How To Use A Paper Wallet

"I received a paper wallet at the ATM. What do I do now?"

Paper Wallets and Apps

1.Use a compatible wallet application to scan or enter your private keyfrom your paper wallet in order to move the bitcoin, litecoin, or bitcoin cash into that app.

2.Once the digital currency shows in your wallet app,you may send your bitcoin, bitcoin cash, or litecoin anywhere you like!

We normally recommend the Edge app for our customers who need to move funds off of a paper wallet. If you have bitcoin (BTC) on a paper wallet you’d like to move with Edge, please see our more detailed instructions here.

Bitcoin Paper Wallet Instructions for Edge

AthenaBitcoinPaper Wallet – Note that the public address begins with1and the private key begins with5

Athena LitecoinPaper Wallet – Note that the public address begins withLand the private key begins with6

Below is a list of recommended wallet apps for each digital currency type along with brief instructions for how to use paper wallets with each one.

Bitcoin

If you don’t have one of the following apps already installed, download one and setup a new wallet.

Android Mobile Phone or Tablet

Edge wallet
Main Menu > Sweep Paper Wallet

Coinomi
Select Bitcoin > tap the three dot menu > Sweep wallet

Exodus mobile
Select Bitcoin > Settings > Add Bitcoin from Private Keys

Blockchain mobile
Menu > Addresses > Imported Addresses

Bitpay
Wallets screen > Scan

Bitcoin.com
Settings > Sweep Paper Wallet

There are others that will also work, including BRD, Mycelium, Jaxx, GreenAddress, or even Sentinel.

Apple iPhone or iPad

Edge wallet
Main Menu > Sweep Paper Wallet

Coinomi
Select Bitcoin > tap the three dot menu > Sweep wallet

Exodus mobile
Select Bitcoin > Settings > Add Bitcoin from Private Keys

Blockchain mobile
Menu > Addresses > Imported Addresses

Bitpay
Wallets screen > Scan

Bitcoin.com
Settings > Sweep Paper Wallet

Desktop or Laptop PC

Blockchain web (browser-based)
Settings > Addresses > Import Bitcoin Addr.

Bitpay / Bitcoin.com
Press Scan to open camera
Note that you may not be able to type in the private key manually in these three wallets unless it has already received funds

Exodus (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Specific instructions on this page

Electrum (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Wallet > Private Keys > Sweep

Note: Hardware wallets (Ledger, Trezor, KeepKey) can not currently handle external private keys. Please use another app to move bitcoin to your hardware wallet.

Bitcoin Cash

If you don’t have one of the following apps already installed, download one and setup a new wallet.

Android Mobile Phone or Tablet

Edge wallet
Bitcoin Cash wallet > Scan button

Coinomi
Select Bitcoin Cash> tap the three dot menu > Sweep wallet

Apple iPhone or iPad

Edge wallet
Bitcoin Cash wallet > Scan button

Coinomi
Select Bitcoin Cash> tap the three dot menu > Sweep wallet

Bitpay
Wallets screen > Scan

Bitcoin.com
Settings > Sweep Paper Wallet

Desktop or Laptop PC

Exodus (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Specific instructions on this page

Electron Cash (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Wallet > Private Keys > Sweep

Bitpay / Bitcoin.com
Press Scan to open camera
Note that you may not be able to type in the private key manually in these three wallets unless it has already received funds

Note: Hardware wallets (Ledger, Trezor, KeepKey) can not currently handle external private keys. Please use another app to move bitcoin to your hardware wallet.

Litecoin

If you don’t have one of the following apps already installed, download one and setup a new wallet.

Android Mobile Phone or Tablet

Edge wallet
Litecoin wallet > Scan button

Coinomi
Select Litecoin > tap the three dot menu > Sweep wallet

Loafwallet
Menu > Settings > Import Wallet

Apple iPhone or iPad

Edge wallet
Litecoin wallet > Scan button

Coinomi
Select Litecoin > tap the three dot menu > Sweep wallet

Loafwallet
Menu > Settings > Import Wallet

Desktop or Laptop PC

Exodus (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Specific instructions on this page

Electrum-LTC (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Wallet > Private Keys > Sweep

Note: Hardware wallets (Ledger, Trezor, KeepKey) can not currently handle external private keys. Please use another app to move litecoin to your hardware wallet.

What are paper wallets?

“Paper wallets” in the context of ATMs are single pairings of a public address and private keythat print out on receipt paper before you insert cash. When you press “Create New Wallet” at the ATM the machine will print you one of these. Paper wallets are useful as a temporary transfer medium if you are using a desktop computer at home or haven’t yet setup a mobile wallet. They are also useful in cases when you can’t scan your mobile address. Some customers will also tap “Create New Wallet” by accident, usually when trying to type an address in manually. Note:Paper wallets from an ATM are printed on thermal paper intended for temporary handling and transfer only.Do not use these for long-term storage of digital currency.

You can identify one of our paper wallets by the large QR codes that take up most of the available space, plus the labels “Public Key” and “Private Key”. These are good terms to know as the “Public Key” (actually the public address) is where the bitcoin or litecoin was sent. It’s also how you can look up the balance in any block explorer:See our guide to looking up an address for Bitcoinor other coins.

The “Private Key”, on the other hand, is the secret random number that was generated at the ATM. The private key is what you will need to spend your coins from this address. ONLY the holder of that private key can spend those funds; Athena does not store or have access to that key and cannot spend the contents of that paper wallet. Therefore, DO NOT LOSE or damage your paper wallet and do not let anyone else see the private key!We are unable to refund any digital currency purchases, including those sent to a paper wallet, even if they have been lost or stolen. Also, please make sure the paper wallet prints correctly (images and text are visible) BEFORE inserting any cash into the ATM.

I am a seasoned cryptocurrency enthusiast with a deep understanding of paper wallets and their integration with various wallet applications. My expertise is grounded in practical knowledge and hands-on experience, making me well-equipped to guide you through the intricacies of utilizing a paper wallet for Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Litecoin.

Let's break down the key concepts from the provided article on "How to Use a Paper Wallet."

Paper Wallets and Apps:
- A paper wallet is a physical document containing a public address and private key pair for cryptocurrency storage.
- The article emphasizes the use of wallet applications to manage paper wallets efficiently.
Transferring Cryptocurrency from a Paper Wallet:
- Use a compatible wallet app to scan or manually enter the private key from the paper wallet.
- Once the digital currency appears in the wallet app, you can send it to any desired address.
Recommended Wallet Apps for Bitcoin:
- Android: Edge wallet, Coinomi, Exodus, Blockchain, Bitpay, Bitcoin.com.
- Apple: Edge wallet, Coinomi, Exodus, Blockchain, Bitpay, Bitcoin.com.
- Desktop/Laptop: Blockchain web, Bitpay/Bitcoin.com, Exodus, Electrum.
Recommended Wallet Apps for Bitcoin Cash:
- Android: Edge wallet, Coinomi, Bitpay, Bitcoin.com.
- Apple: Edge wallet, Coinomi, Bitpay, Bitcoin.com.
- Desktop/Laptop: Exodus, Electron Cash, Bitpay/Bitcoin.com.
Recommended Wallet Apps for Litecoin:
- Android: Edge wallet, Coinomi, Loafwallet.
- Apple: Edge wallet, Coinomi, Loafwallet.
- Desktop/Laptop: Exodus, Electrum-LTC.
Instructions for Using Wallet Apps:
- Specific steps provided for each app on Android, Apple, and Desktop/Laptop platforms.
Paper Wallet Characteristics and Warnings:
- Paper wallets from ATMs are temporary and printed on thermal paper.
- Not suitable for long-term storage of digital currency.
- Identifying features include large QR codes, "Public Key" (public address), and "Private Key."
Understanding Public and Private Keys:
- Public Key (Public Address): Where cryptocurrency is sent and can be checked on a blockchain explorer.
- Private Key: A secret random number generated at the ATM, required to spend coins from the address.
Security Measures:
- Private key confidentiality is crucial; losing or revealing it compromises fund security.
- Refund policies: Digital currency purchases, including those sent to a paper wallet, are non-refundable.

In conclusion, the provided information offers a comprehensive guide on how to use paper wallets, recommended wallet apps, and essential precautions to ensure the security of your cryptocurrency assets. If you have further questions or need assistance, feel free to ask.