> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hub.bsvblockchain.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hub.bsvblockchain.org/wiki/addresses-and-wallets/bitcoin-address/paper-wallet.md). # Paper wallet A **paper wallet** is the name given to a method of storing bitcoin which involves printing a paired Bitcoin private key and Bitcoin address onto paper and depositing funds into a P2PKH script using the address. Funds can be spent by accessing the physical paper and entering the private key into a wallet. This is usually achieved by scanning a QR code of the private key in Wallet import format (WIF). 1. Redeeming bitcoins stored using paper wallets The best way to redeem the bitcoins from a private key is to use the "sweep" feature of certain wallet software. This process creates a new transaction that sends the entire balance of the paper wallet to a new address controlled by that wallet. Various wallets support sweeping private keys including: * [ElectrumSV](https://electrumsv.io/) * [Simply Cash](https://simply.cash/) 1. Downsides/Risks Paper wallets are generally regarded as a secure method of long-term storage of funds; however, there are downsides to using this method. 2. Printing and print media Paper wallets require using a printer to transfer them to paper which presents a risk if networked printers are used in an insecure environment. Additionally, while QR codes have a checksum and robust error correction, print media can be damaged by water, soilage or through crumpling or folding of the paper. 3. Address reuse Paper wallets have just one Bitcoin address, leading to address reuse. 4. Poor user experience Dealing with raw private keys can be unintuitive and may lead to loss of funds if not managed properly. It is recommended that users of paper wallets understand how they function before using them as long-term funds storage. 5. Bitcoin ATMs and paper wallets Many Bitcoin ATMs use a paper-wallet-like system for delivering bitcoins if the customer doesn't have a Bitcoin wallet. The ATMs can print out a private key/address pair onto paper which contain the customer's bitcoins. Ideally the customer should sweep the bitcoins into their own wallet as soon as they can. 6. See Also * Seed phrase 1. Attribution This content is based on content sourced from under [Creative Commons Attribution 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/). Although it may have been extensively revised and updated, we acknowledge the original authors. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://hub.bsvblockchain.org/wiki/addresses-and-wallets/bitcoin-address/paper-wallet.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.