Cryptocurrency Wallets – What They Are and How They Work?

Do you want to store multiple digital tokens without the hassle? Traditional wallets can only store one digital token at a time. Digital wallets such as Exodus and Jaxx allow storing multiple types of cryptocurrency on one platform. You can use them to access your digital tokens quickly, easily, and securely. That’s why a crypto wallet is a superior choice for storing multiple cryptocurrencies today. To know more about cryptocurrency wallets read our guide to blockchain wallet development. If you’re new to cryptocurrency, you might wonder what a wallet is and how it works like your digital gatekeeper of cryptocurrencies that allows access to your funds. A wallet can come in many forms – desktop, mobile, web-based, or hardware. Before choosing the right type of crypto wallet, you need to understand how they work and their pros and cons. This way, you’ll never lose your valuable funds again!

What is a Cryptocurrency Wallet? 

Crypto wallets are also known as ‘digital wallets’. Crypto wallets can store multiple types of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), Litecoin (LTC), etc., or even multiple types at once. You can also use them to store other digital assets like ERC20 tokens or any other currency that runs on blockchain technology. In other words, a crypto-currency wallet is a software program or device that allows you to store, send and receive digital currency.

Types of cryptocurrency wallets

There are two main types of wallets:

1. Custodial Wallets

Custodial wallets involve a third party that stores your cryptocurrency. They could provide enterprise-level data security for businesses. Some cryptocurrency exchanges offer custodial wallets for their customers, in which the exchange retains control over a customer’s private key.

2. Non-custodial Wallets:

A non-custodial wallet is user-centric, as each user ensures that the keys associated with such accounts are recovered and found. Now, let’s discuss the sub-categories of wallets;

1. Hot Wallet:

An online hot wallet is connected to the internet and remains vulnerable to hacking attempts. In addition, it is a software program that stores your keys on your computer.

2. Cold Wallet:

Online wallets are easier to access than cold storage wallets because they don’t require any connection to the internet. Nevertheless, hackers can steal your funds if you don’t take proper security measures. Therefore, the most secure way to store cryptocurrency is in a cold storage wallet. This type of wallet is an external device such as a USB flash drive or hardware wallet. These wallets require the user to physically access them, often by entering their password, for any transactions to occur.

Cold Wallet Vs Hot Wallet

The primary difference between hot and cold wallets is their security level.

Cold Wallet	Hot Wallet
Highly secure than a hot wallet, but it is harder to access. A physical device (usually a USB drive) that stores your cryptocurrency offline. Users can connect it to a computer to send or receive cryptocurrencies.	Less secure because they can be vulnerable to hacking if not set up correctly. Hot wallets are online wallets that allow you to access your funds anytime. More convenient than cold storage options as they don’t require you to connect devices.

Here’s how cryptocurrency wallets work: 

Understanding digital wallets is essential because they are designed to store and manage funds. There are many different types of wallets available in the market, each having its own benefits and features that make them unique. Crypto wallets work on computers or mobile devices as software applications where they store a user’s private keys. These wallets work with an internet connection to access the blockchain network that supports the cryptocurrency you’re using. In other words, cryptocurrencies are digital assets that exist as data, not physical objects. When someone owns cryptocurrency, they must have a public key and a private key pair. A set of two alphanumeric strings one can use to transfer ownership rights over the currency from them to someone else. The wallet finds all this information associated with your public address and sums up its amount in the app’s interface for display purposes. Let’s know the public and private keys;

Private Keys:

Having a private key means knowing a secret number only you know. It allows you to access your cryptocurrency and use it for payments or to transfer it to someone else.

Public Keys:

The public key is the address where other people can send you cryptocurrency. You can share this public key with anyone who wants to send you money.

Steps to send cryptocurrency

Sending and receiving cryptocurrency is as simple as using an application. There are several steps for sending or receiving coins from your wallet;

1. Enter the recipient’s wallet address
2. Choose an amount to send
3. Sign the transaction using your private key
4. Add the amount to pay the transaction fee
5. Voila, send it

Sending money is easy: The sender enters the address, goes through the same routine, completes the transaction and you receive the coin.

What is the best cryptocurrency wallet to use for your crypto?

Using a combination of hot and cold wallets is a wise option. Users should use a hot wallet for day-to-day transactions, while users should use a cold wallet to store long-term investments. You can choose from many types of software wallets if you use one. The question of which one is best depends on your situation, but let’s take a closer look at some common types.

1. Desktop wallets

A wallet that stores cryptocurrencies on a computer. They’re the most secure option available but require regular antivirus updates and backup plans because they are only as good as a user’s security habits.

2. Mobile wallets

A mobile wallet lets you keep and control your digital tokens on your phone. Mobile wallets are convenient for making in-person payments since they can generate QR codes that other users can scan to send currency directly into the app’s virtual “account.”

3. Web wallet

This online-based crypto wallet allows users to access and manage their digital assets from anywhere. However, since your passwords are on servers, the convenience comes at a price.

Are Cryptocurrency Wallets Necessary?

Yes, but only if the wallet can access a blockchain. Unfortunately, not all wallets can do this; you should keep your private keys on an offline computer until you need them. As a new investor, it can take a lot of work to figure out where to start. Moreover, cryptocurrencies are speculative investments, and their values can fluctuate wildly. Therefore, this article is not endorsing cryptocurrency.

Conclusion:

Crypto-wallet is a key component of the cryptocurrency world. It is important to choose a crypto wallet development that offers the best security and functionality for your specific needs. All the details about what is a cryptocurrency wallet and how it works that are mentioned above make it evident that It is essential to consult a qualified professional before making any financial Stay tuned with BloxBytes!