Academy
What is a crypto wallet?
A private key is cryptographic code represented as a string of letters and numbers, similar to a password. In cryptocurrency, private keys are used to sign transactions, approve interactions with smart contracts, and prove ownership of a blockchain address. Crypto wallets store your private keys, keep them secure and accessible and allow you to send and receive cryptocurrencies.
![academy img](https://images.prismic.io/airdao-academy/6579db88531ac2845a26444d_Whatisacryptowallet.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max&w=3840)
Crypto wallets come in many forms, from hardware wallets like Ledger & Trezor, to mobile apps like Trustee Wallet, to browser extensions like Frame or MetaMask. Hardware wallets are typically USB devices connected to your computer via a cable. Hardware wallets contain private keys and are password secured, and you must enter your password to sign transactions and interact with smart contracts.
Mobile wallet apps offer crypto users a user experience similar to banking apps in that you control your funds through a mobile application. Typically, mobile apps are less secure than using a hardware wallet. Browser extensions, like Frame or Metamask, reside in your internet browser and offer higher ease of use, with the downside of being less secure, than a hardware wallet.