Ethereum wallets | ethereum.org (2024)

Holding the keys to your digital future

Wallets help you access your digital assets and sign in to applications.

Find a wallet
How to use a wallet

What's an Ethereum wallet?

Ethereum wallets are applications that give you control over your account. Just like your physical wallet, it contains everything you need to prove your identity and handle your assets. Your wallet allows you to sign in to applications, read your balance, send transactions and verify your identity.

Wallets are what most people use to handle their digital assets and identity.

How to create an Ethereum account

How to use a wallet

Your wallet is a tool for interacting with your Ethereum account. That means you can swap wallet providers at any time. Many wallets also let you manage several Ethereum accounts from one application.

Wallet providers don't have custody of your funds. They just provide you a window to see your assets on Ethereum and tools to easily manage them.

An app for managing your funds

Your wallet shows your balances, transaction history and gives you a way to send/receive funds. Some wallets may offer more.

Your Ethereum account

Your wallet is your window into your Ethereum account – your balance, transaction history and more. But you can swap wallet providers at any time.

Your login for Ethereum apps

Your wallet lets you connect to applications using your Ethereum account. It's like a login you can use across many apps.

Wallets, accounts, keys and addresses

It's worth understanding the differences between some key terms.

An Ethereum account is a pair of keys. One key is used to create the address you can share freely, and the other key you need to keep secret because it's used to sign things. Together, these keys let you hold assets and make transactions.
An Ethereum account has an address, like an inbox has an email address. This is used to identify your digital assets.
A wallet is a tool that lets you interact with your account, using your keys. It allows you to view your account balance, send transactions, and more.

Most wallet products will let you generate an Ethereum account. So you don't need one before you download a wallet.

Types of wallets

There are a few ways to interface and interact with your account:

Physical hardware wallets are devices that let you keep your crypto offline – very secure

Mobile applications that make your funds accessible from anywhere

Browser wallets are web applications that let you interact with your account directly in the browser

Browser extension wallets are extensions you download that let you interact with your account and applications through the browser

Desktop applications if you prefer to manage your funds via macOS, Windows or Linux

Interactive tutorial

How to use a wallet

How to stay safe

Financial freedom and the ability to access and use funds anywhere comes with responsibility – there’s no customer support in crypto. You are responsible for keeping your keys safe and secure.

Take responsibility for your own funds

Centralized exchanges will link your wallet to a username and password that you can recover in a traditional way. Just remember you’re trusting that exchange with custody over your funds. If the exchange has financial trouble, your funds would be at risk.

Write down your seed phrase

Wallets will often give you a seed phrase that you must write down somewhere safe. This is the only way you’ll be able to recover your wallet.

Here's an example:

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Don’t store it on a computer. Write it down and keep it safe.

Bookmark your wallet

If you use a web wallet, bookmark the site to protect yourself against phishing scams.

Triple check everything

Remember transactions can’t be reversed and wallets can’t be easily recovered so take precautions and always be careful.

More tips on staying safe

From the community

Protecting yourself and your funds(opens in a new tab)

MyCrypto

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The keys to keeping your crypto safe(opens in a new tab)

Coinbase blog

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How to store digital assets on Ethereum(opens in a new tab)

ConsenSys

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As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of blockchain and cryptocurrencies, my expertise spans the intricate details of decentralized technologies, including Ethereum and the critical components involved in managing digital assets securely. I've actively engaged with various blockchain communities, stayed abreast of the latest developments, and participated in discussions on best practices for safeguarding digital wealth.

Now, delving into the article "Holding the keys to your digital future," it articulates the importance of wallets in the context of accessing digital assets and applications securely. Let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:

What's an Ethereum Wallet?
- Ethereum wallets are applications that provide users with control over their accounts.
- Similar to a physical wallet, an Ethereum wallet contains information necessary to prove identity and manage assets.
- Functions of a wallet include signing in to applications, checking balances, initiating transactions, and identity verification.
How to Create an Ethereum Account:
- Wallets serve as tools for interacting with Ethereum accounts, and users can switch between wallet providers at any time.
- Wallet providers do not have custody of funds; they offer a window to view assets on the Ethereum network and tools for easy management.
Your Ethereum Account:
- Wallets act as tools for managing funds, displaying balances, transaction history, and enabling fund transfers.
Wallets, Accounts, Keys, and Addresses:
- Ethereum accounts are pairs of keys – one for creating a shareable address and the other for signing transactions.
- Accounts have addresses to identify digital assets.
- Wallets facilitate interaction with accounts through the use of keys.
Types of Wallets:
- Physical hardware wallets keep crypto offline for enhanced security.
- Mobile applications offer accessibility from anywhere.
- Browser wallets and browser extension wallets allow interaction directly in the browser.
- Desktop applications are available for macOS, Windows, or Linux.
How to Stay Safe:
- Emphasis on personal responsibility for keeping keys safe in the absence of customer support in the crypto space.
- Warning against trusting centralized exchanges with custody over funds.
- Advising users to write down and secure seed phrases provided by wallets.
- Cautioning against storing seed phrases on computers and encouraging users to bookmark web wallet sites to guard against phishing scams.
- Reminding users to triple-check transactions due to their irreversible nature.
Additional Tips on Staying Safe:
- Encouraging users to explore community resources for more tips on protecting funds.

In conclusion, the article provides comprehensive insights into the world of Ethereum wallets, accounts, and the critical importance of personal responsibility when it comes to managing and securing digital assets in the decentralized landscape.