Hot Wallet
A cryptocurrency wallet that is connected to the internet. Convenient for frequent use but permanently exposed to online attacks.
Also known as: software wallet, browser wallet
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
A hot wallet stores private keys on a device that has internet access, whether that is a browser extension like MetaMask, a mobile app, or a software wallet on a desktop computer. Transactions can be signed instantly, making hot wallets the standard tool for everyday DeFi and NFT activity.
Because they are online, hot wallets are the primary attack surface for malware, clipboard hijackers, malicious browser extensions, and approval phishing. A single compromised device can drain every asset in seconds.
Consumers should keep only the funds they need for active use in a hot wallet, moving longer-term holdings to cold storage. Regularly auditing token approvals (permissions granted to smart contracts) dramatically reduces risk for hot-wallet users.