What is a vanity address?
A crypto address normally looks like a random string, because it's calculated from a key. A vanity address is an ordinary wallet address where part of that string reads as something you chose, such as cafe or USDT.
How one is made
You can't choose an address directly. It comes from a private key through a one-way calculation, so there's no way to work backwards from the address you want.
A generator tries instead: it creates keys, checks each address and stops when one matches. That's why every extra character takes much longer to find.
What it's good for
- You recognize your own address at a glance
- A shop, project or creator can publish an address with its name in it
- An address with a word in it is more memorable
What to watch out for
- Never use a key someone else generated for you, because they can keep a copy
- Weak generators can be dangerous. Profanity started from only 32 random bits, and keys made with it were recovered and drained
- Scammers create lookalike addresses with the same start and end, so compare the whole address before sending
- A vanity address isn't more secure than any other address. Protect the key in the same way