Would you use a paper wallet to store your CryptoCurrencies?

[CryptoMike52]

Hi Crypto Community,

I thought I would ask the question about crypto paper wallets.  I've been invested in a project for a couple years called ROI coin.  You can look at it here: https://roi-coin.com/..  It is a triple hybrid coin - POS/POW/Term Deposits and has a unique feature that allows you to stake/mint coins earning up to 18% interest a year without a wallet running.  I figure that I will term deposit them to my paper wallet and keep them offline with no wallet running on a computer or other device anywhere.  Nobody can steal them. 

Security is of prime importance to not losing your crypto assets and I am looking for the utmost security.  Many exchanges have been hacked and coins stolen I want alternatives. Running multiple desktop wallets is not exciting either.   Enter the paper wallet.  If you are in control of your private key of your paper wallet you will be fine because they are not hack-able.  They are not prone to malware or key-logger attacks either.

The process of creating a paper wallet is to go to a wallet generator which will create a random public and private key.  You would then print that out and use accordingly.  For security, many generators allow you to download an HTML file to your local computer then generate the address which allows you to do the generation unconnected to the internet.  Obviously make sure to store it in a safe place when done.  The question is where do you store it, so it does not get stolen or damaged?

In many countries people have limited access to computers or internet so my thinking is paper wallets would be widely adopted however I do not know that is the case.  If you were able to generate coins (POS) 24hrs a day and automatically send them to your paper wallet would you do that?  Or if you mined coins (POW) would you direct them to your paper wallet.  I suppose that if you are mining with a computer you might have a desktop wallet.  But in either case nobody can steal the coins if they are in your paper wallet and if the public / private key has not been compromised.

Is there a fear factor of losing the paper wallet or it getting destroyed?  I recently came across some companies that create metal credit card style paper wallets such as Ballet Crypto. They use online/offline computers and laser etching across two different countries to manufacturer the card along with a wallet passphrase / app.  It's an interesting process.  Take a look here: https://www.balletcrypto.com/en/2FKG/ .  Do you think that is secure enough?

With so many mobile devices in the world I have several questions regarding the usage of paper wallets or why they are not used more.  So, for now we will end this article with a simple question of using a paper wallet.  My header image of the paper wallet came from: https://walletgenerator.net/

[CucakRowo]

May i know on to where this thread created. It's kind of promotion, brainstorming or discussion thread? Paper wallet is mainstream. For anti mainstream, i will suggest to :
1. Write it in stone
2. Write it in woods
3. Stainless steel
4. Write on paper and do laminating.
5. Tattooed it on your most hidden body. Only your spouse, children can knowing it.

[CryptoMike52]

It's all of the above.  I'm hoping it can be a discussion.

I just want to know what people think about them.  Do they use paper wallets now?  I'll bet the majority of people do not.  I think they use wallets on mobile devices primarily or exchanges.  I could be wrong.

[masulum]

I just want to know what people think about them.  Do they use paper wallets now? 

Store in offline wallet is a must, if you don't have a metal to write down,of course saving crypto in paper wallet is a must. I store my key in some paper and USB disk, so i make this USB as dedicated store for my wallet in case i lost the paper.

[sheenshane]

I just want to know what people think about them.  Do they use paper wallets now?  I'll bet the majority of people do not.  I think they use wallets on mobile devices primarily or exchanges.  I could be wrong.

It might because when creating a paper wallet is a very crucial thing, there's a step on how to create a paper wallet in a safe way. If you don't know how to create this paper wallet it might wipe out all your Bitcoin stored. Some reason, Bitcoin holders prefer to use hardware wallets like Trezor and Ledger because this is ready to use and store all your crypto.

Yes, I still use the Bitcoin wallet on the device and that custodial wallet but there is no problem if you don't store for long term purposes. I think it is also good if you include how to create a pepper wallet. See this reference, it has a good content. https://news.bitcoin.com/how-to-set-up-bitcoin-paper-wallet/.

[Jawhead999]

I just want to know what people think about them.  Do they use paper wallets now?  I'll bet the majority of people do not.  I think they use wallets on mobile devices primarily or exchanges.  I could be wrong.

Yes, majority are not use paper wallet... most of them prefer to use hardware and web wallet (even this is an old survey and only 339 holders take a part)


source

With so many mobile devices in the world I have several questions regarding the usage of paper wallets or why they are not used more.  So, for now we will end this article with a simple question of using a paper wallet.  My header image of the paper wallet came from: https://walletgenerator.net/

walletgenerator.net is not safe to generate paper wallet because there has been vulnerability found in the past [1] I suggest to use bitaddress.org [2] and run it offline.

[1] https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5146965.0
[2] https://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/questions/22115/how-to-download-bitaddress-org-to-use-offline

[dragon695]

I just want to know what people think about them.  Do they use paper wallets now?  I'll bet the majority of people do not.  I think they use wallets on mobile devices primarily or exchanges.  I could be wrong.

It might because when creating a paper wallet is a very crucial thing, there's a step on how to create a paper wallet in a safe way. If you don't know how to create this paper wallet it might wipe out all your Bitcoin stored. Some reason, Bitcoin holders prefer to use hardware wallets like Trezor and Ledger because this is ready to use and store all your crypto.

Yes, I still use the Bitcoin wallet on the device and that custodial wallet but there is no problem if you don't store for long term purposes. I think it is also good if you include how to create a pepper wallet. See this reference, it has a good content. https://news.bitcoin.com/how-to-set-up-bitcoin-paper-wallet/.

You're right. If we don't know for sure how to create and secure our paper wallet, it can be a great risk! Therefore, majority of traders choose to use mobile wallets or exchanges. The reason is that this method has a higher security than paper wallet, even though it still has the risk of being hacked (which is not likely to happen). However, I think the risk is not high if we don't intend to store our capital for too long!

[Bitbtc8]

Whether paper wallet or mobile Wallet they both carry same risk, all you have to do is keep your private key safe, if your private key leaked while using paper wallet or mobile Wallet you will lost your coins

[bitcoin_paypal]

For what i need paper wallet? I believe in non-costudy solutions like ownr wallet, exodus, ownr, etc. If i will really want more secure solution then i will use hardware ones

[xOdiumNostrumx]

Its the second safest option right after the hardware wallet I suppose, so I should definitely use it instead of hot wallets. Most of my bags are on the hardware one, but some of the currencies are not supported there, so I tend to lock those behind trusted hot wallets, solely because they are more convenient than a paper wallets, but with that you expose  yourself to a certain degree of risk.

[NeuroticFish]

Paper wallets are a very good way to store crypto for long time.

But most don't understand that's not easy to properly generate, in a safe manner the paper wallet. Only going offline for the seconds/minutes the wallet is generated is not enough.
Then most don't see that paper wallet is just a pair - private key + address - that can be printed on any piece of paper, doesn't have to be pretty.

Then people don't see that it's as easy to generate a seed, which is easier to store since it's English words. (Just maybe not altcoins have HD wallets.)

And at the end please don't give your private key to others so they can engrave it onto whatever. If they get your key, they can spend your funds - current or future - from that address.
Safe keeping doesn't have to be in steel or stone. Paper does the job very well as long as you keep it in multiple places.


TL;DR; Hand written papers with the (safely generated) seed, kept in multiple geographical places is usually a good way of HODLing. No need for fancy stuff.

[Francis Freeman]

I believe that you must extra careful when it comes to storing your crypto currency. Although paper wallets are a bit safe you are still susceptible to phishing attacks .

I would recommend to get a hardware wallet for 100$ . You can't be too careful when it comes to storing your crypto.

[Inkdull]

I believe that you must extra careful when it comes to storing your crypto currency. Although paper wallets are a bit safe you are still susceptible to phishing attacks .

I would recommend to get a hardware wallet for 100$ . You can't be too careful when it comes to storing your crypto.

If I may ask mate, while using hardware wallet you don't need to safe guard your private keys or you still need to? All wallets either paper or app or hardware still have a recovery seed or private keys to share with users, meaning anything can happen if you misplace your key

[hrunya102]

May i know on to where this thread created. It's kind of promotion, brainstorming or discussion thread? Paper wallet is mainstream. For anti mainstream, i will suggest to :
1. Write it in stone
2. Write it in woods
3. Stainless steel
4. Write on paper and do laminating.
5. Tattooed it on your most hidden body. Only your spouse, children can knowing it.

4. Write on paper and do laminating.
This is my choice for storing bitcoin, although I coded the seed phrase a little bit, just in case.

[Yaunfitda]

Regarding walletgenerator though, Disclosure: Key generation vulnerability found on WalletGenerator.net—potentially malicious.

Of course I will still used paper wallet, but you have to understand that there is risk as well; there are hackers that can easily breach printers, and it by chance you print your private keys, hackers could get it as well. You need to back up your private keys, so cannot just write it on a simple paper and simply hide it. You should understand how to secure them and how to hide so that it won't be destroyed. I think the best option is to get some safety deposit box in a bank not just one but at least you should have a back up of it spread across.

[Cocoincos]

of course no, crypto currency is not about paper )) I think the best wallet is ledger NANO, only it have good secure

[Squezzi55]

Paper wallet is more safer because hackers tools works online or through the internet, since paper wallets remains offline means they are lot safer than mobile wallets that are always online or connected to the internet

[CryptoMike52]

I appreciate all the dialog guys.  Definitely helps me understand the perspective on security.  

I'd like to also understand how many people use or might use a paper wallet because they have limited access to computers or internet.  I know this question may be difficult to answer because we're using mobile and computers now and fairly widely prevalent.  In some countries I believe it must be more difficult.  If people want to participate in crypto they buy on exchanges or have others buy and send to paper wallet.  In my case I used a desktop wallet to term deposit to my paper wallet then shut that computer down.

Are there any studies out there that show access to computers and internet in other countries?  Am I off base?  I guess what I'm getting at is, if I'm correct in assuming access to computers and internet is limited in some areas, would that allow more crypto participation because of a paper wallet?  We know they would have to use a mobile or computer to buy crypto / process it, or be given it.  But maybe that's just something temporary they can use?

[Divinespark]

of course no, crypto currency is not about paper )) I think the best wallet is ledger NANO, only it have good secure

I have also seen a few cases of NANO wallet being hacked before, so I don't think it's really secure. Paper wallets are the safest option if you keep them safe and no one can touch them

[leea-1334]

I would definitely consider a paper wallet use, but not in the same sense here. First of all, I would never trust an issuer even if the codes are written beneath the scratch surface,,, how do I know someone who created it in the factory does not have a copy of it?

Making your own paper wallets are secure I agree but buying them,,, I would never agree.

[Pffrt]

I see none of title and the article to have the same purpose. It seems you are trying to shill, may be?
Anyway, for long term holder, Paper wallet is the best in my opinion as it is safe from being hacked, malware affected or getting destroyed etc unless it gets burned or lost. However, one must generate paper wallet in a proper way if they want to be secure.

[el kaka22]

You do realize that paper wallets have been a thing for the past 10 years right? People have used paper wallets for a very long time and if you google bitcoin paper wallet you could find results dating as further back as early years of bitcoin itself.

So, the question of "would you use a paper wallet" has been answered, people do not use it too much, if they wanted to they have a chance to do it already, so it is not a new idea that would suddenly get a lot more attention from people if presented to them, it is already an existing option if they want to use yet almost all of the investors of crypto ignores.

Hence I think the answer is no, they wouldn't use it. In any case if you want to start something like that in a wave, I would say go for it, maybe you would be the one who could change it.

[SistaFista]

Paper wallet is the most simple wallet to use, beginner in cryptocurrency can use it for first time but it is not recommended to store big amount of coin.
Personally i won't use paper wallet to store my coins, just install the wallet on my pc. Paper wallet is vulnerable from phishing site if you want to access it from web wallet. And, you shouldn't use walletgenerator.net to store your btc.

[Dhoe]

Until now, I never used a paper wallet, I am more comfortable using a hardware wallet like Trezor or Ledger. In my opinion, paper wallets do not last long, unless you write on something made of iron, not on plain paper.  I think that both paper wallets and hardware wallets have their respective advantages. It's up to you to choose which one.

[Bitstar_coin]

Personally I don't use a paper wallet and never have, I prefer the hardware wallet or online wallet that I trust, paper wallet will be efficient more when the person wants a long time storage of their assets without any immediate access to it, so storing paper wallet in a more safe and secure place is very necessary, I see it a bit stressful to preserve funds for quick usage, it is good for long term hold, while hardware or online wallet are good for subsequently usage.

[Vishnu.Reang]

Previously I have considered storing some of my coins and tokens in paper wallets and hardware wallets. But I gave up the idea because Paper Wallets looked too complex for me and I thought that the chances of losing access to your coins is much greater than someone hacking your wallet and stealing the coins. For now, I am sticking with the online cryptocurrency wallets.

[xenon131]

But I gave up the idea because Paper Wallets looked too complex for me
 

Why? It is nothing more than a piece of paper with printed address and private key  to control fund on that address. I know a few wallets that suggest their backups in the form of paper wallets and it looks like not a bad idea at all.

[Genemind]

Most people in crypto use storage that is convenient and secure for them. The majority uses online wallets, I prefer using a hardware wallet and I think there are only few who uses paper wallet. As long as your crypto is secured and safe it doesn't matter where you keep it. Your funds, your responsibility.

[Ceyflix-Rez]

Yes paper wallet is best for long term holding because it works offline and mobile wallet is good for short term holding, trading and crypto daily use, online wallets can get hacked easily than offline wallets

[20kevin20]

I mostly use my Hardware Wallet, but I also have a bunch of pre-printed paper wallets that I use every now and then. Would be quite skeptical to start printing new ones though - mine are many years old. It's hard to get accustomed to older wallets when I have a HW sitting around.

If I had no hardware wallet, I'd definitely use paper wallets more often. They're an amazing cold storage if you follow all security measures properly and get to print a safe one. Had all ny funds on them a while ago and no penny ever disappeared.

[mezzaluna]

Those are still a bit risky since paper wallets can be stolen and all they need is a Scanner to figure out that they have a QR Code full of money with it. I mean its RISKY but if people can keep it in safe places like in homes where people wont really search for, then I guess it is possible to keep them there. Though having a paper wallet is already risky because of how people are knowledgeable on how papers can be. Papers are easy to tear apart and what if you are storing all your money inside those with no backups. It would be risky but I guess its worth a try after some beta test.

[ife2020]

I don;t know what people would go for, but believe me almost everyone in the forum today uses a paper wallet t store their crypto currencies. I say paper wallet to terms with trust wallet, imtoken, coinomi; which are apps that we use most as bounty hunters to store our assets. The seed phrase are same as the paper wallets for me if you are able to print it out.

One certainty is that be it a paper wallet, cold storage or nano wallets, as long as you do not compromise your safety; trust me your funds are safe.

[unusualfacts30]

It's not important how you store your keys but what's most important is that you keep them in safe place so you don't lose it. Everyone has different method of storing their keys. Some people prefer paper while others prefer offline and hardware wallet. Personally I find paper wallet to be very useful and safer than other means of storage. It really depends on what you are holding and your knowledge. paper wallet may not be the best option if you are just starting but its always something worth learning if you want to be in the safe side. key word: safe place.

[Ucy]

I tend to go for very secure things that anyone can easily afford or use. If it's expensive/advanced, then it has to be very multiple purpose. I don't really like buying such things and needing to buy another similar ones to meet my other needs. Besides I want to be used to stuff I can make myself, to make many at any time (in both good & crisis/difficult time) and keep them well decentralized too. So I will go for easy-to-make DIY wallets. If I must buy something advanced, it has to have many other uses and very secure

[shoreno]

Paper wallet is more safer because hackers tools works online or through the internet, since paper wallets remains offline means they are lot safer than mobile wallets that are always online or connected to the internet

If you are going to hold a coin that you will be long term for a long time holding your coins to paper wallet is highly recommended, it is also highly recommended that you have for trading, for online activities and wallets that you will use maybe for inheritance..

for inheritance means long term same as when you hodl for a long time , both needs to be exported offline for safety  .

your idea of seperating coins for different use is helpful and i never think of that before but i just store all the coins inside of an online wallet . sure paper wallets are ofline and are safe from online hacks but they are weak for the elements of the outside world .

[Akoldi_ibk]

I would definitely love to use paper wallet to store my crypto assets. I have been reading about this paper wallet, but never try to generate or own one. I think it is safer especially for long term storage due to its generating procedure which involves having no Internet access during the process. But for now, I stick to what I know best.

[H1N1]

I will using paper wallet to store my coin, why ? because i know how to use it and secure it.
Never use paper wallet if you don't know to use if safely because paper wallet can be easily phished with some phishing website.
I even can use wallet just from javascript, just generate the random privkey you want and through secpk256k function, get public key and convert it to address.

[jrrsparkles]

Definitely Paper wallet is one of the safest wallet to store cryptos in long term but we doesn't necessarily need any services to do it so because in cryptos don't trust anyone so just write the keys on a paper is enough and better keep them in water proof container when you are going to hold them for years.

[akitha]

no I'm not gonna use and store my cryptocurrency in a paper wallet. I would rather use a hardware wallet / offline wallet. and if before anything happens i would tell it to one person I trusted most just in any case..we dont know what to expect next day

[leeboy]

Maybe paper wallet could be useful as long term solution but in my opinion software wallets are much better if you make at least several transaction per month. That's why i prefer to use non custody wallet. Coinomi, ownr wallet, etc

[irixo10]

I think the usage of cryptocurrency wallets is all a matter of choice and perspectives as well. While most people will prefer mobile wallets because of ease of use and easy accessibility, others would prefer hardware wallets because of enhanced security and the list goes on. So this question will of course lead to many answers and carefully looking at them, you will agree with what I pointed out. In my own case, I think hardware wallet is enough for me and of course mobile wallets as well.

[fosco333]

I don't think using paper wallet is a good idea to store any cryptocurrency.
The security of paper wallet is not enough to be able to store coin.
But paper wallet is very convenient and simple to be used by any newcomer in cryptocurrency world.