What is a private key?

A private key is a long secret string that controls a single address in a single network.

• A recovery phrase produces private keys for all networks at once; a private key covers only its own address.
• A wallet imported by a private key works only in that network.
• Treat a private key exactly like the phrase: whoever has it can move the funds of that address.

The wallet lets you view a private key after confirming it is you. Do it only when you really need to import the address elsewhere, and never paste it into websites or chats.