MAEXO

Wallet

Glossary

Security & custody

Wallet

Software or hardware that stores the private keys controlling your crypto.

Definition

In depth

A crypto wallet doesn't actually 'hold' coins — it holds the private keys that prove ownership of on-chain balances. Wallets come in software (MetaMask, Phantom), hardware (Ledger, Trezor) and custodial (exchange-held) varieties.

Related

Related terms

Private key

The secret number that controls a crypto address. Never share it.

Seed phrase

A 12-or-24-word backup that can restore your entire wallet.

Self-custody

Holding your own private keys instead of trusting an exchange or custodian.

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