# 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.

Canonical page: https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/watch-only-wallets
Topic: Wallets and security
Published: 2026-10-29
Updated: 2026-10-30


## See everything, sign nothing
A watch-only wallet is loaded with public information, an [xpub](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/extended-public-keys-xpub) or a descriptor, instead of private keys. It can:
- show balances and history,
- generate new receiving addresses,
- build unsigned transactions for a [hardware wallet](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/hardware-wallets) to sign.

It **cannot** spend on its own.

> Diagram: A watch-only wallet prepares transactions; the keys stay offline — 

## Uses
- The online half of [cold storage](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/hot-and-cold-wallets).
- Checking savings on your phone without putting keys on it.
- Accountants, auditors or family members monitoring a wallet.
- Point-of-sale systems creating fresh addresses for each payment.

## Privacy caution
Whoever has the xpub sees every address and balance in that account. Load it only into software and services you trust, ideally connected to your own [node](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/what-is-a-bitcoin-node).

> A single address can also be "watched". MyBitcoinExplorer watchlists, in your free dashboard, can alert you on Telegram when a watched address receives or spends, with no keys involved.


## Watch addresses on MyBitcoinExplorer
Create a free account, open the dashboard and add addresses to a watchlist with private labels. Connect Telegram in settings if you want a message when a watched address receives or spends. No keys are ever involved.

## Watch-only for families
Giving a family member watch-only access lets them confirm savings exist, for example for inheritance planning, without any ability to move them.


## Key takeaways

- Watch-only wallets use public keys, so they can't spend.
- They pair with hardware wallets to sign offline.
- An xpub reveals the whole account, so share it carefully.

## Common questions

### Is a watch-only wallet safe if my phone is stolen?

The thief can't spend, but can see your balances and history.

### Can I watch a single address?

Yes, many wallets and explorers let you watch individual addresses.

### Can a watch-only wallet send bitcoin?

It can prepare a transaction, but a device with the private keys must sign it.

### Is watching an address private?

The service you use learns which addresses you watch, so choose one you trust.

## Related lessons

- [Extended public keys (xpub)](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/extended-public-keys-xpub)
- [Hot and cold wallets](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/hot-and-cold-wallets)
- [Hardware wallets](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/hardware-wallets)
- [What is a Bitcoin wallet?](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/what-is-a-bitcoin-wallet)