simple software wallet.
References: Monero source: crypto/crypto.cpp · Monero source: wallet/wallet2.cpp
Related glossary terms
Practical guides
Technical baseline: v0.18.5.4. Reviewed 2026-11-08 UTC.