> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.leather.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.leather.io/learn/create-bitcoin-wallet.md).

# How to Create a Bitcoin Wallet

Choose a hosted, self-custody or hardware wallet, then create one. How to create a self-custody Bitcoin wallet in Leather.

To create a Bitcoin wallet, choose the type of wallet you want, then set it up with a provider that offers it. Leather is a self-custody wallet: you hold the keys.

## Create a wallet in Leather

1. Install Leather. See [Install Leather](/get-started/install-leather.md).
2. Create a new wallet. Leather shows a Secret Key: the words that restore your wallet.
3. Write the Secret Key down and store it offline. Leather cannot recover it for you.
4. Set a password.

The full steps are on [Create a New Wallet](/get-started/create-new-wallet.md).

![Secret Key backup screen with the words hidden](https://4209755586-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FaSQhveafXrLjROsW3JZ1%2Fuploads%2FqH4309XkQ90KZuIlere8%2Fe-support-create-bitcoin-wallet-01-backup-secret-key.png?alt=media\&token=c80b2ef9-a1b7-4540-8581-01303863e258)

## Wallet types

* **Hosted (custodial) wallet:** a company, usually an exchange, holds the keys for you. You sign in with an account, and the company can recover access or block it.
* **Self-custody wallet:** you hold the keys, usually as a Secret Key. Nobody can freeze your funds, and nobody can recover them if you lose the key.
* **Hardware wallet:** a device that keeps the keys offline and signs transactions on the device. You use it together with wallet software, such as Leather.

See [Custodial vs. Non-Custodial Wallets](/learn/custodial-vs-non-custodial-wallet.md) and [What is a Bitcoin Hardware Wallet?](/learn/what-is-a-bitcoin-hardware-wallet.md).

## What you need

* **Hosted wallet:** an account with the provider. Most ask for an email address and identity documents.
* **Self-custody wallet:** the app and a safe place to keep the Secret Key. No account or identity check.
* **Hardware wallet:** the device, its setup software and wallet software that supports it.

## Risks

With a hosted wallet, the main risk is the provider: a hack, a failure or a freeze. With a self-custody wallet, the main risk is losing the Secret Key or exposing it to someone else. With a hardware wallet, you can also lose or damage the device; the Secret Key restores the wallet.

See [Secure Your Secret Key](/wallet-and-security/secure-secret-key.md).