GlossaryBeginner
Cold Wallet
A crypto wallet kept offline, reducing exposure to remote, internet-based attacks.
A cold wallet keeps a wallet's private keys generated and stored on a device or medium that never connects to the internet, which meaningfully reduces exposure to remote hacking attempts.
Cold wallets are generally less convenient for frequent transactions than hot wallets, which is why they're commonly used for holding larger amounts over a longer period rather than everyday spending.
Examples
- A hardware wallet kept unplugged between uses is a common form of cold storage.
- Some people generate and store keys on a device that has never been connected to the internet at all.