Watch-Only Wallet
wallet · security
A wallet that monitors balances and transactions but cannot spend because it lacks the required private keys.
1.definition
A watch-only wallet imports public information such as addresses, xpubs, or view keys. It can display balances and transaction history, but it cannot create valid signatures.
2.privacy
Watch-only setups are convenient but can reveal wallet activity to the device or service doing the monitoring. Sharing an xpub can expose many related addresses even without spending power.
Related terms
Wallet
→An app or device that helps you receive cryptocurrency, check your balance, and authorize payments.
wallet · security
View Key
→A read-only key that reveals selected wallet activity or balances without granting spending authority.
privacy · wallet
Self-Custody
→Holding and securing your own private keys instead of relying on an exchange, custodian, or broker.
wallet · security
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