Bitcoin Wallet | Ledger (2024)

The Bitcoin network’s purpose is to enable users to send Bitcoins to one another . Mining keeps the Bitcoin process secure by chronologically adding new blocks (each block containing several transactions) to the chain. Bitcoin relies on “proof-of-work” as a consensus algorithm: The miners help verify every transaction by solving a cryptographic puzzle, and then add the verified block of transactions to the distributed ledger. Bitcoin’s built-in reward system compensates successful miners with a few Bitcoins. Bitcoin is the first blockchain ever created relying on proof-of-work. It has since spread to become widely used in many cryptocurrencies.

Transactions are connected to a user’s Bitcoin address, which is derived from the user’s private key. A transaction on the Bitcoin blockchain can be seen as a transfer of value between Bitcoin wallets. In reality it’s more similar to a transfer of ownership, a Bitcoin recipient being assigned the right to use the newly acquired Bitcoins using his own private key . Private keys are required to sign transaction and assign new ownership. The signature also prevents the transaction from being altered by anybody once it has been issued. All Bitcoin transactions are forever publicly kept in the network, which means the balance and the transactions of any Bitcoin addresses can be consulted by everyone.

A node on the Bitcoin network is simply a computer running the Bitcoin software. The Bitcoin network counts several thousands of active nodes around the world, with the highest concentration in the United States.

The total supply of bitcoins is limited to 21 millions, and between 4 and 6 millions are already considered unusable due to probable loss of the corresponding private keys.

On the Bitcoin network, a block is mined every ten minutes. The exact time frame depends on the efficiency of the global network of mining nodes. Bitcoin uses the Hashcash proof-of-work function, and the more nodes are working toward finding the solution to the cryptographic puzzle, the faster a solution will be found. To maintain the normal 10-minute block time the hashing difficulty algorithm is adjusted every two weeks.

The Bitcoin proof-of-work system is using a lot of energy, and the electric consumption increases with the usage of the network. Bitcoin detractors are using this argument to explain why Bitcoin won’t be able to scale and be used as a global currency. Although this is a valid argument, Bitcoin’s proponents argue that the electricity used is mostly coming from renewable energy and are betting on a second-layer solution like the lightning network to solve both the transaction speed and energy cost limitations.

Initially, the primary step is to create a crypto wallet if you haven’t done it yet. Once you have completed this step, the process of executing a Bitcoin transfer is quite similar to almost every crypto wallet.

1. Enter the recipient address of the Bitcoin wallet you want to send BTC.
2. Enter the amount or quantity of Bitcoin you wish to send.
3. Choose the Network fees.
4. Verify the transaction summary before sending it.

However, it is crucial to follow our advice before sending Bitcoin to another wallet:

• For optimal security, make sure always to double-check the addresses that you copy and paste. When possible, using a QR code address might be the preferable method, just to be absolutely certain.
• For larger transactions, it may be a good idea to send a small amount of Bitcoin as a test, to make sure the address is correct.
• For a wallet that supports multiple cryptocurrencies, it’s also important to select the correct coin. Sending Bitcoin (BTC) to a Bitcoin Cash (BCH) address, for example, could result in a permanent loss of funds.
• For sending Bitcoin quickly, higher-fee transactions are usually given higher priority by Bitcoin miners and will reach their destination in a shorter amount of time.

When you first buy coin, you’re issued with two keys: public and private.

• A public key serves as an address that can be shared with other parties to perform transactions.
• A private key represents a randomly generated number that signs transactions and protects your assets from malicious attacks. If it gets compromised or lost, you won’t be able to access your cold wallet to spend, withdraw, or transfer your coins.

To safeguard and keep track of your keys, you can use online or offline wallets. Online wallets, also known as hot wallets, store private keys on systems or devices that are connected to the internet. Hot wallets are easy and convenient to use, however, they come with several drawbacks. Besides being susceptible to attacks and a honeypot for hackers, with hot wallets, the custody of private keys is often entrusted to a third party such as a crypto exchange, which means you never have full control over your funds. The safer choice are specialized hardware wallets that store private keys offline. Stealing private keys from a hardware wallet would require physical access to the wallet and corresponding PIN or the recovery phrase. What’s more, with hardware wallet, you don’t need to rely on third party custodians.

Ledger Nano is the industry-leading hardware wallet. With more than five million customers, Ledger Nano wallets have several layers of security that protect private keys, and hence your assets:

• Your private keys are stored on secure element chips.
• A PIN code and a 24-word recovery phrase are required to access the wallet.
• Ledger Nano cryptocurrency wallets have been built using highly durable materials for protection against physical damage.

With full isolation between private keys and your computer/mobile, Ledger Nano cold wallets keep your keys secure and give you complete control over your cryptos.