diff --git a/ant-cli/src/wallet/error.rs b/ant-cli/src/wallet/error.rs
index 1dd8fa6c91..26ca97bcbe 100644
--- a/ant-cli/src/wallet/error.rs
+++ b/ant-cli/src/wallet/error.rs
@@ -24,8 +24,8 @@ pub enum Error {
     FailedToCreateWalletsFolder,
     #[error("Could not find private key file")]
     PrivateKeyFileNotFound,
-    #[error("No wallets found and No secret Keys found in ENV, create one using `wallet create`")]
-    NoWalletsFoundAndNoSecretKeysInEnv,
+    #[error("No wallets found. Create one using `wallet create` or supply a private key using the `SECRET_KEY` environment variable")]
+    NoWalletsFound,
     #[error("Invalid wallet selection input")]
     InvalidSelection,
 }
diff --git a/ant-cli/src/wallet/fs.rs b/ant-cli/src/wallet/fs.rs
index 1cf4bb3284..3d19614b0b 100644
--- a/ant-cli/src/wallet/fs.rs
+++ b/ant-cli/src/wallet/fs.rs
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 // KIND, either express or implied. Please review the Licences for the specific language governing
 // permissions and limitations relating to use of the SAFE Network Software.
 
-use crate::keys::get_secret_key_from_env;
+use crate::keys::load_evm_wallet_from_env;
 use crate::wallet::encryption::{decrypt_private_key, encrypt_private_key};
 use crate::wallet::error::Error;
 use crate::wallet::input::{get_password_input, get_wallet_selection_input};
@@ -118,6 +118,11 @@ pub(crate) fn load_wallet_from_address(wallet_address: &str) -> Result<Wallet, E
 }
 
 pub(crate) fn select_wallet() -> Result<Wallet, Error> {
+    // try if there is a wallet set in the ENV first
+    if let Ok(env_wallet) = load_evm_wallet_from_env() {
+        return Ok(env_wallet);
+    }
+
     let wallet_address = select_wallet_address()?;
     load_wallet_from_address(&wallet_address)
 }
@@ -137,11 +142,7 @@ pub(crate) fn select_wallet_address() -> Result<String, Error> {
     let wallet_files = get_wallet_files(&wallets_folder)?;
 
     let wallet_address = match wallet_files.len() {
-        0 => {
-            let secret_key =
-                get_secret_key_from_env().map_err(|_| Error::NoWalletsFoundAndNoSecretKeysInEnv)?;
-            Ok(secret_key)
-        }
+        0 => Err(Error::NoWalletsFound),
         1 => Ok(filter_wallet_file_extension(&wallet_files[0])),
         _ => get_wallet_selection(wallet_files),
     }?;