Copy your wallet address, paste it into the exchange's withdraw screen, match the network, and send a small test first. Here is the safe way to self-custody your coins.
To move crypto to your own wallet, copy your wallet's receiving address, open the exchange's withdraw screen, paste the address, pick the matching network, and confirm. The coins arrive after a few network confirmations. The two things that matter most are using the right network and sending a small test amount first.
Done carefully it takes a few minutes. Done carelessly it is one of the few ways to lose crypto for good.
Two mistakes cause most lost funds: the wrong network (such as sending an ERC-20 token to a Bitcoin address) and a missing memo or tag on coins like XRP that require one. Both are usually unrecoverable, which is exactly why you test first.
While your coins sit on an exchange, the exchange holds the keys, so you depend on it staying solvent and secure. Moving them to a wallet you control removes that risk. That is what people mean by "not your keys, not your coins." To understand the key you are taking responsibility for, read what a seed phrase is, then compare wallets.
For small amounts you are actively trading, a reputable exchange is convenient and reasonable. The case for self-custody grows with the size of your holding. If you are weighing it up, our take on keeping crypto on an exchange and the size of your stack should guide the decision, not fear.
Hardware and software wallets ranked by security, supported coins and price.
Compare walletsCopy your wallet's receive address, paste it into the exchange's withdraw screen, select the matching network, send a small test amount, then confirm the rest.