Yes, you can get a Bitcoin wallet in 2025. In fact, getting a Bitcoin (BTC) wallet in 2025 is easier than ever.
- Steps to Get a Bitcoin Wallet in 2025
- How To Get a Bitcoin Wallet
- What is a Bitcoin Wallet?
- How Do Bitcoin Wallets Work?
- Decide on the wallet type to choose
- Consider the necessary factors
- Download or buy the wallet from the verified vendor.
- Create your account & backup seed phrase
- Start receiving/sending Bitcoin
- Bitcoin Wallets and Security
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
As the adoption of Bitcoin continues to grow, more people are embracing the crypto for a variety of reasons, from investment to financial empowerment. Some novice still can’t figure it out how to get a wallet to store their Bitcoin.
This is usually due to the proliferation of crypto wallets, complex process associated with using some wallets, and the fear of scam wallets.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step by step, show you how to get the best wallet, set it up, avoid common mistakes, and share best practices for keeping your crypto safe. Read on.
Steps to Get a Bitcoin Wallet in 2025
- Decide on the wallet type to choose (software, hardware, mobile, desktop).
- Consider the necessary factors.
- Download or buy the wallet from the verified vendor.
- Create your account & backup seed phrase.
- Enable 2FA & security features.
- Start receiving/sending Bitcoin.
How To Get a Bitcoin Wallet
This section presents the step-by-step guide on how to get a Bitcoin (BTC) wallet in 2025. But before we delve into guide, let’s have a quick recap of what a Bitcoin wallet is and how it works.
What is a Bitcoin Wallet?
A Bitcoin wallet is a software application or physical device dedicated to receive, access, and send Bitcoin tokens.
Unlike the physical leather wallet that stores fiat currency, a Bitcoin wallet does not store BTC tokens. Instead, it stores the keys to access your Bitcoin tokens stored on the Bitcoin blockchain.
It stores the cryptographic information that will access Bitcoin addresses and create transactions.
To better understand how the BTC wallet functions, think of the wallet as a debit card. A debit card does not hold money, instead, it is used to access the money held in your account.
Let’s briefly see how the Bitcoin wallet works.
How Do Bitcoin Wallets Work?
Bitcoin wallets work using cryptographic keys – a key pair comprising a private key and a public key.
A private key is like your bank account password and is used to store the coins in your wallet. On the other hand, the public key is like your bank’s publicly available account number.
Nowadays, most self-custody wallets generate a seed phrase on activation. This seed phrase is a critical features and acts like the password you need to access the wallet and your Bitcoin.
Without it, you cannot access your tokens. So, if you lose the seed phrase, you generally cannot access your crypto wallet anymore in the case of a self-custody wallet.
Now let us delve into how to get a Bitcoin wallet. Here are the necessary steps to take:
Decide on the wallet type to choose
You need to decide on the type of wallet you want to get. This is the first step.
There are various types of Bitcoin wallets available to choose from, with each offering distinct features. Based on their access to the internet, crypto wallets can be classified as either a Hot or Cold wallet.
Hot wallets: Practically, all hot bitcoin wallets rely on the Internet to function. They connect always to the internet, allowing for real-time transactions. They also store your private keys online for easy and quick access to your Bitcoin and authorization of crypto transactions.
Hot wallets are further grouped into:
- Mobile Wallets: Software applications installed on smartphones. Popular options include Electrum and Exodus.
- Desktop Wallets: Software installed on computers or laptops.
- Web/Online Wallets: Accessible through a web browser, sometimes offered by exchanges. Coinbase and MyEtherWallet are well-known examples.
Cold Wallet: On the other hand, cold wallets are usually offline but can be connected to the Internet when necessary. This wallet type include hardware wallets and paper wallets.
- Hardware wallets are physical devices that keep your private keys offline, providing strong security. Notable examples are Trezor and Ledger.
- Paper wallets consist of printed (or manually written) copies of your public and private keys, stored offline for safety.
Bitcoin wallets may also be classified according to how they store private keys. Examples include custodial and noncustodial wallets. Custodial wallets store private keys for wallet owners, while noncustodial wallets allow wallet owners to store their private keys personally.
If you are concerned about the safety of your Bitcoin, a noncustodial wallet may be an option for you.
Consider the necessary factors
There are several factors that you should consider when picking a BTC wallet that best suits your needs. These factors include the following:
Security: Security is the first factor to consider when choosing a Bitcoin wallet. You should use a wallet with robust security attributes like backup and recovery options. After all, your Bitcoin must be very safe in the wallet.
This security feature will also ensure that you can access your private keys in case of loss or damage to your wallet.
Using a wallet with multi-signature and two-factor authentication provides additional security by mandating multiple signatures before finalizing transactions.
User-friendliness: It is also vital to evaluate the user-friendliness of a Bitcoin wallet before using it. If a wallet has a user-friendly interface, sending and receiving Bitcoin will be intuitive and easy.
A good Bitcoin wallet should also have a sleek design, elaborate instructions, and a robust customer support team. It should also contain other features like news updates, price conversion tools, and charts to simplify trading Bitcoin.
Compatibility: The other feature to consider when getting a Bitcoin wallet is compatibility. Different wallets support different digital assets. Therefore, if you want to store Bitcoin, you should get a wallet that supports BTC.
Potability: Closely related to compatibility is potability. Depending on how you intend to use it, the wallet should be portable. Suppose you are looking for a wallet you can use while on the go; use a mobile-compatible wallet. Desktop wallets also work well with a majority of cryptocurrency enthusiasts.
Reputation of the provider: The reputation of a wallet provider is also essential to consider when picking a Bitcoin wallet. It is best to go with a wallet that has been around for a long time. Such a wallet has established itself as a trusted player in the cryptocurrency sector.
If you find any negative information about a wallet, it is best that you steer clear. Most wallets are prone to hacking attacks, phishing campaigns, etc., so you should find one with the best reputation.
Cost of the Wallet: Most hot wallets are free while cold wallets, especially hardware wallets are for purchase. Choose a wallet within your budget. However, do not compromise on security of the wallet by getting a cheap wallet, as this will leave your assets vulnerable to hacking attacks.
Another aspect of cost is the cost associated with using the wallet. Some wallets come free but charges some amount to store your tokens or for transactions.
Make sure to properly research the cost implication of the wallet you want to settle for.
Trading Behaviour: Trading behavior is another crucial factor when selecting a cryptocurrency wallet. If you intend to trade frequently, it is best that you get a secure hot wallet that will keep your assets online.
Conversely, you should also use a cold wallet when you want to store Bitcoin for an extended period. Cold wallets are more secure than hot wallets as they keep your assets offline.
Download or buy the wallet from the verified vendor.
Once you have picked the particular type of Bitcoin wallet that best match your needs, the next step is to either download it or buy it as the case may be. In either cases, try as must as possible to avoid third-party vendors.
To buy or download a crypto wallet from a verified vendor, you should go directly to the manufacturer’s official website or download from an official app store like Google Play or the Apple App Store.
This is crucial for security, as buying from unauthorized resellers or fake app downloads risks your crypto being stolen.
Create your account & backup seed phrase
The process of creating an account on a Bitcoin wallet varies depending on whether you choose a hot wallet or a cold wallet.
Creating an account on a hot wallet
The hot wallets are at the top of our list as they are the most popular among beginner cryptocurrency investors. Most hot wallets are also free to use and come with other services like lending and staking.
To set up your hot wallet and create an account, below are the steps that you need to follow:
Creating a BTC hot wallet account follows a straightforward method. Open the app and choose the option to create a new wallet. Carefully follow the onscreen instructions to enter your details.
The app will generate a unique 12- or 24-word recovery (or “seed”) phrase. Carefully write down these words in the correct order on a piece of paper. Keep this phrase in a safe, offline location. This phrase is crucial for recovering your wallet if you lose access to your device or forgotten password.
After that, create a strong, unique password to protect the wallet application itself. If available, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of security.
Creating an account on a cold wallet
A cold wallet is suitable for those storing a sizable amount of Bitcoin or looking to store their assets for a long time. Most cold wallets are non-custodial and will store keys on a physical device.
To access the coins stored in a cold wallet, you need to connect the wallet to your computer or smartphone using a USB plugin, QR code, or WiFi.
Please note that cold wallets, majorly hardware wallets, are not free and might be complex for a beginner. However, they are more secure than hot wallets.
The process of setting up a hardware wallet varies based on the vendor. However, below are the steps that work with most wallets:
Purchase the wallet: The first step is to buy the hardware wallet device from the manufacturer’s website. It is not advisable to buy a second-hand wallet, as it might contain malware.
Set up the wallet: After getting the hardware device, you have to power it on. You might be prompted to enter a PIN code before doing anything else.
After powering on your wallet device, follow the instructions on the manufacturer’s website. You might have to download the software that works with the hardware wallet you are using from the official site.
When creating your wallet, you must always write down the recovery seed phrase and keep it safe.
Connect your device: The next step is to connect your hardware wallet to online software, allowing you to transfer tokens. You can plug the device into your computer if it is in the form of a USB drive. Otherwise, you can connect through WiFi or a QR code.
Start receiving/sending Bitcoin
Now that you have set up your wallet, you can start receiving BTC from any cryptocurrency exchange or another other wallet using your wallet BTC address.
Bitcoin Wallets and Security
Here are some common issues with the Bitcoin wallet that you should be aware of:
Bitcoin wallets are prone to security vulnerabilities. Over the years, people have lost much of their crypto holdings to hacking attacks.
One of the security risks linked with Bitcoin wallets includes malicious software. A hacker can use malicious software to scan your wallet and steal private keys. A hacker can also encrypt your wallet and demand a certain amount of funds to decrypt your hard drive.
The other significant security risk from Bitcoin wallets is losing your laptop, phone, or hard drive containing the private keys. Such cases have happened before, the most prominent being the loss of over 7,500 Bitcoin by one of the early miners.
While there are instances where people have recovered Bitcoin from lost crypto wallets, this is not always the case, which creates the need to keep wallets safe.
How To Protect Your Bitcoin Wallet
Given the heightened security risks around Bitcoin, one must always find ways to protect their coins from thieves. The following best practices could help keep your Bitcoin safe:
- Avoid using a crypto wallet that keeps your coins online, especially if you store a sizable amount of Bitcoin. Such wallets are more susceptible to hacking attacks.
- Look out for malicious emails. One of the leading hacking attacks against hardware wallet owners is phishing campaigns. Hackers mimic a genuine email address to send malicious links and messages in such campaigns.
- Avoid unknown websites. You should also avoid using your wallet on unknown websites, which could leave your coins vulnerable to hackers.
- Do not share your private keys. You should also keep your private keys safe. Your private keys will enable anyone to steal all your coins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where can I get a Bitcoin wallet?
You can get a Bitcoin wallet from software or hardware wallet providers. Some of the most popular software providers include MetaMask and Trust Wallet. Ledger and Trezor also dominate the hardware wallet industry.
Why do I need a crypto wallet?
A crypto wallet is essential for securely storing and managing your cryptocurrencies. It holds the keys required to access your coins and facilitates transactions. Without a wallet, you wouldn’t be able to send, receive, or store your digital assets safely.
What is a recovery phrase and why is it important?
A recovery phrase, also known as a seed phrase, is a randomly generated list of 12 or 24 words. It acts as a backup for your wallet, allowing you to recover your funds if you lose access to your wallet. It’s crucial to store this phrase securely because anyone with access to it can control your crypto.
How do I choose the right type of wallet?
The right type of wallet depends on your needs. Hot wallets are convenient for frequent transactions and beginners. Cold wallets offer enhanced security for long-term storage. Custodial wallets are managed by third parties and are ideal for those looking for ease of use and integrated services. To find out the pros and cons take a look at our article Crypto cold wallets vs hot wallets.
In Summary
If you want to store Bitcoin securely, the best way is to use a cryptocurrency wallet. This wallet contains private keys and public keys that can be used to transact and present unauthorized access to your coins.
If you are researching how to get a Bitcoin wallet address, you must consider several factors to ensure it is the right pick. These factors include security, user-friendliness, compatibility, and reputation.
The most common types of wallets are software wallets and hardware wallets. Software wallets, also known as hot wallets, are best suited for beginners due to their ease of use. However, they are less secure than hardware wallets, which store your coins offline.
