Error creating new Wallet instance

[mhughdo]

Ethers Version

6.0.2

Search Terms

wallet, invalid BytesLike value

Describe the Problem

I couldn't create a new instance of Wallet using ethers v6.0.2, whereas I could do it using ethers v5.4.0.

Expect:

Actual:

Code Snippet

import dotenv from 'dotenv'
import {ethers, Wallet} from 'ethers'
dotenv.config()

const {PRIVATE_KEY} = process.env
let WSSUrl = ''
let provider = new ethers.WebSocketProvider(WSSUrl)

let account = new Wallet(PRIVATE_KEY, provider)

console.log(account.address)

Contract ABI

No response

Errors

TypeError: invalid BytesLike value (argument="value", value="valid private key", code=INVALID_ARGUMENT, version=6.0.2)

Environment

node.js (older than v12)

Environment (Other)

Node.js v18.14.0

[mhughdo]

After reading the source code, I realized I must prefix the private key with "0x". Ethers v5 does the prefixing automatically.
Maybe you should update the document to include this change.

[ricmoo]

I was debating whether to re-introduce that functionality. I really want to force people to include a 0x prefix, but I believe there is a popular piece of software that spits out keys without it. I have to look through my notes and figure out which software and if it is better now. :)

[mhughdo]

Thank you for your reply. In my case, I'm using Metamask, and it's still exporting the private key without the 0x prefix.

[ricmoo]

Ah yes... I think it was because of MetaMask. I'll re-add support.

Thanks!

[mhughdo]

Thank you. It'll be very helpful

[ricmoo]

Added in v6.0.5. Let me know if you still have any issues.

Thanks! :)