GINGER WALLET

A coinjoin is a collaborative transaction between multiple peers.

Usually, but not necessarily, it consists of some standard output denominations that participants should break their coins in to. This makes it difficult for outside parties to trace where a particular coin was sent to (as opposed to regular bitcoin transactions, where there is usually one sender and one receiver).

Coinjoins can be done with non-custodial software like Ginger Wallet, that eliminates the risk of funds disappearing or being stolen. The funds will always be in a bitcoin address that the user controls and not even developers can alter the transaction or redirect the funds.

Coinjoin basically means: “when you want to make a transaction, find someone else who also wants to make a transaction and make a joint transaction together”.

Coinjoining coins with a value above 0.01 BTC costs 0.3% as a coordinator fee + mining fees. Inputs of 0.01 BTC or below don't pay coordinator fees, nor do remixes, even after one transaction. Thus, a payment made with coinjoined funds allows the sender and the recipient to remix their coins without paying any coordinator fees.

No, Ginger’s coinjoin implementation is trustless by design. The participants do not need to trust each other or the coordinator. Since only the user knows the private keys, only he can sign the transaction, which will only be done after verifying that everything is alright. Nobody can neither steal your coins, nor figure out which outputs belong to which inputs.

Ginger does support hardware wallet usage through the standard Bitcoin-core HWI, although coinjoining straight from or to a hardware wallet is not yet possible.

Here's a list of the officially supported hardware wallets.

No. Ginger’s features, like coinjoin, require considerable computational power, which are currently not replicable on a smartphone.

There are countless reasons why it is the only logical choice to be bitcoin-only. With Bitcoin we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to manifest libre sound money. If we succeed, then an utmost beautiful agora of sovereign individuals may emerge. If we fail, then this will conjure up the most horrific Orwellian nightmare. There is no room for wasted time and energy, this great work requires our full attention. Any line of code written to support a random shitcoin takes away scarce developer time to work on real problems.

Ginger runs in most operating systems with 64-bit architecture.

For the complete list of all the officially supported operating systems, click here.

All Ginger network traffic goes via Tor by default -there's no need to set up Tor by yourself. If you do already have Tor, and it is running, then Ginger will try to use that first.

You can turn off Tor in the Settings. Note that in this case you are still private, except when you coinjoin and when you broadcast a transaction. In the first case, the coordinator would know the links between your inputs and outputs based on your IP address. In the second case, if you happen to broadcast a transaction of yours to a full node that is spying on you, it will know the link between your transaction and your IP address.

Addresses being used more than once is very damaging to privacy because that links together more blockchain transactions with proof that they were created by the same entity. The most private and secure way to use bitcoin is to send a brand new address to each person who pays you. After an address has received a coin, it should never be used again. Also, a brand new bitcoin address should be demanded from the recipient when sending bitcoin. Ginger has a user interface which discourages address reuse by removing from the GUI addresses which have received a coin.

It has been argued that the phrase "bitcoin address" was a bad name for this object because it implies it can be reused like an email address. A better name would be something like "bitcoin invoice".

Bitcoin isn't anonymous but pseudonymous, and the pseudonyms are bitcoin addresses. Avoiding address reuse is like throwing away a pseudonym after it has been used.

The password you set is used as a 13th seed word (as described in BIP 39) and to encrypt the private key of the extended private key (as described in BIP 38) to get an encrypted secret which is stored on the computer.

Ginger Wallet stores only the BIP38 encrypted blob, so you'll need to type in the password to spend or coinjoin from the wallet.

The password will unlock your bitcoin to anyone who has access to the recovery words backup or the computer! If your backup gets compromised, this password is the only thing protecting your precious sats.

It is important to use a random and long password.

By default, GingerWallet operates without 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication), allowing users to use the wallet anonymously.

To enable 2FA:

• Go to Settings -> Security
• Toggle the 2FA switch to "On"
• A QR code will appear in a pop-up window for the next steps.

To use 2FA features in GingerWallet, you need to enable Tor. Since GingerWallet now operates with a new working folder, it's recommended to delete the old Wasabi working folder if it's no longer in use, as the files stored there are unencrypted.

Important: Delete your old working folder only if the GingerWallet folder is in the same location and your updated app is functioning properly.

To delete old working folder on different systems:

• Windows: /Users/{your username}/AppData/Roaming/WalletWasabi/Client
• Linux: /home/{your username}/.walletwasabi/client
• macOS: /Users/{your username}/.walletwasabi/client

You cannot manually add 2FA to your auth folder using only a QR code.

Once the QR code appears:

• Scan it using a mobile authenticator app like Google Authenticator, 2FAS Auth, Aegis Authenticator, FreeOTP.
• Make sure your authenticator app supports sha256 and 8 digit authentication if your are not using any from the previous examples
• Enter the current PIN code displayed in your authenticator app into the input field below the QR code.
• After verifying the PIN code, 2FA will be activated.

The 2fa_info.gws file is an encrypted file that ensures the security of your wallet. Once 2FA is activated, this file is created on your device, and all existing and future wallets will be encrypted automatically.

Yes, after activating 2FA, GingerWallet must be restarted for the changes to take effect.

After restarting the application:

• A pop-up window will request the current PIN code from your authenticator app at startup.
• Enter the PIN code, and upon successful verification, the system will decode and load your wallet files.

To disable 2FA:

• Navigate to Settings -> Security
• Toggle the 2FA switch to "Off."
• The system will deactivate 2FA and decode all wallet files.

In case of a device change or data loss:

• Reinstall GingerWallet on the new device.
• Restore your wallets using the securely stored seed words.
• You will need to set up 2FA again (if desired).

• Always store your seed words in a secure, offline location.
• If you lose your phone or suspect unauthorized access, immediately create a new wallet.
• Transfer your assets to the new wallet and invalidate the old wallet's seed words.

No, GingerWallet operates anonymously. There is no user account or personal data storage. All security operations, including encryption, are performed locally on your device.

If you lose access to your authenticator app, you will need to restore your wallet using the seed words and set up a new 2FA process. Ensure your seed words are securely stored to avoid losing access to your funds.

The combination of the encrypted 2fa_info.gws file and the PIN code from the authenticator app ensures that your wallet remains secure. Proper storage of seed words is critical for recovering your wallet in case of device loss or reinstallation.

If you've lost your 2FA key, you can still recover your labels and extra options with minimal manual work. Follow these steps:

1. Move the attr file: First, locate the attr file and move it to a separate folder for safekeeping, as you’ll need it later.
2. Recover the wallet: Use the recovery process in the application to restore your wallet.
3. Close the application: Once the recovery process is complete, close the wallet application.
4. Copy back the attr file: Replace the newly created attr file with the one you saved earlier by copying it back into its original location.
5. Restart the application: Reopen the wallet application, and your wallet should be fully restored, even without the 2FA key.

This process allows you to recover the labels, extra options, and other settings.

Bitcoin has revolutionized the global financial system, but the transparency of transactions raises valid concerns for privacy-conscious users. As we move into 2025, the demand for financial anonymity is stronger than ever. A Bitcoin privacy wallet is an essential tool for protecting your identity and securing your transactions. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about privacy wallets—what they are, why they matter, and how to choose the best one for your needs.

Privacy is not a luxury—it's a fundamental right

What Is a Bitcoin Privacy Wallet and How Does It Work?

Standard Bitcoin wallets—while secure—do not guarantee anonymity. All transactions are publicly recorded on the blockchain, meaning anyone can trace them. A privacy wallet, however, enhances your anonymity by using advanced techniques to obscure your identity and transaction details.

Core Technologies:

• CoinJoin : Combines transactions from multiple users to make it difficult to identify who paid whom.
• Coin Mixing : Similar to CoinJoin but uses third-party services to shuffle coins (can be riskier).
• Stealth Addresses : Generate one-time addresses for each transaction, hiding the receiver’s real wallet address.
• Tor/VPN Integration : Hides your network traffic to prevent IP address tracking.
• Non-Custodial : Gives users full control over their private keys—no middlemen involved.

These features not only shield transactions but also empower users with greater financial sovereignty.

A decentralized system must respect privacy to be truly free

Why Is Privacy Important in Bitcoin Transactions?

Bitcoin’s public blockchain offers transparency, but it also comes with risks. When a Bitcoin address becomes linked to your identity, your entire transaction history can be exposed.

• Trackability : Spending patterns, balances, and wallet activity can be traced.
• Data Vulnerability : Public addresses may become targets for phishing or hacking attempts.
• Government Oversight : Regulatory bodies increasingly demand transparency, which may conflict with privacy needs.

Privacy wallets provide a much-needed layer of protection, especially in a climate where surveillance is on the rise.

Types of Bitcoin Privacy Wallets

The best wallet depends on your priorities—whether it's mobility, maximum security, or ease of use.

Software Wallets:

• Desktop : Offers full control, ideal for power users. Requires technical understanding.
• Mobile : Convenient and user-friendly. Perfect for on-the-go usage, but slightly less secure than hardware options.

Hardware Wallets:

• Coldcard Wallet : Combines physical security with privacy features. Offline functionality makes it highly resistant to attacks. Best for long-term storage but has a steeper cost.

Web-Based Wallets:

• Convenient but carry higher risk due to server vulnerabilities. Use only if the provider is reputable and security-focused.

The biggest risk isn't in the technology—it’s in human error

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up and Use a Bitcoin Privacy Wallet

Let’s take Ginger Wallet as an example for setup:

1. Download : Get it from the official site and verify the digital signature.
2. Install : Launch the installer and create a new wallet.
3. Backup : Write down your 12–24-word seed phrase and store it offline.
4. Enable CoinJoin : Activate the mixing feature for enhanced privacy.
5. Transact : Use generated addresses and ensure Tor is enabled before sending or receiving Bitcoin.
6. Update : Regularly check for the latest software versions.

Security isn’t a feature—it’s a habit

Security Tips and Best Practices

• Store your private keys offline (e.g., on paper or hardware wallets).
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) when available.
• Avoid phishing : Download only from official websites.
• Use Tor or a trusted VPN during transactions.
• Keep your wallet software updated to fix potential vulnerabilities.

The Future of Bitcoin Privacy Wallets and Regulatory Pressure

While the technology behind privacy wallets continues to evolve—introducing innovations like Taproot and Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) —so too does government scrutiny.

Key Trends:

• Regulatory Challenges : Many jurisdictions are tightening KYC/AML requirements.
• Tech Advancements : Future wallets may include automated privacy modes or smarter mixing algorithms.
• Balance of Power : Wallets must navigate between user privacy and legal compliance.

In this landscape, privacy wallets are expected to become smarter, more adaptive, and increasingly necessary.

Privacy wallets remain the guardians of financial freedom

While Bitcoin may promise decentralization, only privacy wallets ensure that promise includes anonymity. As we look ahead to 2025, it’s more important than ever to take control of your digital identity and safeguard your financial autonomy. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, the tools exist—and they’re more powerful than ever.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the difference between a regular wallet and a privacy wallet?
A regular wallet doesn’t include anonymity tools like CoinJoin or stealth addresses. Privacy wallets are specifically designed to protect transaction data and user identity.

Are privacy wallets safe to use?
Yes—if sourced from reputable developers and used correctly. Protecting your private keys is critical to maintaining security.

Which privacy wallet is best for beginners?
Ginger Wallet is a great choice for beginners thanks to its user-friendly interface and built-in privacy features.

Can I use VPN or Tor with these wallets?
Absolutely. Ginger Wallet supports Tor integration and recommend masking your IP address during use.

What happens if I lose my wallet’s recovery phrase?
If your recovery phrase is lost and there’s no backup, you won’t be able to access your funds. Always store it securely offline.

Ready to protect your Bitcoin and take control of your financial privacy? Start using a privacy wallet today and stay one step ahead in 2025.