Hardware Wallets

How Bitcoin hardware wallets protect private keys, sign transactions, and reduce exposure to online attacks.

What is a Hardware Wallet?

A hardware wallet stores private keys in isolated hardware and signs transactions without exposing those keys to any connected computer.

Hot Wallet vs. Cold Wallet

A hot wallet keeps private keys on an internet-connected device. A cold wallet keeps them offline. Learn the difference, the risks of each, and when to use which.

What is Air-Gapped Signing?

Air-gapped signing means private keys never touch a networked device. The transaction moves via QR code or physical media, not a network connection.

What is a Bitcoin Software Wallet?

A Bitcoin software wallet stores your keys on a phone or computer. Learn the types, what threats they face, and when a software wallet is and is not the right tool.

What is Bitcoin Multisig?

Multisig requires signatures from more than one private key before a transaction can be authorized, eliminating any single point of failure.

2-of-3 Multisig Explained

A 2-of-3 multisig wallet requires any two of three keys to spend. Learn how to design a quorum, distribute keys, handle key loss, and why 2-of-3 is the most common multisig setup.

Collaborative Bitcoin Custody vs Solo Multisig

Collaborative custody gives a third party one key in your 2-of-3 wallet. Solo multisig means you hold all keys. Learn the tradeoffs: control, complexity, cost, and recovery.

What is a PSBT?

A PSBT is a standard format that separates transaction construction from signing. Learn how PSBTs work, why they matter for hardware wallets, and the difference between BIP174 and BIP370.