BRC-20 is an experimental token standard for issuing fungible tokens on the Bitcoin network. Unlike ERC-20, which relies on smart contracts, BRC-20 leverages the Ordinals protocol to embed JSON-formatted inscriptions (data) for token deployment, minting, and transfers. This enables developers to create and distribute fungible tokens on Bitcoin’s non-smart-contract blockchain.
1. Creating a BTC Wallet
Steps to Set Up a New Wallet:
- Open your Web3 wallet and select 【Create Wallet】.
- Click 【Create Now】 and set a secure wallet password.
- Confirm to complete the setup.
⚠️ Security Note:
- Your wallet’s recovery phrase (mnemonic) and private key are critical. Losing or exposing them may lead to fund theft.
- Always back up these details and store them offline in a secure location.
2. Importing an Existing BTC Wallet
How to Import:
- In your Web3 wallet, click ▼ → 【Wallet Management】 → 【Add Wallet】.
Select 【Import Wallet】 and enter either your:
- Recovery phrase (12–24 words) or
- Private key.
- Complete the import process.
3. Managing BTC Addresses
Viewing/Switching Address Types:
- Navigate to the BTC asset page from your wallet’s homepage.
Tap the switch icon (top-right) to toggle between address formats:
- Taproot (Recommended)
- Legacy (P2PKH)
- Nested SegWit (P2SH)
- Native SegWit (Bech32)
4. Adding BRC-20 Tokens to Your Portfolio
Steps:
- Go to 【Coin Management】 and search for your BRC-20 token.
- Click 【+】 to add it. The token will now appear in your asset overview.
- Select the token to view its transaction history or trade it on Ordinals marketplaces.
👉 Explore BRC-20 trading markets
5. Sending BRC-20 Tokens
Method A: Direct Transfer
- Open the BRC-20 token’s details page.
- Click 【Send】, choose the inscription(s) to transfer, and enter the recipient’s address.
- Confirm the transaction.
Method B: Inscribe Before Transferring
- Click 【+ Inscribe】 and input the token amount (≤ available balance).
- Complete the inscription, then proceed with the transfer.
FAQs About BRC-20 Tokens
❓ What’s the difference between BRC-20 and ERC-20?
BRC-20 operates on Bitcoin via Ordinals inscriptions (JSON data), while ERC-20 relies on Ethereum’s smart contracts. BRC-20 is experimental and lacks native smart contract functionality.
❓ Can I store BRC-20 tokens in any Bitcoin wallet?
No. You need a Web3-compatible wallet (e.g., OKX Wallet, Unisat) that supports Taproot addresses and Ordinals inscriptions.
❓ Why can’t I see my BRC-20 balance?
Ensure you’ve:
- Added the token manually via 【Coin Management】
- Used a Taproot address (required for BRC-20 compatibility)
👉 Learn more about wallet security
❓ Are BRC-20 transactions reversible?
No. Like Bitcoin transactions, BRC-20 transfers are immutable once confirmed on-chain.
Key Takeaways
- BRC-20 expands Bitcoin’s utility with fungible tokens via Ordinals.
- Always use Taproot addresses for BRC-20 compatibility.
- Prioritize wallet security—back up recovery phrases offline.
For advanced trading, explore Ordinals marketplaces to buy/sell BRC-20 tokens.