What is self-custody?
Holding your own keys, so no company can freeze, lose or take your bitcoin. The alternative, a custodial service, holds them for you.
With a custodial account, an exchange or app holds the keys and you ask it to move your coins — convenient, but you're trusting its solvency, security and goodwill. With self-custody, your wallet holds the keys and only you can sign.
Self-custody removes the middleman and adds responsibility: lose your recovery wordsRecovery words (seed phrase)A list of 12, 15, 18, 21 or 24 words that can restore wallet keys. Anyone who has them can take your bitcoin. with no backup and no support desk can help. Many people split the difference — spending money custodial, savings self-custodied.