How to get into crypto?
Pick the right door, not the hottest coin.
There is no club to join. You need one reputable exchange account, a phone, and a few rules that keep a bad day from becoming a disaster.
How do beginners get into crypto?
Many start by joining a group or following a "mentor". That is the fastest way to lose money. A better order:
- Learn the basics: what bitcoin, USDT, an exchange and a wallet are.
- Open an account at a large, established exchange.
- Verify and secure it.
- Practise, then go small: demo trading first, a tiny first trade after.
- Set rules: spare money only, no borrowing, no high leverage, no "investing" with strangers.
What do I need to start crypto?
| Item | Requirement | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphone | Your own, reasonably recent | Runs the app and authenticator |
| Email or phone | Long-term, only you can access it | Codes and recovery |
| ID | Your own valid ID | Identity verification |
| Authenticator app | Google Authenticator or similar | Two-factor protection |
| Computer (optional) | Nice to have | Bigger charts; log in by QR |
Crypto app safety tips for beginners
- Download only from official sources; check any link with OKX Verify.
- There is no "pro", "VIP" or "high-yield" edition of a real exchange app.
- Check the developer name and icon after installing; fakes differ by a letter.
- Don't grant accessibility or overlay permissions to apps from unknown sources.
- Remove crypto apps you no longer use.
"Install this app and my mentor will help you earn" is how investment scams begin. A real exchange never needs anyone to walk you through installing it.
How to choose your first crypto exchange
| Check | Why it matters | OKX |
|---|---|---|
| Track record and size | Veterans have survived several cycles | Operating since 2017 (formerly OKEx), one of the largest global exchanges |
| Proof of reserves | Shows customer assets are fully backed | Publishes proof of reserves regularly; users can verify |
| Language and support | You must understand the rules and reach help | Multi-language app and 24/7 online support |
| Fees | A fixed cost on every trade | Regular spot 0.08% / 0.10%, 20% less with OK66688 |
| Beginner tools | Practise before real money | Demo trading, new-user tasks |
Whatever you choose, don't keep everything on one platform, and consider a self-custody wallet for large long-term holdings.
What is OKX Orbit?
In 2026 OKX added Orbit, a social feed inside the app where users discuss markets with cashtags such as $BTC and $ETH, and traders can choose to share verified performance data or run public and gated communities (CoinDesk).
- Posts are opinions, not investment advice, even from traders with verified profits;
- Ignore anyone who DMs you, invites you to an outside group or asks you to send crypto;
- "Inside information" that is free usually has a price you can't see.
A referral code can only be added at the moment you sign up. Enter OK66688 and pay 20% less on every spot and futures trade, for good
Getting-started
questions.
01How do I get into crypto?
Learn the basics, open and verify an account at a large exchange, practise in demo trading, then make a small first trade.
02What is the first step?
Choosing and opening an account at a reputable exchange, not joining a group or following a mentor.
03What do I need to start crypto?
Your own smartphone, a long-term email or phone number, your own ID and an authenticator app.
04How do I pick my first exchange?
Look at track record, proof of reserves, support in your language, fees and beginner tools.
05What is OKX Orbit?
A social feed inside the OKX app for market discussion; posts are not investment advice.
Finished this one?
Here is what to read next.
Real links, sign-up methods, fixes when you get stuck, what to prepare, the actual risks and how to get into crypto, in the order you will meet them.
Where is the OKX sign-up page?
App, browser and QR entry points, how to check an OKX link is real, and why never to use a stranger's link.
Methods · Google and AppleEmail or phone for OKX?
Google, Apple and Telegram sign-up, no phone number, "already registered" errors and password rules.
Fixes · captcha not workingOKX sign up not working?
Captcha failures, endless loading, region not supported and too many requests, fixed one by one.
Checklist · how long it takesIs OKX sign up free?
How long it takes, a checklist, signing up without a bank account and what to do first.
Risks · privacy and scamsIs opening an exchange account risky?
Anonymity, authorities, deleting KYC data, unused accounts and whether OKX is a scam app.
You only sign up once.
Use OK66688.
20% off every spot and futures fee, for life, and new-user rewards as usual.