How To Get A Bitcoin Address, Explained

To acquire a Bitcoin address, you can create a wallet through trusted providers like Coinbase Wallet or Trust Wallet

While crypto is still a relatively small asset class, Bitcoin has become an incredibly influential player in global financial markets. As the first viable cryptocurrency, Bitcoin operates as a complex and impressive global blockchain network that also functions as a decentralized digital currency. However, to use Bitcoin, you’ll need a wallet. But these aren’t your average leather wallets; they’re digital wallets fortified by private keys, aiming to help users easily buy, sell, and swap Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

While Bitcoin debuted in 2009 with a modest 14 active wallet addresses, today’s scene is vastly different. Data from BitInfoCharts indicates that over 67 million Bitcoin wallet addresses currently exist, with a significant 40.5 million addresses holding between $1 and $100. 

In addition, a study by Crypto.com in 2022 also indicated a significant rise in Bitcoin ownership, with overall Bitcoin holders climbing from 183 million in January to an impressive 219 million by December. Most crypto analysts believe that this isn’t just a passing trend but instead reflects a broader acceptance of Bitcoin as a digital asset worldwide. 

At the core of every Bitcoin wallet is a unique address derived from the user’s public key. Much like an account number, it helps ensure that each transaction is secure and precise. With these keys, Bitcoin wallets facilitate the safe exchange of cryptocurrency, placing users at the forefront of the digital currency revolution.

What is a Bitcoin Address? 

The unique identifier of a Bitcoin address plays a pivotal role in the Bitcoin ecosystem. A Bitcoin address functions as a specific ID, much like an account number for a traditional bank account. Bitcoin addresses are generally composed of a combination of alphanumeric characters with 26 to 35 characters.

Users can easily receive Bitcoin just by sharing their address and send Bitcoin simply by getting the intended recipient’s Bitcoin address. This makes Bitcoin transactions much like email but for financial transactions instead of just information. 

For an added convenience layer, many Bitcoin wallets use QR codes to share their Bitcoin address with others. With a simple scan, just like with many mobile payment methods, a user’s  Bitcoin address is instantly accessible, making transactions even smoother. This makes Bitcoin a blend of traditional transaction concepts paired with the efficiency of modern technology.

The Bitcoin Wallet Transaction Process

Bitcoin transactions rely on a three-pronged foundation: the private key, the public key, and the resulting address. Here’s a breakdown:

Private Key: Picture this as your secure password, a randomly generated set of characters that is uniquely yours. Its primary role is to kickstart the transaction. Thus its security is paramount. Think about the millions of possible private keys on the Bitcoin network; this vastness bolsters the network’s security.

Public Key: Once the private key is set, it births the public key through a method known as hashing. If the private key is your password, think of the public key as your user ID. Hashing is one-way, ensuring no one can trace back to your private key, adding an extra layer of safety.

Address: This is the final piece of the puzzle. Derived from the public key, the address is your public-facing ID for all transactions, much like an email address for your Bitcoin dealings. The creation process is intricate, ensuring smooth and secure cryptocurrency transactions.

Given the central role of the private key, it’s the linchpin of the entire transaction process. It’s like holding the key to a treasure chest; it allows access to your Bitcoin stash and related information. Thus, keeping it safe is non-negotiable, as any breach could be harmful.

The probability of identical addresses is extremely low, emphasizing the strong security and individuality of Bitcoin addresses. In essence, each address is a unique identifier in the vast Bitcoin landscape.

Types of Bitcoin Addresses

When it comes to Bitcoin addresses, there are four main types:

• Legacy Addresses (P2PKH)
• Compatibility Addresses (P2SH)
• Taproot Addresses (P2TR)
• SegWit Addresses (P2WPKH)

P2TR and P2WPKH are case insensitive, meaning capitalizing letters does not affect their validity. In contrast, P2SH and P2PKH are case-sensitive. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.

1. Legacy Addresses (P2PKH)

In the Bitcoin ecosystem, one of the first address types you might encounter is the Legacy address, or the Pay-To-Public-Key-Hash (P2PKH) format. Notably, these addresses kick off with the number ‘1’.

Legacy addresses are directly related to the hash of your public key, a security feature tied to your unique private key. In Bitcoin’s early days, P2PKH was the only address format available, much like early internet users had limited browser choices.

A downside of Legacy addresses is they take up more space in transactions, which can lead to higher costs. As the Bitcoin platform matured, more efficient and secure address types emerged, pushing the legacy addresses to the backdrop.

Here’s an example of a legacy address: 1FvzCLoTPGANNjWoUo6jUGuAG3wg1w4YjR

2. Compatibility Addresses (P2SH)

Compatibility addresses, known as the Pay-To-Script-Hash (P2SH) addresses, begin with the number ‘3’, setting them apart from other formats.

Now, what distinguishes P2SH from legacy addresses? While legacy addresses are hashed from the public key, P2SH addresses derive from a unique script. This script sets certain conditions for spending. Interestingly, these conditions are kept from the sender.

For example, when someone sends Bitcoin to another person, they add the necessary script hash for future spending in the transaction. The receiver can then use this script to spend the Bitcoin later on. P2SH’s adaptability supports diverse script creation, aligning with new transaction types like SegWit, and keeps the receiver’s writing details private.

Here’s an example of a compatibility address:

3J98t1WpEZ73CNmQviecrnyiWrnqRhWNLy

3. Taproot Addresses (P2TR)

Taproot Address or Pay-To-Taproot (P2TR) begin with ‘bc1p’, distinguishing them from other address types. Their core function lies in enhancing spending privacy during transactions.

Through Taproot, Bitcoin’s capacity extends to accommodate advanced scripting. This capability paves the way for sophisticated smart contracts, expanding the possibilities of Bitcoin’s utility. With Taproot, users get a security boost from Schnorr Signatures, potential savings from lower transaction fees, and added flexibility for transactions involving multiple keys. There’s a slight limitation, though. Despite its advantages, Taproot’s integration still awaits broader adoption across platforms.

Here’s an example of a Taproot address: bc1p7htfgc59yewhrjvktqmefq39llwxztlqrg9t9j5

4. SegWit Addresses (P2WPKH)

SegWit addresses, known as Pay-To-Witness-Public-Key-Hash (P2WPKH) addresses, are easily identifiable as they commence with ‘bc1q’. Many also recognize them by another name: Bech32 addresses.

The standout feature of P2WPKH is its capability to trim down the block size. This streamlining effect has tangible benefits: it cuts transaction fees and boosts the speed of transactions. For many, this cost-effective nature has cemented its status as the go-to Bitcoin address.

A practical benefit for users of SegWit addresses is the noticeable reduction in transaction fees. For instance, using a SegWit address could net you savings roughly 30-40% if you’re transferring funds.

Here’s an example of a SegWit address: bc1qar0srrr7xfkvy5l643lydnw9re59gtzzwf5mdq

How Can You Get a Bitcoin Address?

To start transacting with Bitcoin, you first need a Bitcoin wallet. Numerous wallet options are available, tailored for different preferences and security levels. According to Cryptowiser, there are over 85 Bitcoin wallets currently available. Each wallet generates a unique Bitcoin address for your transactions. It’s worth noting that altering an address isn’t possible once an address is generated. However, generating multiple new addresses is possible with most wallets.

Getting your Bitcoin address is pretty straightforward once you’ve settled on your chosen wallet. Look for sections in the wallet interface named ‘Bitcoin address’ or something similar. More often than not, it’s a walkover to locate. To pinpoint your Bitcoin address, head to the ‘receive’ section.

Here’s a brief rundown:

• Wallet Set-Up: Download your chosen wallet and set up an account.
• Getting Your Address: Within your wallet, navigate to the ‘Receive’ or ‘Receive Bitcoin’ option to get your address.
• Save and Share Your Address: Once generated, you can copy this address, or if you prefer a more tech-savvy approach, share the QR code.

Using Trust Wallet to Access Your Bitcoin Address: A Brief Guide

To show you the process of getting a Bitcoin address, let’s look at how to create a Bitcoin address with Trust Wallet. Boasting more than 60 million users, Trust Wallet is considered by crypto enthusiasts as one of the most secure platforms for transmitting and receiving cryptocurrency.

Getting Started: If you haven’t yet, download the Trust Wallet app from your device’s respective app store, whether Google Play for Android or the Apple App Store for iOS. It is also available in the Chrome Web Store.

Into the Wallet: Once installed, launch the app and log in. The initial screen you’ll be greeted with is the ‘Wallet’ overview – a dashboard for your cryptocurrencies.

Spotting Bitcoin: Browse the list and find ‘BTC’ (ticker of Bitcoin). A simple tap will open the Bitcoin-specific section. Or, Search BTC after clicking the ‘Receive’ button.

Discover Your Address: There’s a Receive button below where your balance is displayed. Tapping this reveals a QR code and an alphanumeric code – your unique Bitcoin address. Trust Wallet typically offers a SegWit address format known for efficient transaction handling.

To share your address, click the ‘Copy’ button to get the address onto your clipboard. If you prefer scanning, the QR code is an equally efficient method. You can share the QR code with others via email or messaging apps for receiving Bitcoin payments.

References

1. Honzik, T. (2023, 13 Jun.). Bitcoin address types compared: P2PKH, P2SH, P2WPKH, and more. Unchained.
2. Ozay, M. (2023, 12 Jun.) What is a Bitcoin address & how to get one? Dopinger.
3. Samuel, F. (2022, 20 May) How to get a Bitcoin address. Coinfomania.
4. Joko (2021, 18 Oct.) What type of Bitcoin address should I use?. Bitbox.