Are you really in control of your Bitcoin?
There’s a phrase every Bitcoiner learns early on:
“Not your keys, not your coins.”
It’s not just a catchy line — it’s a core principle of Bitcoin self-sovereignty.
What does it actually mean?
If you’re using an app like Strike, you’re off to a great start.
It’s easy to use, great for sending and receiving, and helps you learn the basics.
But here’s the catch:
You don’t control the private keys in apps like these.
That means you don’t fully control the Bitcoin inside.
What’s the risk?
When your Bitcoin sits in an exchange or custodial wallet:
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Your account can be frozen
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The platform could be hacked
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The company might go bankrupt
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They could block withdrawals without warning
In short: you don’t truly own your Bitcoin — someone else does.
What should you do?
✅ Start with small steps:
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Use a simple app like Strike to get comfortable
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Learn how wallets, addresses, and private keys work
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Eventually, switch to a wallet where you control the keys — like a Ledger or Trezor device
Summary
🔐 Bitcoin allows you to be your own bank
⚠️ But if someone else holds the keys, they own your Bitcoin
🗝️ Owning your keys = owning your financial future
What’s next?
Tomorrow you’ll learn how to back up your Bitcoin wallet properly, and the common mistakes to avoid.
