Which wallet should I download?

Do your research, not all bitcoin wallets are as safe as they may seem at first glance. Above all, we suggest using mobile wallets, as significantly less viruses target mobile devices than they do desktops. Mobile wallets are the best for storing smaller amounts that cover your daily spending. For long-term storage the best option is one that stores your private keys on an external hard drive that can’t be attacked by a virus, and isn’t connected to the internet on a continuous/daily basis (Trezor or Ledger Nano S are good examples of this).

If you are still committed to using a desktop wallet, then register with one that lets you activate two-step identity confirmation. That means that in order for a transaction to be confirmed, you must submit a second code (eg. via SMS, or the Google Authenticator code generating app).

Here are some suggestions from MrCoin:

For Mobile

• iOS: Copay
• Android: Copay and MyCelium
• Windows Phone: Copay

For Desktop

• Electrum (provides two-step authentication)
• Blockchain.info (provides two-step authentication)

STEP 1: Download
STEP 2: Backup
STEP 3: Buy some Bitcoin :)

Do not forget to backup your account as your very first step, in order to avoid any lost data! This is how you insure yourself in case of a virus attack, lost or stolen phone, or software bug. Most wallets require this step right after you’ve created your account, but if your wallet didn’t, choose the “backup” option and do it yourself. Your wallet will generate 12 or 24 random English words. Write these down onto a piece of paper and store them securely! This is your unique password sentence, which “contains” the money itself. If anyone has access to these words, they have control of your bitcoins, and can spend them. You should think of this 12 word password as cash: Anyone who has them can spend your money too.

PRO-TIP: don’t create a screenshot of your password sentence when you create your account, because you’ll have a record of it in your photos! This is the easiest and fastest way for someone to accidentally access your password sentence! Opt for recording your words on paper, and storing them in a place that you would feel secure storing an equal amount of cash.