Foundations / Explained visually
Your wallet holds the keys.
A cinematic journey from a private key to the public record.
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The idea,
in words.
THE REVEAL
Your Bitcoin wallet holds something more powerful than coins. It holds the keys that let you spend them.
THE PUBLIC RECORD
Bitcoin stays on a shared public ledger: the blockchain. Your wallet reads that record to show what you can spend.
RECEIVE
To receive bitcoin, share a receiving address from your wallet. Think of it as a destination, not your secret key.
AUTHORISE
To send, your wallet signs a transaction with a private key. The signature proves permission without revealing that key.
VERIFY & CONFIRM
The network checks the transaction. Miners include valid transactions in blocks, and further blocks add confirmations.
RECOVER
With a typical self-custody wallet, a recovery phrase can restore your keys. Keep it offline and secret. Anyone with it can take your bitcoin.
THE TAKEAWAY
An exchange may hold the keys for you. Self-custody puts you in control. The blockchain keeps the record. Your wallet gives you the keys.