In the cryptocurrency environment, it is an important step to learn how to confidentially manage your funds by building a crypto wallet. There are multiple ways to set up a crypto wallet, including instant generation through any centralized platform or by creating one on your own for extra security.
In this guide, we will explore the finest ways to set up crypto wallets like a pro. We will delve into detailed instructions on setting up both hot wallets and cold wallets. Also, we will examine instant ways to generate a wallet and provide important things to consider while creating and managing your wallet.
What is a Crypto Wallet?
Crypto Wallets are blockchain-based tools that allow Web3 users to store, send, and receive cryptocurrencies and other digital assets. As part of the decentralized technology, they use private keys to secure the assets. There are various types of wallets, primarily divided into custodial and non-custodial wallets.
Custodial Wallets vs Non-Custodial Wallets
Wallets that are created and hosted for you by a third-party provider, such as a centralized exchange or a wallet app, can be categorized as custodial wallets. Since the provider has complete control over your wallet, it is important to choose a trustworthy platform.
Non-custodial wallets, while not easy to create and manage, put you in complete control of your assets without the interference of any third parties. These types of wallets are divided into hot wallets, which are software-based wallets, and cold wallets, which operate offline.
How to Set Up a Crypto Wallet Instantly?
The easiest way to create a crypto wallet is to make an account on any centralized exchange or centralized crypto-service provider. Your custodial wallet will be created automatically within seconds. Popular platforms include Binance, Coinbase, and Gate.io.
Things to Consider While Creating a Web3 Wallet
Past occurrences prove to us that while top centralized platforms are comforting in terms of user-friendliness and customer support, it is always better to create a non-custodial wallet if you are considering a serious investment.
- Keep Recovery Phrase Safe: If anyone gets access to your recovery phrase, they can loot your assets. So, never share it with anyone and always backup in multiple secret places.
- Avoid Third-Party Access: Never allow anyone to access your wallet, even your friends and family members. Also, beware of the deception of third-party phishing scams.
- Always Update: Whether you are using a cold wallet or a hot wallet, always ensure that you are using the latest version, because upgrades fix the previous bugs.
How to Set Up a Non-Custodial Crypto Wallet Like a Pro?
To create a highly secure wallet, you should act like a professional crypto user who checks all the security options inside multiple wallet providers to finalize the safest one that suits your needs. The below step-by-step tutorials provide detailed instructions to create both a hot wallet and a cold wallet like a pro.
Steps to Create a Hot Wallet Like a Pro
There are multiple providers who facilitate the creation and management of sophisticated Web3 wallets. Here we are using MetaMask as an example.
- First, download the browser extension of MetaMask or its mobile application according to the device you are using. You can download both from the official website of MetaMask. Or you can search for it in the browser’s extension store.
- While installing, choose “Advanced configuration” and toggle phishing detection, incoming transactions, and token autodetect. You can change these settings at any time.
- After setting up your wallet provider, click the account selector tab at the top and tap “Add account or hardware wallet.” Under Create an account, enter the name of your wallet and tap “Create.”
- After the wallet creation, you will see the generated secret backup phrase, aka the recovery phrase. Copy the phrase and keep it safe in a secret place. If you lose it, you won’t be able to access the wallet again.
- Now type the phrase in the provided space to confirm it. That’s it. Your wallet is now created, and you can start adding funds.
Steps to Create a Cold Wallet Like a Pro
Cold wallets are mainly for serious investors who HODL a significant amount of digital assets. You can choose from top hardware wallets such as Ledger Nano X, Trezor Model T, Keystone Pro, and BitBox 02. Here is a tutorial that involves Ledger Nano X:
- After purchasing Ledger Nano X, connect it to a secure computer with the latest operating system. It will automatically install Ledger’s software. If not, access its official website and download one. Then, press the right button to proceed.
- In the next interface, tap Choose PIN Code and set up a code of 4 to 8 digits. Enter it again to confirm. After setting up the PIN, your 24-word recovery phrase will be generated.
- Write down the recovery phrase and keep it in a safe location. Enter the phrase again to confirm, and your device will be ready. You can now add funds and start transacting.
Top Crypto Hot Wallet Providers
Various blockchain experts have different options to choose from among a number of non-custodial hot wallet providers. Here we have chosen 5 wallets with safety as the primary criterion.
- MetaMask: Founded in 2016, MetaMask is one of the most popular wallet providers in the blockchain industry.
- Coinbase Wallet: While it was created by the devs of Coinbase exchange, it is a 100% decentralized self-custody wallet used by millions of Web3 enthusiasts.
- Trust Wallet: Acquired by Binance in 2018, Trust Wallet is a decentralized cryptocurrency wallet that gives you 100% control over your assets.
- Exodus: It is a multi-chain crypto wallet that has an easy-to-use interface, mainly preferred by beginner-level users.
- Guarda: Founded by developer Paul Sokolov in 2017, Guarda is a non-custodial multichain crypto wallet famed for its safety and design.
Also Read: How to Keep Your Crypto Safe From Cyberattacks?
Final Thoughts
As a decentralized sector without any centralized authority to monitor, one has to be very careful while creating a crypto wallet. While the above steps help you to safely create your own wallet, it is important to do your research before finalizing the wallet provider, in order to secure your hard-earned funds. Always DYOR!