Bitcoin wallet vs pendrive or Memory card.

[SAHASAN]

 (just a curiosity)
Technology is always updated day by day.
Will it be possible to store crypto between pen drives and memory cards in the near future?

[Zaguru12]

The thing is your cryptocurrency let me cut it down to Bitcoin is not stored on any device rather it is stored on blockchain, what the device holds is the seed phrase or private key that gives you access to the coins on the blockchain. If you have either of this things then you have ownership of the coins on their addresses

Now can the seedphrase or private key be stored on pen drives and memory cards, yes they can but it is mostly not advisable though. You can also store a wallet entire file on them

[Hatchy]

(just a curiosity)
Technology is always updated day by day.
Will it be possible to store crypto between pen drives and memory cards in the near future?

Just like @Zaguru12 mentioned, let me explain further. Your Bitcoins aren't actually stored in your wallet, but on the Blockchain. The wallet is simply a software or hardware tool that helps you manage your keys and connect to the Blockchain. It allows you to send or receive Bitcoin using your public key. When you check your wallet balance, you're seeing the total amount of Bitcoin assigned to the addresses linked to your private keys on the blockchain. So, owning a wallet means you have a tool to view and manage your Bitcoin holdings.

Regarding storing Bitcoin on flash drives or memory cards, as Zaguru12 also pointed out, you can only store your keys or wallet data files there. However, it's risky because these devices can get damaged, and if your keys are lost, they may be unrecoverable.

[SAHASAN]

The thing is your cryptocurrency let me cut it down to Bitcoin is not stored on any device rather it is stored on blockchain, what the device holds is the seed phrase or private key that gives you access to the coins on the blockchain. If you have either of this things then you have ownership of the coins on their addresses

Now can the seedphrase or private key be stored on pen drives and memory cards, yes they can but it is mostly not advisable though. You can also store a wallet entire file on them

So for that we need to create blockchain supported pen drive or memory card first or need another more things ?

[Pmalek]

So for that we need to create blockchain supported pen drive or memory card first or need another more things ?

The real question you wanted to ask is not whether you can store bitcoin on a USB flash drive, but whether you can run a node from it. Don't forget that the blockchain is quite big and it will always get bigger. So, your first obstacle is storage. Compared to SSDs, USB flash drives have slower read and write speeds. It's going to become a nightmare to download, store, and verify blocks on a USB stick. I don't think pen drives could handle that load. The load will also increase the chances that the USB flash drive breaks or causes the data on it to become corrupted.

I would advice against it.

[Eleutheria]

Bitcoin is data and that data can go on anything that it is run on at the time. As technology advances we can get chips that go on our finger tips, and yes, your blockchain data can go on it and you can access your keys using them. Drives and memory cards were always used as means of accessing the blockchain, but there are easier and safer ways to do that now.

You have the freedom to use your bitcoin as you like.

[tabas]

So for that we need to create blockchain supported pen drive or memory card first or need another more things ?

A pen drive or a flash drive has a limited storage. Just as Pmalek stated, if you're going to create a blockchain for supporting that pen drive you like to have, the storage that it has got won't be enough to store the entire thing there. So, probably you're confused about seed phrases, private keys or seeds being stored on them whether as a file or simply in a notepad. Soon, pendrives are going to be a thing in the past, we're now even seeing external hard drives only for back ups that are serving the same as flash drives. But I remember, if you go just want to run a bitcoin wallet on a pen drive then it's possible as long as the wallet is lite just like Electrum. I haven't done it though about the launcher of there being saved but sure you can save the installer on a pen drive or memory card as long as it has enough storage.

[Pmalek]

But I remember, if you go just want to run a bitcoin wallet on a pen drive then it's possible as long as the wallet is lite just like Electrum.

Since you mentioned Electrum, this software wallet has a portable version that you can put on a USB flash drive and run it from there or move it across various devices with that USB. But that's again different from what OP is asking about. Being an SPV client, Electrum doesn't require that you download the entire blockchain, which significantly shortens the sync times before you can use it.

[dkbit98]

USB flash drives generally don't have good lifetime unless they are industry graded, so I would not trust them as only backup option for storing bitcoin keys.

There is one interesting new drive Blaustahl USB, that is based on FRAM (Ferroelectric RAM) that could last up to 200 years, but it can only store 8kb of data, that means only text files.
It is expected that future firmware updates are going to include encryption for better security.

   Microcontroller – Raspberry Pi RP2040 dual-core Cortex-M0 processor at 133MHz and 264kB RAM.
    Storage
        4MB (32Mbit) NOR flash for firmware
        8KB (64Kbit) FRAM (Fujitsu MB85RS64)
            Lifespan – 95 years @ +55°C, over 200 years @ +35°C
            Endurance – 10^12 read/write cycles @ +85°C
            Supports FRAM write protection via solder jumper
    USB – 1x USB Type-A male port; USB-CDC interface requires no additional drivers on most OSes
    Misc – Blue LED
    Security – Encryption coming soon in updated firmware
    Dimensions – Board: 30 x 16mm
    Blue 3D-printed PLA case

https://www.cnx-software.com/2024/05/15/blaustahl-usb-storage-device-8kb-fram-200-years-data-retention/
https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/usb-flash-drives/this-usb-flash-drive-can-only-store-8kb-of-data-but-will-last-you-200-years

Price for Blaustahl USB is €29.95:
https://machdyne.com/product/blaustahl-storage-device/

[Knight Hider]

You can install an operating system (Tails) including Electrum wallet on a pendrive.

[NotATether]

USB flash drives generally don't have good lifetime unless they are industry graded, so I would not trust them as only backup option for storing bitcoin keys.

I'm not sure why the OP isn't considering USB external hard drives for backup purposes, because HDDs have a much better lifespan than the flash that you can find in a USB pen drive.

I know it may sound overkill based on the storage size, but you can easily bring the price down by buying like a 128GB drive. Or maybe even 64GB drives. They seem to be available on Amazon when I checked it.

This will also fit a Tails installation easily as well.

[ABCbits]

--snip--

There is one interesting new drive Blaustahl USB, that is based on FRAM (Ferroelectric RAM) that could last up to 200 years, but it can only store 8kb of data, that means only text files.
It is expected that future firmware updates are going to include encryption for better security.

--snip--

But in terms of lifespan, M-Disc would be better option as it claims can last 1000 years with bigger storage. Although you need to encrypt the file manually and certain DVD writer which also support M-Disc writing.

USB flash drives generally don't have good lifetime unless they are industry graded, so I would not trust them as only backup option for storing bitcoin keys.

I'm not sure why the OP isn't considering USB external hard drives for backup purposes, because HDDs have a much better lifespan than the flash that you can find in a USB pen drive.
--snip--

You're overthinking. Have you seen OP's feedback or post history?

[dkbit98]

I'm not sure why the OP isn't considering USB external hard drives for backup purposes, because HDDs have a much better lifespan than the flash that you can find in a USB pen drive.

Probably true, unless they are made by some unknown manufacturer with cheap components.
However, if you want to leave something for your children or grandchildren I would still choose physical backup of seed words on stainless steel.
There is a good chance most drives will become obsolete in future, in same way like VHS and CD drives are now.

But in terms of lifespan, M-Disc would be better option as it claims can last 1000 years with bigger storage. Although you need to encrypt the file manually and certain DVD writer which also support M-Disc writing.

I never in my life saw M-disc and you would probably have hard time finding and playing it in future, but yeah they will survive longer, unless someone scratches them

[ABCbits]

But in terms of lifespan, M-Disc would be better option as it claims can last 1000 years with bigger storage. Although you need to encrypt the file manually and certain DVD writer which also support M-Disc writing.

I never in my life saw M-disc and you would probably have hard time finding and playing it in future, but yeah they will survive longer, unless someone scratches them

Aside from scratch, finding device to read/play it shouldn't be hard since you could use any DVD/BD reader. I expect few company will continue to make DVD/BD reader in the future.

[Pmalek]

I'm not sure why the OP isn't considering USB external hard drives for backup purposes, because HDDs have a much better lifespan than the flash that you can find in a USB pen drive.

Probably the price. He is trying to find the cheapest possible solution. The problem is that if you want to save money on cheap hardware, you'll pay for it elsewhere.

Aside from scratch, finding device to read/play it shouldn't be hard since you could use any DVD/BD reader. I expect few company will continue to make DVD/BD reader in the future.

CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays will suffer the same fate as cassette tapes. They will become obsolete. Modern laptops are already sold without such optical media. So, in the future, you'll have to buy a separate device just to run the discs. Compared to that, USB ports are much more represented and used for all kinds of things (at least for now).

[m2017]

There is one interesting new drive Blaustahl USB, that is based on FRAM (Ferroelectric RAM) that could last up to 200 years, but it can only store 8kb of data, that means only text files.
It is expected that future firmware updates are going to include encryption for better security.

The memory is characterized by high write speed and extremely high write retention, capable of withstanding one million billion read/write cycles. It seems to me that with a full flash drive capacity of 8kb, ultra-high write speeds will not be needed at all. And also, you won’t rewrite the seed phrase one million billion times (x10²¹).

Blaustahl USB really looks very interesting for storing seed phrases, considering that the device has a built-in text editor, accessible via PuTTY и Tera Term, the memory capacity is enough for this, and the device has a long resource for reliability and durability.

I am confused by the stated service life of the device of 200 years. About CD also claimed that data on them could be stored for up to 60 years, but as practice has shown, after a couple of years the data became unreadable. Even if the creators of Blaustahl USB made a 10-fold mistake, the device’s service life will still be an impressive 20 years. By then, technology will surely advance and more advanced devices will appear.

Not the cheapest alternative to flash drives for ~€30, but the declared reliability is captivating (together with encryption).

I'm not sure why the OP isn't considering USB external hard drives for backup purposes, because HDDs have a much better lifespan than the flash that you can find in a USB pen drive.

I know it may sound overkill based on the storage size, but you can easily bring the price down by buying like a 128GB drive. Or maybe even 64GB drives. They seem to be available on Amazon when I checked it.

This will also fit a Tails installation easily as well.

3.5 "HDDs have low write / read speeds, which is reflected in their “slowness”. And also, HDDs are inferior in overall dimensions, in other words, it bulky compared to flash drives. And don’t forget about the HDD’s sensitivity to shaking (due to the small gap between the physical disk and the read head), not to mention shocks and falls.

[ABCbits]

Aside from scratch, finding device to read/play it shouldn't be hard since you could use any DVD/BD reader. I expect few company will continue to make DVD/BD reader in the future.

CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays will suffer the same fate as cassette tapes. They will become obsolete. Modern laptops are already sold without such optical media. So, in the future, you'll have to buy a separate device just to run the discs. Compared to that, USB ports are much more represented and used for all kinds of things (at least for now).

You're right, although i don't think it'll be obsolete that soon when bluray is still somewhat popular.

I am confused by the stated service life of the device of 200 years. About CD also claimed that data on them could be stored for up to 60 years, but as practice has shown, after a couple of years the data became unreadable. Even if the creators of Blaustahl USB made a 10-fold mistake, the device’s service life will still be an impressive 20 years. By then, technology will surely advance and more advanced devices will appear.

Such claim is only true if you buy ones which meant for long-term storage and you handle it very properly. Although i recall many of my CD lasts longer than 2 years.

[Pmalek]

You're right, although i don't think it'll be obsolete that soon when bluray is still somewhat popular.

These mediums of storage still have their uses, of course, but they aren't as important as they once were. 10 or 15 years ago, people probably thought it would be impossible to have some cheap type of cloud storage. Now, you get 15GB for free on Google Drive with every account you create, and that's just one provider. We can have negative opinions about anything Google is doing, but it's still a fact. Internet speeds are getting faster and faster, making it easier to upload and download from clouds, and that's what most people prefer.

[dkbit98]

Aside from scratch, finding device to read/play it shouldn't be hard since you could use any DVD/BD reader. I expect few company will continue to make DVD/BD reader in the future.

Nobody is making devices like that anymore, except maybe in North Korea, they are probably still making VHS players also.  
You can't find cd players on computers, laptops, in cars and I don't remember the last time I, or someone else I know, used a CD disc for anything.
In theory they can work in future, same as gramophones work to play music.

Blaustahl USB really looks very interesting for storing seed phrases, considering that the device has a built-in text editor, accessible via PuTTY и Tera Term, the memory capacity is enough for this, and the device has a long resource for reliability and durability.

I wouldn't use it for that purpose until they add encryption, but users can do manual encryption if they want.
Not sure about their 200 year service life warranty but it sounds interesting.
Stainless steel will probably survive longer as a physical backup.

[ABCbits]

Aside from scratch, finding device to read/play it shouldn't be hard since you could use any DVD/BD reader. I expect few company will continue to make DVD/BD reader in the future.

Nobody is making devices like that anymore, except maybe in North Korea, they are probably still making VHS players also.  
You can't find cd players on computers, laptops, in cars and I don't remember the last time I, or someone else I know, used a CD disc for anything.
In theory they can work in future, same as gramophones work to play music.

It's true almost all devices doesn't include DVD player. But there are some company make and sell external DVD reader. Amazon even claim one of the DVD reader sold over 1 thousand in past month.