How to Setup a Crypto Wallet?
If you intend to purchase cryptocurrencies via a trading platform or exchange, you will first require a crypto wallet. But what it is?
These digital wallets enable the sending, receiving, and storage of cryptocurrency. Similar to a bank account, which stores fiat cash (essentially any paper currency, such as the US dollar), crypto wallet store digital currencies such as bitcoin (BTC) and ether (ETH).
However, these wallets are not similar to a conventional bank account in terms of accessibility. Only those who have your wallet’s private keys can access the funds and the account details.
Here is how to decide which wallet to use and how to set it up, assuring the security of your stored cryptocurrency.
Hosted Wallet
This is the most basic wallet, capable of keeping all of your cryptocurrency immediately when you purchase it from any place that sells. Like a bank savings account, a third party holds your cryptocurrency for you. You don’t have to worry about losing access to the wallet, and even if you forget your password, you won’t lose your cryptocurrency. However, you will not have access to all of the features that other crypto wallets provide.
Here’s the list of simple steps you can follow to set up a cryptocurrency wallet –
- Select a dependable and secure platform that provides ease of use and complies with regulatory requirements.
- On the website, you may establish an account, pick a password to safeguard it, and enable 2-step authentication.
- You can also easily move existing cryptocurrency to your new hosted wallet.
Self-Custody Wallets
These wallets provide you complete control over your cryptocurrency, rather than depending on a third party to store it. Self-Custody wallets only provide the software to store your cryptocurrency; you must remember your password and accept responsibility for its security. There is no other way to access your crypto if you forget your password, also known as your “private key” or “seed phrase.” In other words, if a third party discovers your private key, they would have complete access to your crypto assets.
Self-Custody wallets have sophisticated functionality like yield farming, staking, lending, borrowing, etc. Here’s the list of steps you can follow to set up a self-custody crypto wallet –
- Get started with this wallet by installing an app and creating your account.
- You will not be required to disclose any personal information with the wallet, but you will need to select a 12-letter key that will enable you access to your online crypto wallet.
- You cannot acquire crypto with traditional currencies using this wallet.
- You must move your crypto from a non-custodial wallet.
What Functions Does Crypto Wallets Offer?
Some crypto wallets combine additional features such as token exchanging or staking, which creates a yield comparable to that of stock dividends or bonds. In addition, some wallets provide access to certain decentralized apps (DApps) established on various blockchain networks. The Metamask browser plugin, for instance, grants access to the Uniswap decentralized exchange (DEX).
While many consider a hardware crypto wallet more secure than software wallets, attaching a hardware wallet to your computer might be more cumbersome. Nevertheless, if you want to utilize a software wallet, you must ensure that the wallet provider you choose has a solid reputation and a history of secure operations. Since deposit insurance does not cover wallet breaches, due diligence is even more vital. Choosing a reliable software platform wallet with additional security measures will successfully safeguard your holdings.
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