Wallets and security
Self-custody, backups, hardware wallets and privacy habits.
What is a Bitcoin wallet?
A Bitcoin wallet doesn't hold coins; it holds keys, finds the coins they control, and builds and signs transactions. Learn how to choose one.
Self-custody vs custodial
With self-custody you hold the keys and the responsibility; with a custodian such as an exchange, someone else does. Compare the risks and choose.
Hot and cold wallets
Hot wallets keep keys on an internet-connected device; cold storage keeps them offline and signs there. Learn how cold signing works and when to use it.
Hardware wallets
A hardware wallet stores your Bitcoin keys and signs transactions inside a dedicated device, so malware on your computer can't steal them. Learn how to use one.
How to back up a Bitcoin wallet
Write your seed phrase on paper or metal, store it offline, never digitally, and test that recovery works. A step-by-step guide to Bitcoin backups.
The seed passphrase ("25th word")
An optional passphrase combines with your seed to create a different wallet, protecting you if the seed is stolen. Learn the benefits and the risks.
Address reuse and privacy
Every payment to a reused Bitcoin address is publicly linked. Learn why a fresh address each time protects your privacy and how wallets do it for you.
Coin control
Coin control lets you choose exactly which UTXOs a Bitcoin transaction spends, for lower fees, better privacy and avoiding dust. Learn how to use it.
Watch-only wallets
A watch-only wallet tracks balances and builds transactions from public keys only, so it can never spend by itself. Learn its uses and privacy cautions.
PSBT: prepare, inspect and sign a Bitcoin payment
Follow a partially signed Bitcoin transaction through preparation, signing and finalization, with a worked fee example and clear privacy boundaries.
Why a pruned node cannot always rescan an old wallet
Understand the difference between validating old blocks and retaining them, and why wallet recovery can need historical data that a pruned node deleted.