<p>A <strong>wallet</strong> is a software or hardware tool that stores the cryptographic private keys needed to access and manage cryptocurrency holdings on a blockchain. Rather than holding the actual coins, a wallet safeguards the secret keys that prove ownership and authorize transactions. Wallets can be custodial, where a third party manages the keys, or non‑custodial, giving the user full control.</p>

<h2>How It Works</h2>
<p>When a wallet is created, it generates a pair of keys: a public key, which serves as an address for receiving funds, and a <a href="/NewSite/encyclopedia/private-key/" class="ency-link">private key</a>, which must remain secret. The wallet software signs transactions locally using the private key, then broadcasts the signed transaction to the network for validation. Hardware wallets keep the private key offline in a secure element, signing transactions inside the device and never exposing the key to a connected computer. Software wallets, such as mobile or desktop apps, store the keys encrypted on the device and decrypt them only when needed, often protected by a PIN or passphrase.</p>
<p>Some wallets support multiple cryptocurrencies through hierarchical deterministic (HD) structures, where a single seed phrase can derive many key pairs. Users back up this seed phrase to recover the wallet if the device is lost or damaged.</p>

<h2>Why It Matters</h2>
<p>Wallets are the gateway between users and blockchain ecosystems. Control of the private key equals control of the funds; losing it means permanent loss of access, while exposing it can lead to theft. For beginners, choosing a wallet that balances security and usability is essential—for example, a mobile wallet with biometric lock offers convenience for daily spending, whereas a hardware wallet provides strong protection for long‑term storage. Understanding how wallets work helps users safeguard assets, interact with decentralized applications, and participate confidently in the crypto economy.</p>