# Import your validator keys

!!! tip
    `systemd` service file users will want to follow the [service file guide](./beacon-node-systemd.md#import-validator-keys) instead!

Having followed the [deposit](./deposit.md) guide, you will have a `validator_keys` folder containing several `.json` files in the `nimbus-eth2` directory.

We'll import the signing key of each validator to the [data directory](./data-dir.md) using the `deposits import` command:

=== "Mainnet"
    ```sh
    build/nimbus_beacon_node deposits import --data-dir=build/data/shared_mainnet_0
    ```

=== "Prater"
    ```sh
    build/nimbus_beacon_node deposits import --data-dir=build/data/shared_prater_0
    ```

!!! warning ""
    You'll be asked to enter the password you created to encrypt your keystore(s).

If your `validator_keys` folder is stored elsewhere, you can pass its location to the import command:

=== "Mainnet"
    ```sh
    build/nimbus_beacon_node deposits import \
      --data-dir=build/data/shared_mainnet_0 \
      /path/to/keys
    ```

=== "Prater"
    ```sh
    build/nimbus_beacon_node deposits import \
      --data-dir=build/data/shared_prater_0 \
      /path/to/keys
    ```

Replacing `/path/to/keys` with the full pathname of where the `validator_keys` directory is found.

On success, a message will be printed that your keys have been imported:
```
NOT 2022-07-19 17:36:37.578+02:00 Keystore imported
```

!!! note ""
    `NOT` is short for `NOTICE` and not not :)

After importing keys, it's time to [restart](./connect-eth2.md) the node and check that the keys have been picked up by the beacon node.

!!! tip
    You can read more about the different types of keys [here](https://blog.ethereum.org/2020/05/21/keys/) - the `deposit import` command will import the **signing key** only.

## Troubleshooting

If you come across an error, make sure that:

* You are using the correct [data directory](./data-dir.md)
    * for `systemd` users, look for the `--data-dir` option in the `.service` file
* You are running the command as the correct user
    * for `systemd` users, look for the `User=` option in the `.service`. Assuming the user is called `nimbus`,  prefix all commands with: `sudo -u nimbus`
* Permissions for the data directory are wrong
    * See [folder permissions](./data-dir.md#permissions) for how to fix this.