Ethereum wallets
Wallets are the gateway to using Ethereum.
Wallets let you interact with Ethereum, just like web browsers let you use the internet.
đ Quick links
Learn about Ethereum wallets
How to set up an Ethereum wallet
What is an Ethereum wallet?
An Ethereum wallet is an application you use to access and control your Ethereum account.
With a wallet, you can send and receive payments, sign into apps, play games, verify your identity, trade, and collect digital items.
Your Ethereum wallet is the app that creates your Ethereum account
- Send, receive, and manage money or digital items
- Use decentralized applications built on Ethereum
What does an Ethereum wallet actually do?
Hold your money
Keep your ether (ETH) and NFTs safe and accessible.
Send and receive
Transfer crypto to anyone, anytimeâno bank required.
Connect to apps
Use Ethereum apps by connecting your walletâone account, endless apps.
Collect and store NFTs
Buy, sell, and showcase digital items directly from your wallet.
Sign and vote
Approve actions like trades or votes securely with your wallet.
Keep you in control
Only you can access your walletâno bans, no blocks.
How Ethereum wallets work
âđŸ Ethereum wallet â Ethereum account
Your Ethereum wallet is the app you use to manage your Ethereum account.
- Your Ethereum account lives on the Ethereum blockchain.
- Your wallet holds the keys that give you access to your account.
Think of your wallet like a personal portal for creating, accessing, and using your Ethereum account.
Wallets, accounts, keys, and addresses - explained
Ethereum wallets involve accounts, keys, and addresses. An easy way to think about it is like email.
đ± Ethereum wallet app
The app you use to access your Ethereum account
đ± Email app
The app you use to access your email account
đȘȘ Ethereum account
Stores your Ethereum addresses and the digital assets they hold
đȘȘ Email account
Stores your email addresses and the messages they hold
đŹ Ethereum address
A unique string where people can send you funds
đŹ Email address
A unique string where people can send you messages
đ Ethereum private key
Used to log into your account and prove ownership
đ Email password
Used to log into your account and prove ownership
đ Wallet recovery phrase
A unique list of words you can use to restore access to your Ethereum account
đ Email password reset
A service that can help you restore access to your email account
Just like email, you can have many Ethereum accounts in the same wallet appâand you can move your Ethereum account and balance to a different wallet app at any time.
Key concept: How Ethereum wallets work
Every Ethereum account is secured by a pair of keys: a public key and a private key.
Public key
- Your public key is like your bank account number or email address.
- You can share it with others to identify your account and receive funds.
- Your public key is used to generate your public Ethereum addressâa user-friendly version of the public key.
Private key
- Your private key is like your bank PIN or email password. Keep it secret at all times.
- Your private key gives you control over your account and lets you authorize transactions.
- Anyone with access to your private key can access your Ethereum account and funds.
Your Ethereum wallet is responsible for:
- Generating your Ethereum account and its unique public/private key pair
- Securely storing your private key
- Allowing you to use your private key to interact with the Ethereum network
How it works: When you want to send crypto or interact with a decentralized application, your wallet signs the transaction with your private key. This signature proves you are the legitimate owner of your account.
Different types of Ethereum wallets
Choose the style of wallet that fits how you like to use Ethereum.
| If you want... | Wallet type | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| To get started fast | đ± Mobile wallet | Use an app on your phone to send, receive, and log into apps. e.g. Rainbow, MetaMask Mobile |
| To explore from your laptop | đ Browser wallet | Open your wallet in a web browserâno install needed. e.g. Coinbase Wallet (web), Frame |
| To connect to apps easily | 𧩠Browser extension | Add a wallet to Chrome or Firefox to sign things as you go. e.g. MetaMask, Rabby |
| More control on your computer | đ„ïž Desktop wallet | Download software to manage everything locally. e.g. Exodus, Atomic Wallet |
| Extra security for your assets | đ Hardware wallet | Keep your keys offline with a physical device. e.g. Ledger, Trezor |
| Shared access or extra protection | đ„ Multi-sig wallet | Requires more than one person to approve a payment or action. e.g. Safe, Tally |
What do custodial and non-custodial mean?
Non-custodial wallets give you full control.
- You have sole control over your accountâs private key.
- Only you can access your account and funds.
- It is your responsibility to keep your private key safe.
Custodial wallets are managed for you.
- The platform manages your accountâs private key for you.
- The platform can freeze or restrict your account and funds.
- It is the platformâs responsibility to keep your private key safe.
Tip: If it feels like you are logging into a bank or exchange, the wallet is probably custodial.
Wallet demo
See what it is like to set up and use an Ethereum walletâno real money, no pressure.
Interactive tutorial
Interactive wallet demo
How to keep your Ethereum wallet safe
With a non-custodial wallet, you are in full controlâand fully responsible for security. Follow these best practices and never share your private key or recovery phrase.
Keep your private keys safe
Use strong passwords, keep software updated, and avoid downloading anything suspicious.
Here is why:
- Your private key is the only way to approve transactions and prove ownership on Ethereum.
- Your private key is stored wherever your wallet livesâphone, computer, browser, or hardware device.
- If a hacker gets access to your device and compromises your private key, they can drain your wallet.
Back up your recovery phrase offline
Write it down and keep it safe. Do not store it digitally.
Here is why:
- Your wallet gives you a 12- or 24-word recovery phrase during setup.
- It is the only backup for your account keys and funds if you lose access to your wallet app.
- Anyone with this phrase can take all of your funds.
Bookmark your wallet and avoid fakes
If you use a web wallet, bookmark it and double-check the URL before connecting.
Here is why:
- Fake lookalike sites are a common scam.
- Attackers impersonate legitimate wallets to steal recovery phrases, private keys, or signatures.
- Be skeptical of ads, social posts, and unsolicited messages before you click.
Double-check every transaction
Verify the recipient, amount, token, and network before you hit "Confirm."
Here is why:
- All transactions on Ethereum are final and irreversible.
- Always pause and verify before signing.
- On compromised devices or fake sites, malicious transactions can steal your funds or credentials.
Not ready to manage your own wallet?
Start with a custodial wallet from a trusted exchange, bank, or custodian. They will handle security for you, just like a traditional bank account. You can always switch to self-custody when you are ready.
Ethereum wallet features
Ethereumâs latest upgrades expanded what wallets can do.
The Pectra upgrade (May 2025) lets regular wallets enable programmable safety features and smoother app interactions.
| How it started | How it is going |
|---|---|
| Approve actions one at a time | Approve multiple actions in one go |
| Connect and reconnect your wallet to apps | Stay connected safely with session keys |
| Actively sign for every transaction | Let apps act (with permission) while you are away |
| No built-in safety net | Recoverable smart wallets, custom spending limits, smarter approvals |
| Pay all gas fees in ETH | Pay gas fees with stablecoins like USDC or DAI |
| Give apps full access by default | Use granular access controls to limit risk |
Find the right wallet for you
Compare features to pick the best wallet for your phone, desktop, hardware device, or browser.
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