What is a Bitcoin QR code?
A Bitcoin QR code is a BTC receiving address, optionally wrapped in a BIP-21 payment URI (bitcoin:<address>?amount=0.001&label=Shop), rendered as a scannable image. A wallet that scans it fills in the recipient and amount so nobody has to type a 42-character address. It contains only public data and cannot be used to spend from your wallet.
How to make a Bitcoin QR code
- Copy your receiving address from your wallet's Receive tab. Modern wallets give you a bc1q... (SegWit) or bc1p... (Taproot) address; both have lower fees for the payer than legacy addresses.
- Paste it above. Leave the amount blank for a general donation or shop code, or enter an amount in BTC for a specific invoice.
- Add a label. Many wallets show the label as the contact name on the confirmation screen, which reassures the payer.
- Download the SVG for printing or the PNG for websites, social media and chat.
Where Bitcoin QR codes are used
- Donations on websites, streams and open-source project pages.
- Invoices for freelancers and remote contractors, with the invoice number in the message field.
- Shops and cafes that accept BTC at the counter alongside card and cash.
- Moving funds between your own devices without typing a 42-character address.
Plain address vs. BIP-21
If you choose "Plain address" the code contains only the address itself. Every wallet and every exchange withdrawal screen can scan that. The BIP-21 format adds bitcoin: and the optional parameters; it is supported by every mainstream wallet, but a few exchange apps only accept a bare address. When in doubt for exchange withdrawals, use the plain address option.
Safety checklist
- Verify the address. Compare the first 6 and last 6 characters on the card with your wallet's receive screen before you print or share.
- Test with a small amount from another wallet before relying on the code.
- Never put a seed phrase or private key into any website, including this one. A QR code for receiving only needs the public address.
- Replace the code if you rotate addresses. Old codes keep working, so retire printed copies you no longer want to receive to.