The wallet glossary.

The entity whose activity and assets the wallet presents. An app can show multiple accounts with different recovery methods.

A destination identifier used on a particular network. Confirm both the address and network before a transfer.

A separation from a direct data connection. QR codes or removable storage can move requests across it; the information crossing still needs validation.

A permission that can let a contract move a token within the applicable scope. Disconnecting the site does not by itself revoke an on-chain allowance.

The secrets and, where required, configuration needed to restore a wallet. A device PIN alone is not generally a wallet backup.

Choosing which Bitcoin outputs a transaction spends. It affects transaction construction and can affect privacy.

Who controls the authority to sign and the means of recovery. A familiar app interface does not establish who has custody.

Public information from which a set of account addresses can be derived. It does not normally allow signing, but can expose linked activity.

Software running on a dedicated device. Follow the manufacturer’s current authenticity checks and security advisories before setup or updates.

A dedicated device that authorizes requests using keys kept within its security design. The app may still prepare and broadcast transactions.

A wallet policy requiring a threshold of signatures from configured keys. Recovery may need the public policy as well as enough signing secrets.

The charge associated with processing a transaction on a network. No fee displayed does not imply that a signature is harmless.

In supported recovery schemes, an additional secret that derives a different wallet from the underlying backup. A typo can produce another wallet.

An access control for a device or installation. Its role differs from the underlying recovery method; do not treat the names as interchangeable.

Secret information used to authorize actions for an account. Anyone who obtains it may gain signing authority.

A Partially Signed Bitcoin Transaction, a format used to pass transaction information between coordinators and signers.

A word-based representation of recovery material in supported wallets. Keep it private and use only the wallet’s documented recovery process.

A specialized component used in some device security designs. Its presence or certification alone is not a complete wallet security assessment.

Using a key to authorize a particular request. Identify the effect of the request before approving it.

An installation that can inspect a wallet through public information without holding the keys needed to sign. Its public records can still be privacy-sensitive.