Beginner
Wallet
Also: crypto wallet, wallets
Software or a device that stores the keys you need to access and move your crypto.
Your coins live on the blockchain, not in the wallet. The wallet holds the private keys that prove they’re yours.
Related terms
- Private keyA secret number that proves ownership of crypto. Anyone who has it can move the funds.
- Seed phraseA list of 12 or 24 words that can recreate all the private keys in a wallet. Never share it.
- Hardware walletA small physical device that keeps your private keys offline and signs transactions without exposing them.
- Self-custodyHolding your own private keys instead of trusting an exchange or other company to hold them for you.