Cold wallet (cold storage)

A cold wallet keeps private keys on a device that never exposes them to the internet. The most common type is a hardware wallet: a small dedicated device that stores keys internally and signs transactions on the device, so the keys never touch your computer or phone. Paper wallets and fully offline computers are older forms of cold storage.

Cold storage greatly reduces the risk of remote hacking. The remaining risks are physical loss, theft, damage, and mistakes with the seed phrase backup. You should still verify receiving addresses and transaction details on the device's own screen.

Buy hardware wallets only from the manufacturer or an authorised seller, as tampered second-hand devices have been used in scams. Set the device up yourself, and never use one that arrives with a pre-printed seed phrase.