A Bitcoin address is a unique number that is used to make transactions with Bitcoins, that is, send and receive cryptocurrency. In principle, considering what a Bitcoin address is, it can be compared to an e-mail or postal address. You pass information about the wallet address to the person who will make the transfer to your virtual account. That is, this is very important data, which is why it is so important to find out how to find out the address of a blockchain wallet, otherwise you will not be able to fully use it.
A Bitcoin address is also called an identifier. It's completely anonymous, so even if someone knows what your ID looks like, they won't be able to find out the owner's personal information. It's just a way to identify yourself online. Even after a person receives your Bitcoin wallet number, it will not help him figure out where to get your personal data or even hack the account.
And to find out your number yourself, you can use the blockchain info service or blockchain.com. This resource is one of the most popular for those who use cryptocurrency wallets. It is very easy to register there, and it does not take much time, and, of course, using such a resource is much easier than working with a wallet installed on a computer.
The blockchain info service positions itself as a cryptocurrency browser, but in fact many perceive it as a place to store money in bitcoins. Therefore, it is logical that you can find out the wallet number here.
The resource was opened in 2011. Today, it is where the largest community of cryptocurrency account holders is located. It's no surprise that blockchain is so popular. With its help, it is very easy to find out how to open your wallet, and at the time when it was opened, there was little competition, since few people were interested in cryptocurrencies. But the service has not given up its leadership position to this day. Apparently, working with him is really convenient.
What does a Bitcoin wallet number look like?
Before you find out your blockchain wallet number, you need to find out what it looks like. This is simple, since very often virtual wallet addresses for cryptocurrency look something like this:
- 3fc2e9a9-7f6d-4f0d-b201-df103e7ef240;
- 1KoX6AA5VTdbBTkw27YEqKfAtTeQo97RRt.
Naturally, a different set of letters and numbers is used, but basically everything remains the same. To ensure that the identifier cannot be faked, it is made according to certain rules, adherence to which makes blockchain cryptocurrency storage facilities one of the most reliable in the world:
According to the first rule, the number must contain a certain number of characters. Specifically, a set of 27–34 characters is used. That is, you can find numbers of 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34 characters.- The numbers are made up of numbers and letters of the Latin alphabet. This makes it even more difficult to counterfeit.
- The following symbols will never be used simultaneously in the number: 0, O, I. The fact is that they are easy to confuse, for example, a capital letter “O” can be confused with a zero, and a capital “I” with a unit. Of course, these errors can be eliminated if you look closely at the symbols, but to avoid problems it was decided not to use them.
- If you have seen what a Bitcoin wallet number looks like, you should have noticed a pattern: almost all numbers start with either one or three.
- The number includes upper and lower case letters and numbers. This is another safety precaution that allows you to identify a user on the network.
But in order not to remember this set of letters and numbers, you can use a QR code instead of a long number. This identifier is also anonymous, but much shorter than a full-fledged identifier code.
By the way, you don’t have to remember the presented example of a Bitcoin wallet number, as it changes often. But when you get your own, you can’t enter it manually, as there is a high chance of making a mistake. And if this happens, then during the transaction the bitcoins will go to another user. Moreover, it will not be possible to find out who exactly, since the system is anonymous.
Cryptocurrency mining
The Bitcoin algorithm (the first cryptocurrency to appear in the world) was created by Satoshi Nakamoto - a pseudonym behind which hides a person or group of people who prefer to remain incognito. Nakamoto combined multiple blockchain developments into one, and the result was the technology within which Bitcoin was later invented. A blockchain can be thought of as a distributed chain or database that stores block records with hashing information and pointers.
Attention! To hash (enter the same data and output the same, but encrypted in a certain way) information, a special algorithm is used, for Bitcoin it is SHA-256.
In order to earn bitcoins, the user needs to install on his computer (in the blockchain network such computers are called nodes or nodes) a special open-source script program. She will solve mathematical problems using the computing power of the equipment.
The main role in solving these problems is played by a high-quality and modern video card installed in the computer (in the case of mining through nicehash). The more powerful it is, the faster the processing takes place, and the higher the commission paid. For the correct processing of transactions, the user receives a reward in the form of a certain share of Bitcoin (the minimum part is 0.00000001 BTC and is named after the creator of “Satoshi”).
The amount of bitcoins is limited by the initial conditions of the code and is equal to 21 million. It is estimated that mining this cryptocurrency will make it possible to mine 99.2% of BTC by 2036. Satoshi Nakamoto predicted that even after all the bitcoins are extracted, miners will continue to earn income through fees from priority transactions. In order for a transaction to become a priority, an additional reward is determined for it, and this, in turn, leads to its out-of-priority processing.
Single users for the most part do not have sufficient computing power to compete with the mining “farms” that create business companies around the world. Therefore, most often simple miners who are not satisfied with this join together in pools, i.e., they begin to solve problems together.
In this case, the probability of reward increases, but it will be distributed to all participants in the pool depending on the capacity invested in it. That is, the user bets either on great luck, calculating alone, or on a small but stable reward, joining an already existing pool.
How does a wallet number differ from an address?
Before figuring out how to find out your Bitcoin wallet in the blockchain, it is advisable to understand whether there are differences between such commonly used concepts as “Bitcoin wallet address” and “Bitcoin wallet number”. Let's deal with this in order.
- So, the number is a unique wallet number that performs the function of a private key in the blockchain system. This number cannot be faked and is extremely difficult to calculate. Moreover, it is so difficult that even the most powerful hackers do not take on this work, considering it futile. Its owner has almost unlimited rights within the system. He can do whatever he wants with the money assigned to this account. In particular, he can see a chain of transactions, make a new one or stop an old one. If the user loses this number, we can assume that he has lost access to the wallet. Without knowing this number, it is impossible to restore access to the resource;
Now let's talk about the address. The system has a so-called coin address. It serves as a public key, which can be transferred to the correspondent during a transaction. There can be an unlimited number of them, since addresses are generated with each subsequent transaction. At the same time, already used addresses remain relevant, that is, they can be reused. In addition, if you have a public key, you won’t be able to use it to access personal data, much less manage your wallet. So it can be stored anywhere and published on any resource.
But in ordinary conversation such nuances are not taken into account, so the address and wallet number have become almost the same thing. However, this is not entirely true. Basic information about the client and transactions is stored in encrypted form on chains. The information that is transmitted is encrypted with open code, that is, we receive an address or, more precisely, addresses, since there can be an unlimited number of them.
Personal data is encoded in a closed code that cannot be shared with anyone.
The work uses a variant of open encryption, while the private key is stored away from prying eyes. The private key decrypts the wallet and allows only one person to use it. It is logical that if you do not want to transfer the rights to your money storage to another person, then you need to keep this information to yourself. And, of course, do not send it to anyone even by mistake.
Managing this data in Bitcoin
Since a person is not limited by the number of accounts, many users create several addresses to diversify risks. For greater convenience, they use special software that allows you to perform backups, restore using a “seed phrase” and even store several digital currencies.
Main service options:
- Online - specialized sites with a traditional registration system and the ability to enable two-factor authentication for greater reliability. It is worth using only proven and reliable options, such as BitGo, BTC.com, blockchain.com.
- A mobile application is an alternative option for securely storing funds when the device acts as a hardware wallet. Popular applications: BitPay, Edge, Bitcoin Wallet, Electrum, Coin.Space.
- The desktop application is a convenient method for creating and managing invoices. Most developers offer software for Windows, Linux and macOS. It is recommended to use programs such as Bitcoin Core, BitPay, Electrum, Green Address, Bither and others.
While in the wallet, the user can perform a number of actions:
- create new addresses;
- remove accounts from your wallet;
- import/export numbers;
- transfer money, indicating the amount of the commission;
- receive an address for requesting payment;
- check individual and general balances.
The more functions a wallet allows and the less influence developers have on storing funds, the safer digital assets are.
Creating new addresses
Essentially, every time you receive or send funds, a new wallet address should be automatically generated. This provides new opportunities for the user, making it as private as possible. But there are cases when you have to generate a new address, so to speak, out of turn. In this case, you will need to go through the following procedure:
So, step one when creating a new wallet address is to log into your account;- Once you are logged in, you will see tabs. You need to go to “Address Management”;
- To get an update, click on “Create new”;
- After this, the number of titles available to you will appear, from which you can choose the appropriate one. You can choose several - each of them will work. The system has no restrictions on quantity.
As for the shortcuts for new Bitcoin addresses, they are easily obtained by clicking the blue pencil icon that is located to the right of each address. The same shortcut can be removed by clicking on the trash can icon in the same part of the page. So, as you can see, getting a new Bitcoin address is not difficult, nor is managing it.
Pros and cons of using
This solution is very convenient. We have highlighted the advantages of using it:
- The wallet does not require any software installation or configuration;
- Access is possible from any corner of the globe from any device. From anywhere there is Internet;
- Lack of identity verification procedure and problems associated with it;
- The ability to create multiple Bitcoin addresses within one account and manage them;
- The ability to track your transactions and their statuses on the same website.
The fly in the ointment in this barrel of honey is that the wallet is an online type. Not only you, but also third parties who store your funds and access keys are responsible for the safety of your funds.
Online wallets use hot storage technology and are always connected to the network. If the service is successfully attacked by hackers, the money will be irretrievably lost. If the owners of the service turn out to be unscrupulous people, they can steal the coins themselves or close the exchange.
There are risks in working with online wallets, but blockchain.com has been operating for a long time. He stood at the origins of the cryptocurrency market and earned the trust and love of millions of users. It is clear that the team is constantly working to improve functionality, support mobile applications and official public pages on social networks. All this suggests that the service is aimed at long and fruitful work.
Archiving old addresses
We already know how to find out its number in a blockchain wallet, and we heard how to create a new blockchain address for our virtual wallet, but there are a few more functions that are of interest. In particular archiving. Considering that generating new numbers is not difficult and many people do this, archiving them is necessary.
But first you need to check all the address lines that were used on behalf of your account. This can be done through the Used Addresses window. Thanks to it, you can see all previously used address numbers and even what balance they have. Old numbers are archived so that they do not load the system. They do not disappear, you can view them if you click on the “Archived Addresses” button. If the need arises, archived wallet addresses can be unarchived using the appropriate menu section in the system.
As a rule, it is advisable to do archiving after every hundred transactions so that the wallet remains in working order. But experienced users argue that the more often you archive old data on your wallet, the better. After all, the system will still generate new addresses, so you shouldn’t overload your account with unnecessary information.
Importing addresses from other wallets
First, let's understand the concepts. So, imported addresses are numbers created on other wallets. But at the same time, they are used on this Blockchain account for the convenience of the client. As a rule, they are located at the end of the general list of account numbers. So if you have already used a virtual wallet for cryptocurrency, but have now switched to Blockchain, you can transfer the old familiar code to the newly created page and use it too.
To do this you need to go through the following procedure:
Click on the "Address Management" button. It is located to the right of the “Imported Addresses” icon. After this you will see a screenshot of the current data;- Next, click the “Import addresses” option. It allows you to obtain both a public, that is, open, key, and a personal one, which was used on the old resource;
- If done correctly, the user will import the private key. Then this information will appear in the “Addresses for expenses” item. As for importing a public Bitcoin address, it will be found in the “View Only Addresses” list;
- Go to Expense Addresses. There are already working options for Bitcoin addresses. But we are no longer interested in them - we are looking for the More Options key;
- By going to it, the user will see the following options: “Archive”, “Show private key”, “Transfer imported funds to any account in the wallet”, “Sign message”.
If the import was made solely for convenient viewing, then you will be able to see the transactions of the Bitcoin address and even track when it is replenished or spent, but you will not be able to carry out other manipulations. This is easy to fix, however, if you have one small detail - a personal access key.
It's easy to insert. However, before this you need to figure out how to find out the number of your Bitcoin wallet in the blockchain. When you try to conduct a transaction from the imported wallet, an additional field will appear that must be filled in with the personal access key from the money vault in question. Once this is done, funds can be transferred anywhere, which saves a lot of time and is very convenient.
Creating a Bitcoin Wallet Blockchain
We have already figured out how to look at a Bitcoin wallet, now we just need to figure out how to create one. Surprisingly, even considering the simplicity of the service, this process causes significant difficulties for many. That is why we will now figure out how to create a new wallet as quickly and efficiently as possible.
- Step one is to go to the official website https://blockchain.info/.
- Step two - in the top menu there is an item “Wallet”, which you need to select.
- After this, you will be automatically redirected to the Bitcoin wallet registration page. By the way, it may be written in English, but it is quite easy to understand, since the information is standard.
Next, you need to choose one of two offers: Create a Free Bitcoin Wallet (it can be translated as “create a free Bitcoin wallet”) or (in the center of the page there is a button) Create Your Wallet (this can be translated as “create your wallet”). But if you create your bitcoin wallet in info, no matter what icon you choose, it will redirect to the same place. The word “free” here is rather just a nice wording: the wallet will be completely free in any case.- A dialog box will open in which you must specify the information required when creating an invoice. As a rule, the following is requested: an email address, and for the resource to work properly, it is advisable to have an email address on Google. Naturally, there must be a password. Remember: wallet security depends on which character set you use, but on Blockchain passwords consist of at least 10 characters (letters and numbers). And to check that the password is written correctly, you should enter it again. After filling out all the fields, agree to the terms of the system and click on “Continue”.
- A registration confirmation email will be sent to the specified email address. Thanks to it, your e-mail will be verified. This is a simple but necessary security measure. Therefore, when you open the letter, you find the Verify Email link, go to it.
Next, you need to customize the wallet for yourself, going through at least superficial settings. During this process you will be able to see what a blockchain wallet number looks like and how to find out your account address. All this data is in the system, and you will gain wider access to it only after you have verified your email address. After this, you can fully use the resource by crediting bitcoins to your account. And to do this, just click on the “Receive” button, which will open a window with the addresses of Bitcoin wallets, from where you can transfer money, of course, if you have any. But it is still advisable to make settings that will completely secure the resource.