What is Cold storage?
Keeping keys entirely offline, so no network-connected system ever holds the secret.
Cold storage is a spectrum rather than a binary: a hardware wallet used daily is colder than a phone wallet and warmer than a signing device that has never touched a networked machine.
The right level depends on amount and threat model. Perfect cold storage you cannot use safely is worse than practical storage you can.
Related terms
Hardware wallet
A dedicated device that stores private keys and signs transactions without exposing the keys to an…
Keys & custodySelf-custody
Holding your own private keys rather than trusting a third party to hold coins for you.
Keys & custodyMultisig
A spending condition requiring several signatures out of a set, such as two of three.
This definition is part of the Bitcoin Logical glossary. For the fuller explanation, start with Aprender, or see the live numbers on O Sinal Bitcoin.