It cant just die like any other electronic?
Discussion
It will eventually
Thats my worry. I want to store my BTC and not touch it for 50 years/give it to my kids.
That's what seed phrases are for
So whats the point of the hardware wallet then? Sorry for my ignorance. Can’t I just have a seed phrase to use with any wallet?
Yes you can but you have to generate it from somewhere
This is why "signing device" is a less confusing term. Your seed phrase written on paper is more of a wallet. Metal plates are more reliable for long term storage.
That makes sense. Can I take a seed phrase created in one hardware wallet and input it in another to see and use my BTC or has to be the same wallet that created the seed?
You can use it in any BIP-39 compatible wallet
Ahh i see. I have a concern with that though. Hypothetically what if in the future the government banned BIP- 39 compatible wallets and my original wallet died and I want to buy a new one to replace it but cant anymore? Would I be out of luck having access to my BTC? Im really trying to think ahead of the safest long term storage. I notice Im feeling more and more like I have to spend money just to be able to have access to by BTC safely. That’s unfortunate for the future of BTC adoption.
Spend money on what?
Hardware wallets, computer for wallet software.
Old used computers that can run Linux are thrown away all the time
But in 30-50 years when I want yo spend my bitcoin they wont be lol.