What is a private key?

What Is a Private Key?

A private key is a secret string (usually a long number shown in hex or as part of a seed phrase) that proves you own the crypto in a wallet. You use it to sign transactions. If someone has your private key, they can send your crypto anywhere. If you lose it and have no backup, you cannot recover the funds.

How It Is Used

When you send crypto, your wallet uses the private key to create a digital signature. The network verifies the signature against your public address. No one needs to see your private key; the wallet handles signing. Never type your private key or seed phrase into a website or send it to anyone. Legitimate services never ask for it.

Backup

Many wallets use a 12- or 24-word seed phrase that represents your private key. Write it down and store it safely offline in more than one place. Do not store it on your phone or in email. Losing the key or phrase means losing access forever.