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Understand Bitcoin Address Types
Network
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3 min
Bitcoin addresses are alphanumeric identifiers used to conduct transactions on the Bitcoin blockchain. There are several types of Bitcoin addresses – each with its own unique format and characteristics – that correspond to different types of Bitcoin transactions.
This guide will help you identify different Bitcoin address types and determine which address to use depending on the transaction type.
Types of Bitcoin Addresses
The most commonly used Bitcoin address types are:
Legacy Addresses
The original Bitcoin address type that is compatible with all Bitcoin wallets and exchanges
Start with the number “1”
Offer a high level of compatibility, though they do take up more space on the blockchain
Segregated Witness Addresses (SegWit)
Start with the characters “3”
Supported by most modern Bitcoin wallets and exchanges
Offer improved efficiency compared to legacy addresses
Native SegWit Addresses (Bech32)
Start with the characters “bc1q”
Supported by some Bitcoin wallets like Leather
Stacks Addresses
Start with the letter “S”
Supported by Stacks wallets like Leather and can be employed for Stacked-based transactions
Taproot Addresses
Start with the characters “bc1p”
Supported by certain Bitcoin wallets like Leather and are frequently used for transactions involving assets that make use of Taproot, such as Ordinals and BRC-20 tokens
How to Find Bitcoin Address Types in Leather
Leather automatically generates Bitcoin addresses for you when you create your wallet. You can view all address types associated with your wallet by clicking the “Receive” button on your wallet home screen.
You’ll find each type of Bitcoin address listed with the corresponding asset type it’s intended for (eg. your Taproot address for Ordinals). Therefore, the “Receive” page serves as a dependable reference for identifying the address types to use for various transactions, whether you’re looking to buy, send, receive, or swap a token or collectible.