What Is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin, commonly referred to as BTC, is a financial game-changer. Launched in 2009 by a pseudonymous creator known as Satoshi Nakamoto, it operates without a central authority, enabling decentralized and transparent transactions. With a maximum supply capped at 21 million, Bitcoin ensures scarcity and long-term value preservation. As the pioneer of the crypto world, its open-source ethos and robust blockchain technology make it the cornerstone of digital finance.
Bitcoin Wallet Facts And Stats: Users, Addresses, Transactions
Bitcoin is not just a theory — it is a live global network with millions of users, wallets, and transactions. Understanding a few key numbers helps you see why choosing a secure, self-custody Bitcoin Wallet really matters.
How many people use Bitcoin? Different studies estimate that hundreds of millions of people worldwide now own Bitcoin — well over 300 million users globally. BTC remains the most widely held cryptocurrency and the first choice for long-term holders.
How many Bitcoin addresses exist? Over the years, the network has generated hundreds of millions of addresses. Tens of millions of these addresses hold a non-zero BTC balance, and the blockchain has recorded more than a billion transactions in total. Behind every funded address there is a Bitcoin Wallet or custody setup controlling real value.
How much Bitcoin is lost forever? Analysts estimate that a noticeable share of all BTC — from millions to several million coins — is likely lost due to forgotten passwords, destroyed backups, or lost seed phrases. These coins can never be moved again, which makes protecting your own self-custody wallet even more important.
What is the largest Bitcoin transaction ever sent? Over the years, there have been multiple “whale” transactions moving tens of thousands of BTC in a single on-chain transfer, sometimes worth over a billion dollars at the time. All of this value is controlled by private keys inside Bitcoin wallets — not by banks.
| Metric | Approximate Value | Why It Matters For Your Wallet |
|---|---|---|
| Total Bitcoin Supply (Maximum) | 21,000,000 BTC | Fixed supply means no one can print more BTC; your Bitcoin Wallet holds a scarce digital asset. |
| Estimated BTC Owners Worldwide | 300M+ People | Shows how global Bitcoin adoption has become and why reliable wallets are essential. |
| Addresses With Non-Zero Balance | Tens Of Millions | Each funded address is controlled by a wallet, representing real users, exchanges, and services. |
| Total On-Chain Transactions | 1B+ Transactions | Every send/receive operation made from wallets becomes part of this transparent public ledger. |
| Estimated Lost BTC | Millions Of Coins | Lost coins highlight the importance of secure backups for your self-custody Bitcoin Wallet. |
| Largest Single BTC Transfers | Tens Of Thousands Of BTC | Shows that even billion-dollar value can move in one transaction between wallets without banks. |
A modern self-custody Bitcoin Wallet gives you direct access to this global network: you hold the keys, you control your BTC, and every transaction you sign becomes a tiny part of Bitcoin’s on-chain history.
What Is A Bitcoin Wallet?
When people ask “what is a Bitcoin wallet?”, the simple answer is: it is an app or device that stores your private keys and lets you send, receive, and hold BTC safely. Your coins live on the Bitcoin blockchain, and the wallet controls access to them through cryptographic keys.
There are two main categories of Bitcoin wallets:
- Self-Custody Bitcoin Wallet: You control the seed phrase and private keys. No company can freeze or move your BTC without your permission.
- Custodial Wallet: A company or exchange holds your keys for you and can restrict access to your coins.
For most users who care about privacy and real ownership, a self-custody Bitcoin Wallet is the preferred option.
What Is A Bitcoin Wallet Address?
A Bitcoin wallet address is a string of letters and numbers that identifies where BTC can be sent on the blockchain. When users search for “what is a Bitcoin wallet address” or “what is a BTC wallet address”, they are really asking: “Which exact address should someone use to send me Bitcoin safely?”.
Each address is derived from your private keys inside the wallet. You can freely share your wallet address with anyone who wants to pay you in BTC, but you must never share your seed phrase or private keys.
How To Get A Bitcoin Wallet Address
To get a Bitcoin wallet address, you first need to create or import a BTC wallet. After that, the app will generate addresses for you automatically.
- Open your Bitcoin Wallet app.
- Go to the BTC asset or “Bitcoin” page inside the wallet.
- Tap Receive — the app will show your current Bitcoin wallet address and a QR code.
- Copy the address or share the QR code with the person or service that will send you BTC.
In a self-custody wallet like Gem Wallet, you can open the Bitcoin asset, tap Receive, and instantly see a fresh BTC wallet address ready to use.
How To Create A Bitcoin Wallet
If you are wondering how to create a Bitcoin wallet, or even “how to make a Bitcoin wallet” for the first time, the process is quick and beginner-friendly. A modern self-custody wallet app guides you step by step.
- Download a reputable self-custody Bitcoin Wallet app (for example, an open-source mobile wallet like Gem Wallet) from the official website or app store.
- Open the app and choose Create Wallet to set up a new BTC wallet.
- Carefully write down your seed phrase on paper and store it offline in a safe place. Do not take screenshots or upload it to the cloud.
- Confirm the seed phrase in the app to finish the backup process.
- Set a strong PIN or biometric lock to protect access to your wallet on the device.
- Now you have a fully functional Bitcoin wallet and can receive, store, and send BTC.
These steps also answer related questions like how to set up a Bitcoin wallet, how to open a Bitcoin wallet, and how to get a Bitcoin wallet in 2025 — all you need is a secure self-custody app and a few minutes of attention to your backup.
How To Send Bitcoin To Another Wallet
Learning how to send Bitcoin to another wallet is essential if you plan to use BTC for payments, transfers, or withdrawals from exchanges.
- Open your Bitcoin Wallet app and go to the BTC asset page.
- Tap Send.
- Paste the recipient’s Bitcoin wallet address or scan their QR code.
- Enter the amount of BTC you want to send.
- Choose a network fee option (for example, Slow, Normal, or Fast, depending on how quickly you want confirmation).
- Double-check the address and amount, then confirm the transaction.
Once your transaction is broadcast, it will appear in the Bitcoin mempool and then be confirmed in a block. In a self-custody wallet like Gem Wallet, you always sign the transaction locally on your device, so only you control when and where your BTC is sent.
Private Bitcoin Wallet
A private Bitcoin Wallet — also described as an anonymous wallet — is a necessary measure in today’s turbulent world. The rapid rise in the value of crypto assets, especially Bitcoin, attracts companies and bad actors engaging in surveillance and other intrusive practices. A private, open-source Bitcoin Wallet that does not request your personal data helps keep your privacy and assets safe.
If you do not trust app stores or simply want maximum control, you can download a Bitcoin Wallet APK or build your own APK directly from the source code. This way, you remain fully in control of your privacy level and can verify exactly what runs on your device.
Types Of Bitcoin Wallets
Before you decide which is the best Bitcoin wallet for you, it helps to understand the main wallet types and how they are used in 2025:
- Mobile Bitcoin Wallet App: Installed on your smartphone (iOS or Android). Ideal for daily payments, quick transfers, and checking your balance on the go.
- Desktop Bitcoin Wallet: Runs on your computer. Often used by people who prefer managing BTC on a laptop or workstation.
- Web / Online Bitcoin Wallet: Works in a browser. Convenient, but you usually depend more on the service provider’s security.
- Hardware Wallet (Cold Wallet): A dedicated device kept offline and used mainly for long-term storage of large amounts. Many users search for phrases like “best Bitcoin hardware wallet” or “best Bitcoin cold wallet” when they are looking for this type of solution.
- Hot Wallet: Any wallet connected to the internet (mobile, web, or desktop). A hot wallet for Bitcoin is perfect for everyday use, small and medium balances, and quick spending.
Many users combine both: they keep a portion of BTC in a mobile hot wallet for everyday transactions and the rest in cold storage for long-term holding.
Hot Wallet Vs Cold Wallet: Which Is Better For You?
There is no single “best Bitcoin wallet for everyone” — the right choice depends on how you use BTC:
- Hot Wallet For Bitcoin: Great for frequent payments, trading, or sending BTC to friends. You get instant access on your phone and can react quickly to the market. A mobile self-custody app like Gem Wallet is a typical example of a hot Bitcoin wallet.
- Cold Wallet For Bitcoin: Better for long-term savings and large balances. Your private keys stay offline (for example, on a hardware wallet or another offline setup), which reduces exposure to online attacks but makes everyday spending less convenient.
For many users, the optimal setup is a combination: a secure hot wallet app for daily activity and a separate cold wallet for long-term storage. This way you keep flexibility for everyday use while protecting the bulk of your BTC in deeper storage.
Bitcoin Wallet Benefits
Privacy and security are fundamental aspects of a good Bitcoin Wallet, but you also want comfort and convenience in daily use:
- Security: A high-quality Bitcoin Wallet provides industry-standard protection for your assets. In a fully self-custodial wallet, your seed phrase and private keys remain only with you and are never stored by the provider.
- Privacy: Zero-tracking and an open-source philosophy help minimise data collection. You do not need to provide personal data just to hold BTC.
- Backup & Recovery: You can create a secure backup of your wallet using a seed phrase and restore it on a new device in just a few steps.
- Direct Bitcoin Purchase: Buy BTC with a bank card directly in the wallet in a few simple steps; coins are deposited automatically to your address. Learn more on the Buy Bitcoin page.
- Trading & Swaps: Trade and exchange Bitcoin directly within the wallet via built-in swap or DEX integration — low fees, privacy, and convenience.
- Accessibility & Usability: A good Bitcoin Wallet is available on both iOS and Android so your wallet is always with you. The interface combines a simple, functional design with all essential features at your fingertips, plus analytics and customizable price alerts to help you stay informed.
Bitcoin Wallet App For iOS And Android
For most users in 2025, the best Bitcoin wallet app is the one they can always carry in their pocket. A mobile wallet turns your phone into a secure BTC controller, allowing you to:
- Check your Bitcoin balance in real time and track price changes.
- Send BTC anywhere in the world within minutes.
- Receive payments for goods, services, or salary in Bitcoin.
- Use BTC on websites and platforms that accept crypto, including e-commerce, content platforms, and legal online services.
Gem Wallet is a self-custody, open-source Bitcoin Wallet app for iPhone and Android, created for users who want full control of their coins without sacrificing usability.
Is A Bitcoin Wallet Safe?
A Bitcoin Wallet can be extremely safe if you follow a few core principles:
- Use a self-custody wallet where you control the seed phrase.
- Store your seed phrase offline and never share it with anyone, even “support” or “friends”.
- Download the app only from official sources and verify the publisher.
- Keep your phone or computer updated and protected with a strong device password.
When used correctly, a self-custody wallet is one of the best ways to store Bitcoin safely and avoid the risks of exchange hacks, withdrawal limits, or account freezes.
Conclusion: Pick A Bitcoin Wallet That Matches Your Needs
There is no single universal answer to the question, “what is the best Bitcoin wallet?”. The right choice depends on your goals: daily spending, long-term holding, trading, or a mix of everything. Focus on self-custody, open-source transparency, strong privacy, and a clear, simple interface.
Create a secure Bitcoin Wallet in a few clicks and join the blockchain revolution today — keep your BTC under your own control and manage it on your terms.
