How to create a Bitcoin wallet
A bitcoin wallet is like a safe that keeps your Bitcoin just like the traditional fiat currency and a bank account, making it compulsory for every individual looking to invest in Bitcoin to know how to create a Bitcoin wallet. With the wallet, you can transfer, receive, and manage your Bitcoin.
The Bitcoin wallet is a software program that holds the “keys” and a bitcoin wallet address that enables you to send and receive bitcoin. Technically, Bitcoins are not stored anywhere. There is a private key (secret number) unique to the Bitcoin address of that wallet for every Bitcoin wallet. It is not stored in a wallet like cash is stored in your physical wallet. They only exist on the blockchain, which implies that you don’t have the physical currency. Rather, you own the combination of the keys that allows you to access the crypto and make transactions with it.
In simple terms, a Bitcoin wallet gives ownership of the Bitcoin address to the user and enables allows the user to transfer and receive funds. Your crypto is safe as long as you keep your keys safe. However, the Bitcoin wallet comes in many forms. Below are some forms of Bitcoin wallets and how to create a Bitcoin wallet.
Web/Online Bitcoin Wallets
The web wallet is a kind of wallet that stores your private keys on a server. It is always online and managed by a third party. Web wallets allow users to access their funds from anywhere, on any browser or mobile device.
Choosing your web wallet should be done carefully since it stores your private keys online. If not properly secured, the third party might gain access to your private keys, thus gaining total control of your funds. They are the most used wallet and the easiest to create and are referred to as one of the least secure wallet options. Therefore it is advisable not to store huge sums of Bitcoin on them. However, they are easier for sending, receiving, and saving small amounts of bitcoin. Some web wallet clients use a multi-signature process that allows you to have total control over your crypto, making them more secure. Coinbase and Remitano are just a few of many web wallet providers.
How to create a Bitcoin wallet online (Online wallet)
- Knowing how to create a Bitcoin wallet is very easy. Follow the simple steps below.
Go to Remitano and register. - You will need an email address and a strong password that will serve as your bitcoin wallet login. The email will also be used to verify your account anytime you want to login.
- It’s essential to use a strong password, preferably more than ten characters containing letters (Upper and lower case), numbers, and symbols.
- Your bitcoin wallet and other cryptocurrency wallet addresses will also be generated.
- Use your Bitcoin address to receive Bitcoin.
Mobile Wallets
As the name implies, this type of wallet stores your private key on your mobile. Just like other applications, the mobile wallet can be downloaded from the App Store or Google play store. It might seem like the crypto are on your mobile, but it’s not. It will be stored on the blockchain. Your wallet is a kind of keychain that holds the keys that give you access to your coins. For constant Bitcoin users, a mobile BTC wallet will be very useful as it is just an app on your smartphone, storing your private keys and allowing you to pay for things directly from your phone. Mobile wallets are not recommended for a huge number of bitcoin because of mobile safety and their connection to the web. Mobile wallets are susceptible to hacker attacks; however, you can protect your wallet by setting a strong password, multi-factor login, and securing your private key. Notwithstanding, this type of wallet isn’t totally secure since it’s easy to break or lose your phone.
Do you want to know how to Bitcoin wallet on your mobile (Mobile Bitcoin Wallet)? Follow the steps below.
Creating a Mobile Bitcoin Wallet
- Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play store (Android).
- Search and download a mobile wallet
- Sign Up using your email and Set a strong password that will serve as your bitcoin wallet login
- Go to your mail and confirm your account.
- Don’t forget to save your recovery phase, as it is very vital.
- Receive Bitcoin using your Bitcoin address.
Hardware Wallets
A hardware wallet is a unique type of Bitcoin wallet that stores the user’s private keys in a secure hardware device. It is the most secure way of storing Bitcoin, even in large amounts. These devices keep your private key secure, even when they are connected to the web. They can be connected to the manufacturer’s website, allowing you to make transactions, but they remain offline. You always need the device to authorize your transactions. It serves as a form of authentication before your bitcoin can be transferred to another wallet. They aren’t affected by computer viruses, and there have been no confirmed incidents of funds being stolen from a hardware wallet. Therefore, as long as you purchase your hardware device from a trustworthy and competent manufacturer, your funds will be safe and secure. Hardware wallets are the most secure type of Bitcoin wallet. Stay away from third-parties to prevent potential hacking.
Desktop Wallets
Desktop wallets are downloaded and installed on your computer and allow you to have total control of the wallet because private keys are stored locally on a hard drive. They are safer than online and mobile wallets, as they don’t need third parties for their data. However, because they are still connected to the internet, they might be prone to cyber-attacks and other potential risks. Bitcoin Core and Electrum are examples of desktop wallets.
Each bitcoin wallet has a unique alphanumeric bitcoin address. You can share this bitcoin wallet address with others to allow them to send coins to your wallet. For every newly created wallet, there will always be a unique, automatically generated bitcoin wallet address. Before you can buy bitcoin, you need to create bitcoin wallet and use the wallet to receive your first BTC.
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Akshay KS, @KhareemSudlow