A paper wallet stores the private key for a crypto address offline. The private key printed on the paper allows someone to spend the coins linked to the public address, which is also printed there. Both are usually shown as text and as QR codes, so they can be scanned with a phone or camera. Since the keys are kept on paper and not on an internet-connected device, this method is considered a type of cold storage.
There are two common ways to create a paper wallet. One way is to use random actions, like rolling dice, to generate the keys. The other is to use key-generation software, often an HTML file downloaded and run on an offline computer, then printed. In both cases, the private and public keys are printed, and QR codes are usually added to make future transfers easier.
To access funds from a paper wallet, you need to import or sweep the private key into a software or hardware wallet. You can do this by scanning the QR code with a wallet app or by typing in the key. This lets the wallet create a transaction to spend the coins. Many people sweep the paper wallet into a secure device so the private key is not left on paper after the transfer.
Paper wallets are inexpensive and keep keys offline, which reduces the risk of theft from hacking, malware, or phishing. They can be useful for short-term or one-time cold storage because you control the single piece of paper that gives access to your funds.
Paper can be damaged, lost, or stolen, and if the private key is lost with no backup, the funds cannot be recovered. There are also risks when printing and handling the wallet. If the printer, camera, or computer used to create it is compromised, the private key could be leaked. Because of these risks, many people now prefer hardware wallets or multisignature setups.
Best practices are to create paper wallets on a clean, offline computer, use trusted open-source tools, print on durable paper, and keep several secure copies in different places. Avoid taking photos or making digital backups that could be exposed online. If you want to spend the funds, it is safer to sweep the key into a hardware wallet first.
Paper wallets were more common in the early days of cryptocurrency, but their use has declined as hardware wallets and safer software options have become morey available. Some people still use paper wallets for long-term cold storage, but they usually do so after considering the physical risks and complexity.
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