Introduction

Users can have multiple identities or DIDs on Polymesh, and multiple keys associated with each DID (although keys can only be associated with one DID). However, not all keys are of the same kind.

Users can optionally configure secondary keys to permit access to specific things on-chain. Like primary keys, a secondary key can sign transactions on behalf of an identity, but its permissions are limited to only certain actions, portfolios, or assets. Secondary keys can be added or removed by the primary key of its identity at any time. Learn more about secondary keys here.

How to assign a Secondary key with the Polymesh App

Step 1 - Primary key owner to create an authorization

First of all, the primary key owner creates an authorization targeting the secondary key.
Open the Polymesh App then fill in the data:

When all data are filled, click on Submit Transaction then confirm and sign the transaction with your wallet.

Step 2 - Secondary key owner to retrieve authorization ID

The next step is that the owner of the secondary key queries the blockchain for its authorization ID.
Go to the Polymesh App then fill in the data as per below:

Selected state query: select Identity then Authorizations
Paste the secondary Polymesh from your wallet (which begins with 2) to the field Identity: PolymeshPrimitivesIdentityId
Click off the “include option” toggle
Click the+button at the top right to see the AuthID
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This will get you the authorization ID for the JoinIdentity call. Copy it as you will need it at the next step (54603 in this example):

Step 3 - Secondary key owner to accept incoming authorization

The final step is that the owner of the secondary key accepts the authorization to join the primary key's identity.

using the selected account: Select the secondary key.
submit the following extrinsic: Select identity then joinIdentityAsKey
authId: Enter the AuthID you've gathered in the previous step (54603 in this example).
Click here to see this image at full resolution.
Click on Submit Transaction then confirm and sign the transaction with your wallet.