ICP custody options

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Options: Maximum ease or maximum control?

To custody your ICP, you have many options, each with different security and usability trade-offs. Choosing your setup is usually where people get most stuck.

Summary of the range of options available to you depending on your comfort level

max control of keys

Examples if you prefer to have third-party custody of your keys

3rd-party custody solutions

Examples if you prefer to have maximum control of your keys

self custody staking options

Maximum Ease Option

Use Internet Identity with the NNS frontend dapp.

Traits

  • Most convenient. Entirely web-based. No need to download or install anything.
  • NNS frontend dapp has all the functionality you need
  • This is a very common method
  • Ideal for people who want to want the easiest path to control their ICP

Maximum Control Option

Use your `seed phrase` directly with a few options for self-custody tools.

Traits

  • This option requires more technical understanding
  • You have most control over your ICP.
  • This is the *safest* option from a software point of view because you are relying on less software surface area, but it is the *riskiest* from a human point of view in that it puts the risk of your `seed phrase` and `private key` custody on you.
  • Ideal for people who want as much control over their ICP as possible