1. Self-custody
With a self-custody wallet, you control the keys. That independence also means there is no password-reset desk if your recovery backup is lost.
Beginner guide · self-custody and privacy
Bitcoin Wallet Basics
A Bitcoin wallet is the tool that holds the keys which authorize spending. It does not hold bitcoin “inside” an app: your bitcoin is recorded on the public blockchain. Your keys, backup, and privacy choices matter.
Three ideas to understand first
2. Recovery backup
Your recovery words can restore a wallet. Write them offline, keep them private, and test your recovery plan before relying on it for meaningful funds.
3. Hardware helps
A hardware wallet keeps signing keys on a dedicated device. It can reduce online exposure, but it does not replace careful backup, address verification, or update hygiene.
Choose a wallet for your needs
These are independent projects, not BTC21 products or endorsements. Check the project’s own current documentation, supported platforms, and security model before installing anything.
BitBoxApp
Companion app for BitBox hardware wallets; vendor documentation includes custom-node and Tor options.
Hardware companionBitcoin Keeper
Mobile wallet with multisignature and inheritance-oriented features.
Mobile multisigBlockstream App
Wallet and hardware-wallet companion with personal-server settings.
Mobile & desktopBlueWallet
Approachable mobile wallet with a custom Electrum server setting.
MobileBull Wallet
Mobile wallet project with on-chain Bitcoin and hardware-wallet workflows.
MobileElectrum
Long-running desktop and mobile wallet that can use a single chosen server.
Desktop & mobileEnvoy
Foundation’s Passport companion app, also usable for wallet coordination.
Hardware companionLiana
Desktop wallet designed around collaborative spending and recovery paths.
Recovery planningNunchuk
Multisignature-focused wallet available across major platforms.
MultisigSparrow
Desktop wallet with coin control and strong hardware-wallet support.
DesktopTrezor Suite
Companion software for Trezor hardware wallets with custom backend settings.
Hardware companionWasabi
Desktop privacy wallet with its own architecture; it does not use BTC21’s public Electrum endpoint.
Desktop privacyThe comparison format was inspired by Start9’s Bitcoin Wallets guide; BTC21’s descriptions, design, and project links are independent. App availability and features change—verify before use.
Use BTC21 for compatible wallet connections
Connecting a compatible wallet to an independent Electrum server can reduce reliance on a wallet vendor’s default backend. BTC21 is backed by an archival Bitcoin Core node and a separate Electrum indexer, runs without advertising trackers or user accounts, and offers both standard TLS and a Tor onion connection path.
Standard TLS
Use electrum.btc21.cc:50002 in a wallet’s custom or private Electrum server setting, with TLS/SSL enabled. See the BTC21 connection guide for wallet-specific examples.
Tor onion routing
For a Tor-capable wallet, use BTC21’s dedicated Tor setup page. Tor can conceal your network location from the server; it does not make blockchain activity automatically private.
An Electrum server can learn the addresses or script hashes a wallet asks it about. Using your own node is the strongest privacy model. BTC21 is an independent public alternative, not a promise of anonymity or a substitute for your own threat-model assessment.
A safer first-wallet checklist
- Download wallet software only from the project’s official site or verified release channel.
- For meaningful holdings, consider a hardware wallet and verify receiving addresses on the device screen.
- Keep recovery words offline and out of photos, cloud storage, email, and support chats.
- Send a small test transaction before moving larger amounts.
- Understand fees, confirmations, and that Bitcoin transactions are generally irreversible.
- Use separate wallets or accounts when it helps avoid linking unrelated activity.