February 15, 2022 4:15 pm in Crypto

How to Transfer Crypto Between Wallets

Crypto wallets play a crucial role when it comes to transferring cryptocurrencies or trading crypto. Aside from learning the how to create a wallet and the different types of wallets, a user needs to know how to transfer funds from one wallet to another. To transfer these currencies, you must set up a cryptocurrency wallet with a public address; the address can be for the recipient you are sending to or yours for you to receive.

Technology has made it easy for crypto users to set up public addresses with most people using QR codes related to the address you are sending then keying in the specified amount. However, if the recipient doesn’t have a QR code, you can copy and paste their public address to complete the transfer. This article is focused on some of the important factors you need to consider before initiating a crypto transfer.

Types of Wallets

A crypto wallet operates similarly to a bank account and mirrors its properties. There are different types of crypto wallets, each with different properties; the most popular options include paper wallets, hot wallets, exchanges, and cold storage.

Paper Wallets- Here, the user prints their public and private keys on a piece of paper and keeps them safe. This type of wallet was created by users who believe that without access to one’s keys, they don’t have full ownership of the cryptocurrencies.

Hot wallet- this is arguably the most popular crypto wallet. It is an online wallet that requires a connection to the internet. A hot wallet is popular among users since it can be accessed easily and from any device, as long as there is an internet connection. Some wallets come with applications that can be installed on the phone or computer. Users are required to have private keys for them to access their wallets or even complete a crypto transfer. For more security, users are also required to include a password when creating the wallet.

Exchanges- this wallet is popular among crypto traders as it is used to buy and sell crypto using other cryptocurrencies or fiat currency. However, it’s best to note that these wallets are prone to hacking, causing users to lose their money. It’s best to know where the currency is coming from before initiating a transfer.

Cold Storage- a cold storage wallet uses an external storage device such as a USB drive to store their private keys, which they use to initiate transfers when connected to the internet. Once you have created this wallet, disconnect eh device containing your wallet file and safely keep it. You can only connect it when you need to buy or sell cryptocurrencies.

Transferring Crypto Between Wallets

Having learned about the different types of wallets and creating your own, it’s time to learn how to send and receive funds between wallets. Transferring crypto between wallets varies based on the type of wallet and the type of currency being used; nevertheless, the procedure is relatively plain.

Step One- Open the wallet you are sending to

In some cases, all you have to do is click on your wallet key in the password to open the wallet. However, for cold and paper wallets, you have to locate the address. For exchanges and hot wallets, you will find a section under the taskbar labeled deposit or receive. This transferring to a hardware wallet may need to plug the device onto the computer. It is best to note that the minimum transfer sizes may apply; you should review your wallet’s properties for more details.

Step Two- Confirm the address

This is probably the second most important step in transferring crypto. It’s advisable to double-check the address entered; this way, you can ensure the funds are sent to the correct wallet. You should also keep in mind that there are several types of cryptocurrencies. This means you should ensure you are sending the funds to the correct crypto address. For example, ETH is sent to an Ethereum address, while BTC is sent to a Bitcoin address.

Step Three- Prepare to send

The preparations involved before transferring funds vary based on the type of wallet. In some cases, you have to copy and paste the wallet address, while in others, you scan the QR code – which is standard in most wallets.

Step Four- Open the wallet you want to transfer funds from

The next step is to open the wallet containing the funds you want to transfer. In the wallet, look for an icon labeled Withdraw. Click on the icon, and a prompt will appear requesting you to enter the address you want to transfer the funds; this is where you paste the address you copied or scan the QR code you prepared.

Step five- Send and wait for confirmation

Before clicking on send, it’s best to review the recipient’s address one more time. Once you send the funds, you will receive a confirmation number or transaction ID. You can later use this transaction ID to check on the status of the transaction on a Blockchain Explorer. Depending on the wallet, you will receive automatic updates on the progress of the transfer.

Receiving Cryptocurrency

Sending and receiving funds are different. However, they share a few similarities. The first thing is to open your wallet, click on the Receive icon and choose the type of cryptocurrency you are receiving from the Asset list. The funds will definitely reflect in your account; however, you have to give the sender your address or QR code. Ensure the sender double-checks your address to ensure they get it correctly since an incorrect address as you won’t receive any funds, and the funds may get lost if they go to the wrong wallet address.

The time taken for a transaction to be completed varies based on the type of cryptocurrency being transferred. It takes a few minutes to up to two hours for the funds to be transferred and deposited into a recipient’s account or the intended destination. For more details on the transaction and previous transaction, click on the history tab on your sending wallet.

Fees for Transferring Crypto

Another aspect of transferring crypto is the fee associated with the transaction. Most users have to pay a certain fee based on the amount of data being transferred between the wallets. This fee is usually paid to miners who confirm and validate a transaction. Aside from the transfer fee, users also pay a fee imposed by the wallet they are using to transfer funds.

Securing your Wallet

This is also one of the most important aspects of the wallet-to-wallet transfer. Like any other funds transfer, cryptocurrencies can be hacked and stolen; hence they need to be treated with caution. Before initiating a transfer, you need to check if your exchange account or wallet has appropriate safety protocols. You should lookout for a two-factor authentication process to help secure your funds and accounts. Most wallets are designed with a verification protocol that requires the user to key in their details before sending, receiving, or withdrawing funds. You should also set up a unique password for your wallet to increase the security of your accounts.