How to Buy and Use Bitcoin in 2023 (Video and Screenshot Guides)

Bitcoin has transformed the global payments landscape since its creation in 2009. This decentralized digital currency allows anyone to send and receive money peer-to-peer, without the need for banks or other third parties.

In recent years, Bitcoin has exploded in popularity as more people discover its advantages. But getting started using Bitcoin can be daunting for beginners.

This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to fully understand Bitcoin and safely buy, store, and use it in your daily life. I‘ll explain in plain English how Bitcoin works, the different options for acquiring it, and how to get set up with your own Bitcoin wallet.

Whether you‘re a total newbie or looking to expand your existing knowledge, you‘ll learn the key basics about Bitcoin in this helpful step-by-step walkthrough. Let‘s get started!

How Bitcoin Works

Before diving into the how-to‘s of using Bitcoin, it helps to understand the basics of what it is and how the underlying technology functions.

The Bitcoin Blockchain

All Bitcoin transactions are recorded on a permanent, public ledger known as the blockchain. This contains the payment history of every single bitcoin in circulation.

Here‘s a simple example:

When Person A sends 1 BTC to Person B, a record of that transaction is added to the blockchain. This verifies that Person A owned the bitcoin they sent and updates the balance associated with each person‘s Bitcoin address.

The blockchain is distributed across a peer-to-peer network of computers running the Bitcoin software. It is decentralized, meaning no single entity controls it. Thousands of "nodes" keep copies of and validate the blockchain.

Transactions are grouped into blocks and new blocks are added to the chain through a process known as mining. In exchange for mining, participants earn small amounts of newly created bitcoin.

This public accounting system is the key breakthrough that allows Bitcoin to function without any central authority. No individuals, banks, or governments can manipulate transaction records or alter the supply of bitcoin.

Digital Signatures and Keys

Each Bitcoin transaction includes digital signatures that mathematically prove the sender owned the bitcoin they are transferring. This prevents double spending or fake transactions.

These digital signatures are generated using the sender‘s private key. This key, as the name implies, must be kept private.

The corresponding public key is used to generate the sender‘s Bitcoin address. This can safely be shared for others to send bitcoin to the address. But spending from the address requires the private key.

Here is an example Bitcoin address:

1BvBMSEYstWetqTFn5Au4m4GFg7xJaNVN2

The owner of this address has the private key needed to spend bitcoin from this address. Meanwhile, anyone can send bitcoin to the address.

This asymmetry between private and public keys is what makes Bitcoin addresses secure. The system prevents unauthorized spending while allowing anyone to transact using an address.

Acquiring Bitcoin

Now that you understand the essence of Bitcoin, it‘s time to get some for yourself! Here are various methods to acquire bitcoin and their pros and cons.

Bitcoin Exchanges

The most common way to buy bitcoin is through an online cryptocurrency exchange. These allow you to trade traditional currency like USD for bitcoin.

Exchanges like Coinbase have made it simple to connect your bank account or debit card and buy bitcoin instantly. Although convenience comes at a cost – exchanges charge fees on each transaction.

Pros:

• Easy and fast way to buy bitcoin with fiat currency
• Wide variety of payment methods supported
• Beginner friendly onboarding

Cons:

• Transaction fees
• May require ID verification
• You do not control the private keys

Bitcoin ATMs

Bitcoin ATMs function similar to traditional cash machines – with the ability to buy and sell bitcoin added. There are over 30,000 BTC ATMs worldwide, mostly found in major cities.

You can insert cash into a Bitcoin ATM and have it directly sent to your Bitcoin address. Some ATMs support two-way functionality allowing bitcoin liquidation as well.

Pros:

• Convenient access to bitcoin using cash
• No ID required in most cases
• Receive bitcoin directly to your wallet

Cons:

• High transaction fees averaging 8-15%
• Low availability in small towns

Mining

Bitcoin mining is the process by which new bitcoin is created while simultaneously securing the network. Successful miners are rewarded with BTC for each block mined.

However, mining has become an incredibly competitive and costly endeavor requiring specialized hardware (ASIC miners), cheap electricity, and technical know-how. It is generally not profitable for the average person anymore.

Pros:

• "Earn" bitcoin through mining

Cons:

• Prohibitively expensive for most people
• Technically complex
• Low probability of earning a return on investment currently

P2P Trading

Websites like LocalBitcoins and Paxful connect buyers and sellers directly for bitcoin trading. This allows purchases using hundreds of payment methods from gift cards to cash in person.

P2P trading often offers convenience and anonymity but can carry higher risk dealing with anonymous strangers. Performing due diligence on trading partners is a must.

Pros:

• Wide selection of payment methods
• Greater anonymity in some cases

Cons:

• Higher fraud risk dealing with strangers
• Complex dispute resolution
• Higher bitcoin prices

There are other creative ways to earn bitcoin like completing tasks, working, or even being tipped. But the above methods are the main avenues to directly purchase bitcoin.

Exchanges like Coinbase are the simplest option for most people to get started. But it‘s helpful to understand all the options at your disposal.

Choosing a Bitcoin Wallet

Before buying bitcoin you‘ll need somewhere secure to store it – this is where a bitcoin wallet comes in. Wallets store the private keys that allow you to spend and control your bitcoin.

Several excellent bitcoin wallet choices are available:

Mobile wallets – Apps for iOS or Android devices that provide excellent security and ease of use. Examples: Exodus, Edge.

Desktop wallets – Software that creates wallets stored on your computer. Offer more features but are less convenient. Examples: Electrum, Wasabi.

Hardware wallets – Physical devices like the Ledger Nano X that store private keys offline for optimal security.

Paper wallets – Your keys printed or written on paper. Very secure but can be lost or damaged.

Web wallets – Private keys stored online by a third party. Offer convenience but less security.

For small amounts, mobile wallets offer a great blend of security and convenience. As you acquire more bitcoin, using a hardware wallet is recommended for storage of the majority.

Avoid keeping large balances in web wallets or exchanges over the long term – "not your keys, not your bitcoin". Take ownership by transferring to wallets you control.

Step-by-Step Guide: Buying Bitcoin with Coinbase

Let‘s walk through buying and selling bitcoin using the popular Coinbase exchange.

Creating a Coinbase Account

1. Go to the Coinbase signup page and enter your name, email, and a secure password.

2. Verify your email address when sent a confirmation link.

3. On the next page, provide your phone number and upload a valid government ID for verification.

4. Once your account is approved, return to Coinbase and enable two-factor authentication for extra security.

Connecting a Payment Method

5. In the settings menu, click "Add payment method" to connect your bank account or debit card.

6. Choose the option you want to link and provide the details requested.

7. Transfer a small amount from your bank account which will be deposited back in 1-2 days, verifying your connection.

Making Your First Purchase

8. Tap "Trade" then "Buy" to reach the purchase screen. Select "Bitcoin".

9. Enter the amount in USD or BTC you wish to buy and select your connected payment method.

10. Carefully review the details then click "Buy Bitcoin". Coinbase will withdraw funds from your bank or debit card.

11. Bitcoin will be deposited to your Coinbase BTC wallet instantly upon completing the purchase.

Transferring to Your Personal Wallet

For optimal security, you should transfer the bitcoin from Coinbase to your own wallet where you control the keys after buying.

12. In your Coinbase BTC wallet, click "Send" and enter the amount to withdraw.

13. Paste the receiving address from your personal wallet and double check it.

14. Send a small test amount first before moving larger amounts to be safe. The transfer should complete in 10-30 minutes.

And that‘s it – you‘ve now successfully bought bitcoin and transferred it to your own wallet. Keep reading for tips on storing your bitcoin securely.

Storing Bitcoin Safely

Now that you‘ve got some precious bitcoin in your personal wallet, it‘s essential to make sure it‘s stored safely and backed up properly. Here are some key best practices:

• Encrypt your wallet with a strong password. Avoid reused or guessable passwords.

• Store your recovery phrase (12-24 word mnemonic) in a safe place. This can recover your wallet if your device is lost or damaged. DO NOT share it with anyone.

• Consider a multi-signature wallet setup requiring multiple devices/parties to access funds for improved security.

• For large amounts of bitcoin, use a hardware wallet and keep it in a secure place like a safety deposit box.

• Backup your wallet to mitigate against data loss scenarios like hardware failure or accidental deletion.

• If backing up digitally, encrypt the backup and store in multiple secure locations.

• Avoid publicly sharing your public bitcoin addresses to help prevent identity linking. Use new addresses frequently.

• Treat your private keys with the utmost privacy – loss or theft can lead to irreversible loss of funds.

Following these precautions will help keep your bitcoin protected against cyberattacks, accidents and other threats.

Using Bitcoin for Payments and Purchases

Once you‘ve bought bitcoin, what can you actually use it for? Here are some of the main options:

• Send money to friends or family internationally. Bitcoin transfers take minutes and avoid expensive wire fees.

• Pay for products or services at the thousands of merchants accepting bitcoin. Look for the BTC payment option.

• Top up your accounts for online services like VPNs, online games or web hosting using bitcoin.

• Use debit cards linked to your bitcoin to spend conveniently anywhere cards are accepted.

• Trade bitcoin for gift cards to popular brands like Amazon at sites like Bitrefill.

• Contribute bitcoin to support content creators and charitable causes that accept it as donations.

• Hold bitcoin long term as an investment and hedge against fiat currency risks.

Bitcoin allows you to do all these things and more without requiring any third party approvals – just pay and get paid directly.

As Bitcoin adoption grows, expect more ways to spend it in daily life. But for now, its use cases are still emerging.

How to Stay Safe and Avoid Bitcoin Scams

While Bitcoin offers many advantages, there are also potential risks to navigate carefully. Avoid the following common scams:

• Malware wallet stealers – Malicious software that gains access to your wallet‘s private keys. Use reputable anti-virus software.

• Fake exchanges/wallets – Only download apps and software from official sites and read reviews first.

• Phishing links – Don‘t click suspicious links in emails, messages or ads asking you to enter private data.

• Fake giveaways – Free bitcoin giveaways are always too good to be true. Ignore giveaway scams.

• Ponzi schemes – Be wary of investment opportunities with guaranteed unrealistic returns. Do due diligence.

• IRS/law enforcement impersonators – Government agencies will never contact you demanding immediate payment. Hang up.

Stay vigilant and use common sense security practices to avoid falling victim to Bitcoin scams. As the saying goes, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is".

Only download software from official sites, ignore unsolicited messages, and implement strong passwords and two-factor authentication everywhere. Taking just basic precautions can protect you.

You‘re Ready to Use Bitcoin!

Congratulations! You now have all the foundational knowledge to get started with Bitcoin. We covered:

• How the Bitcoin blockchain and transactions work

• Different ways to acquire bitcoin

• Choosing a secure Bitcoin wallet

• Step-by-step guide to buying BTC on an exchange

• Safely backing up and storing your bitcoin

• Avoiding common Bitcoin scams

The world of Bitcoin can seem complex at first but takes just a bit of upfront learning. Now you‘re set up to use this innovative new form of digital money!

Remember to take it slow as you get started. Only invest what you can afford to lose and never feel rushed into making transactions you don‘t fully understand.

With some prudence and common sense, anyone can now safely buy, store and use bitcoin in everyday life as it increases in utility and value worldwide!