Billetera Cripto (Wallet)
Un programa de software o dispositivo físico que almacena claves privadas, permitiendo firmar transacciones e interactuar con la blockchain.
El trabajo principal de la billetera es firmar transacciones (ECDSA). Diferencia clave: non-custodial (el usuario tiene las claves) vs custodial (un tercero las custodia).
graph LR
Center["Billetera Cripto (Wallet)"]:::main
Rel_private_keys["private-keys"]:::related -.-> Center
click Rel_private_keys "/terms/private-keys"
Rel_custodial_wallet["custodial-wallet"]:::related -.-> Center
click Rel_custodial_wallet "/terms/custodial-wallet"
Rel_wallet["wallet"]:::related -.-> Center
click Rel_wallet "/terms/wallet"
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🧒 Explícalo como si tuviera 5 años
Imagina la [blockchain](/es/terms/blockchain) como una pared gigante de cajas fuertes transparentes. Todos pueden ver dentro, pero solo tú tienes la llave de tu caja. La billetera cripto no es un monedero con billetes, sino un llavero digital que guarda tu llave para abrir la caja cuando quieres enviar dinero.
🤓 Expert Deep Dive
Las billeteras modernas son HD (Hierarchical Deterministic) basadas en BIP-32/39. Una frase semilla (seed phrase) genera todas las claves. Las Hot Wallets están conectadas a internet (vulnerables). Las Cold Wallets (hardware) mantienen las claves offline. Account Abstraction (ERC-4337) permite billeteras como contratos inteligentes.
❓ Preguntas frecuentes
Where are my cryptocurrencies actually stored?
Your cryptocurrencies are recorded on the public blockchain ledger. Your wallet only stores the private key required to move them.
What happens if I lose my hardware wallet?
If you lose the physical device, your funds are safe as long as you still have your 12- or 24-word seed phrase backed up. You can buy a new device, enter the seed phrase, and your keys will be regenerated. If you lose the seed phrase, the funds are lost forever.
What is the difference between a hot wallet and a cold wallet?
A hot wallet is connected to the internet (like a browser extension or mobile app), making it convenient but vulnerable to hacks. A cold wallet (like a USB hardware wallet) keeps your private keys completely offline, making it much more secure.