Private Key
A 256-bit secret granting the power to spend BTC from derived addresses, must remain confidential.
In Bitcoin, a private key underpins an entire address or range of addresses in hierarchical wallets. Anyone who obtains the private key can sign transactions moving associated funds. Good key management is vital—leaking the key means losing control of the BTC. Private keys are usually represented in WIF format or derived from a mnemonic seed. Wallets hide these details from users, but they remain the foundation of ‘not your keys, not your coins.’ If compromised, funds can be stolen instantly.
Key takeaways
The core secret used to sign transactions
Losing or exposing it forfeits control of the BTC
Usually generated/managed by wallets behind the scenes
Learn how to
Be Your Own Bank
Be Your Own Bank teaches you how to securely store and manage your Bitcoin, giving you full control over your finances. Unlock the power of self-custody and financial sovereignty, so you can confidently operate without intermediaries.