Decided to explore the world of Bitcoin but don’t know where to start? Good news: you don’t need to be a tech expert. All it takes is a phone, a little curiosity, and this guide.
The journey in 3 steps
Getting started with Bitcoin is simpler than it seems. The basic path can be summed up like this:
- Create a wallet (your “digital wallet”)
- Buy your first bitcoin
- Learn to send and receive
Step 1: Create a wallet
The wallet is the app or device that lets you store, send, and receive bitcoin. There are phone wallets (the easiest for those just starting out) and hardware wallets (more secure for significant amounts).
To get started, a free mobile wallet like Phoenix, Muun, or Bluewallet is more than enough.
Before choosing, it helps to ask yourself a few questions: how often do you expect to use bitcoin? Do you want to hold it as long-term savings or use it for everyday payments? How comfortable are you with technology? The answers to these questions will help you pick the wallet that’s right for you from the very beginning.
Step 2: Buy your first bitcoin
There are several ways to get bitcoin:
- Exchange: sites like Kraken or Coinbase let you buy bitcoin with euros, by card or bank transfer
- Peer-to-peer purchase: you buy directly from another person, with no intermediaries
- Bitcoin ATM: physical machines in many cities where you can buy bitcoin with cash
- Earning it: some services let you receive payments in bitcoin for your work
For absolute beginners, a reliable exchange is usually the most convenient starting point. Keep in mind that all exchanges of any size require identity verification (name, ID document, sometimes a selfie): it’s a standard procedure required by European regulations.
Step 3: Send and receive
- Receiving bitcoin: share your Bitcoin address (a string of characters or a QR code) with whoever wants to send you money
- Sending bitcoin: enter the recipient’s address, the amount, and confirm
Transactions are irreversible: always double-check the address before sending. A good habit is to send a small test amount first to make sure everything works correctly, before transferring more significant amounts.
Practical tips to get off to a good start
Start with small amounts. The first few days are for understanding how it works, not for investing large sums. It’s normal to make small mistakes at the beginning — better to make them with just a few euros.
Don’t leave your bitcoin on the exchange. Transfer it to your personal wallet: exchange platforms can be hacked or freeze your funds. Over the years, many exchanges have been compromised and users have lost access to their funds.
Save your wallet’s recovery phrase. Every wallet generates 12 or 24 words (the “seed phrase”). Write it down on paper and keep it in a safe place — it’s the only way to recover your funds if you lose or break your device.
Never share your seed phrase with anyone. Whoever asks you for it is trying to scam you. No legitimate app, no tech support ever needs those words.
How much do you need to get started?
Bitcoin is divisible: the smallest unit is called a satoshi, and 1 bitcoin equals 100 million satoshis. You can buy just a few euros’ worth of bitcoin — you don’t have to buy a whole one. This makes it accessible to anyone, regardless of budget.
Volatility: what to expect
Bitcoin’s price can vary significantly in the short term. This is normal and part of the nature of an asset that is still relatively young. Before buying, it’s important to be clear about your own goals: those who buy bitcoin with the long term in mind aren’t worried about daily fluctuations. Those looking for quick profits, on the other hand, expose themselves to high risks. Only invest what you’re willing to leave untouched for a few years.
In summary
Getting started with Bitcoin doesn’t require advanced technical skills. With a wallet on your phone and a few euros to experiment, you can learn how it works firsthand. Take your time, do your research, and never invest more than you’re willing to lose.
Next step: in the guide on wallets, we’ll take a deeper look at the different types of Bitcoin wallets and how to choose the right one for you.