> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.chipipay.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# getWallet

> Retrieves wallet information for an existing user by their external user ID. This method allows you to fetch wallet details for users who have already created wallets.

## Usage

```typescript theme={null}
const wallet = await serverClient.getWallet({
  externalUserId: "your-user-id-123",
});
```

### Parameters

* `externalUserId` (string): Your application's unique identifier for the user

### Return Value

Returns a Promise that resolves to an object containing:

* `publicKey` (string): The wallet's public address on StarkNet
* `encryptedPrivateKey` (string): The encrypted private key for the wallet

## Example Implementation

```typescript theme={null}
import { ChipiServerSDK } from "@chipi-stack/backend";

const serverClient = new ChipiServerSDK({
  apiPublicKey: process.env.CHIPI_PUBLIC_KEY!,
  apiSecretKey: process.env.CHIPI_SECRET_KEY!,
});

async function getUserWallet(userId: string) {
  try {
    const wallet = await serverClient.getWallet({
      externalUserId: userId,
    });

    console.log('Wallet found:');
    console.log('Address:', wallet.publicKey);
    
    return wallet;
  } catch (error) {
    if (error.message.includes('not found')) {
      console.log('No wallet found for user:', userId);
      return null;
    }
    
    console.error('Error retrieving wallet:', error);
    throw error;
  }
}

// Usage example
async function checkUserWallet(userId: string) {
  const wallet = await getUserWallet(userId);
  
  if (wallet) {
    console.log(`User ${userId} has wallet: ${wallet.publicKey}`);
    return wallet;
  } else {
    console.log(`User ${userId} needs to create a wallet`);
    return null;
  }
}
```

## Security Considerations

<Warning>
  **Important Security Notes:**

  * Never expose encrypted private keys in API responses
  * Validate user IDs before making requests
  * Implement proper access controls in your application
  * Use HTTPS for all communications
  * Log wallet access for audit purposes
</Warning>

<Note>
  Chipi never stores your decrypted sensitive data. All private keys remain encrypted and are never accessible to Chipi servers.
</Note>

## Related Methods

* [createWallet](/sdk/backend/methods/create-wallet) - Create a new wallet for users who don't have one
* [transfer](/sdk/backend/methods/transfer) - Send tokens from the retrieved wallet