Learn Bitcoin Self-Custody
Welcome to the complete learning resource for Bitcoin self-custody. Whether you're just getting started or deepening your knowledge, this section covers everything you need.
🌱 New to Bitcoin? Start Here
Start Here: Your Self-Custody Journey
Begin with the fundamentals. Understand what Bitcoin is, why self-custody matters, and find the right path for your situation.
What you'll learn:
- What is Bitcoin? — The basics of digital money
- What is Self-Custody? — Why keys matter
- Choose Your Setup — Find the right approach for you
- Before You Deposit — Critical safety checklist
Time: 1-2 hours of reading to build a solid foundation
📚 Core Concepts
Once you understand the basics, dive deeper into how Bitcoin actually works:
🔑 Keys & Cryptography
The foundation of Bitcoin ownership. Learn how private keys, seed phrases, and derivation paths work together to secure your Bitcoin.
- What makes a key "random enough"
- How 12/24 words become your master key
- Extended keys (xpub/xprv) and derivation paths
- The role of passphrases
👛 Wallets
Wallets don't hold Bitcoin—they hold keys. Understand the different types and their trade-offs.
- Hardware wallets and their security model
- Software wallets: hot vs. cold
- Air-gapped wallets for maximum security
- Multisig: multiple keys for one wallet
💸 Transactions
How Bitcoin actually moves. From UTXOs to broadcast, understand the transaction lifecycle.
- What is a UTXO?
- Creating and signing transactions
- Transaction types and fees
- Broadcasting to the network
🕵️ Privacy
Privacy isn't optional—it's essential security. Learn how Bitcoin transactions can be traced and how to protect yourself.
- Why privacy matters for security
- How chain analysis works
- Practical privacy protection
🖥️ Nodes
Running your own node means trusting no one. Understand what nodes do and why they matter.
- What is a Bitcoin node?
- Why run your own node
- Node vs. SPV wallets
🎯 Learning Paths
Choose your path based on where you are:
Complete Beginner
Ready for Self-Custody
Enhancing Security
Maximum Security
📖 Quick Reference
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Glossary | 100+ Bitcoin terms defined |
| Address Types | Legacy, SegWit, Taproot explained |
| FAQ | Common questions answered |
Ready for Hands-On?
Once you've built your knowledge foundation:
→ View All Guides — Step-by-step tutorials for wallet setup, security, privacy, and more
→ Hardware Wallet Setup — Get started with self-custody today