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How to send Bitcoin?

Sending Bitcoin (BTC) is a straightforward process, but it involves understanding the nuances of Bitcoin wallets, transaction fees, and network confirmations. Whether you’re a seasoned crypto user or a newcomer, this guide will walk you through the essentials of sending Bitcoin securely and efficiently.
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Written by Ana Marauli
Beginner
5 min
30 August 2024
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How Do You Send Bitcoin to Someone: Step-by-Step Process

Sending Bitcoin involves transferring funds from one Bitcoin wallet to another wallet. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Open Your Wallet: Access your Bitcoin wallet. This can be a hardware wallet, software wallet, web wallet, or mobile wallet. Ensure that the wallet supports sending Bitcoin.

2. Find the Send Option: Locate the 'Send' or 'Transfer' button in your wallet's interface. This option might be under different labels, such as 'Send BTC' or 'Transfer Funds.'

3. Enter the Recipient’s Address: Obtain the recipient’s Bitcoin address. This is a long string of alphanumeric characters unique to their wallet. Paste or carefully type the address into the appropriate field in your wallet.

4. Specify the Amount: Enter the amount of Bitcoin you want to send. Most wallets allow you to specify the amount in BTC or your local currency. Double-check the amount to avoid mistakes.

5. Set the Transaction Fee: Choose a transaction fee. Higher fees generally result in faster transaction confirmation, while lower fees may delay the process. Your wallet may offer fee suggestions based on network congestion.

6. Review the Transaction: Double-check all the details, including the recipient’s address, the amount, and the transaction fee. Mistakes can be costly, as Bitcoin transactions are irreversible.

7. Confirm the Transaction: Once you’re satisfied with the details, confirm the transaction. Your wallet may require additional authentication, such as a password or PIN.

8. Wait for Confirmation: The transaction will be broadcasted to the Bitcoin network and will require confirmation by miners. The time for confirmation can vary based on network traffic and the fee you selected.

Additional Tips

    • Use QR Codes: Many wallets support scanning QR codes, which can help avoid errors when entering the recipient’s address.
    • Double-Check Addresses: Always double-check the recipient’s address before sending. Even a small error can result in sending funds to the wrong address.

How Do I Send Bitcoins From My Phone?

Mobile Wallets

Sending Bitcoin from your phone is convenient, especially if you’re using a mobile wallet app. Here’s how to do it:

1. Download and Install a Mobile Wallet: If you don’t already have a mobile wallet, choose one that is reputable and has good security features. Examples include Kauri Crypto Wallet, Ledger Live, or Mycelium.

2. Set Up Your Wallet: Follow the wallet’s setup instructions, including backing up your recovery phrase. This phrase is crucial for recovering your wallet if you lose access to your phone.

3. Access the Send Function: Open the wallet app and navigate to the 'Send' feature.

4. Scan or Enter the Recipient’s Address: You can manually enter the recipient’s Bitcoin address or use your phone’s camera to scan their QR code.

5. Input the Amount: Specify how much Bitcoin you want to send.

6. Set the Fee: Choose the transaction fee based on your desired confirmation time.

7. Review and Confirm: Double-check the transaction details and confirm the payment.

8. Wait for Confirmation: The transaction will be processed and will require confirmation on the Bitcoin network.

Advantages of Mobile Wallets

    • Convenience: Mobile wallets are accessible anywhere and are ideal for on-the-go transactions.
    • Ease of Use: They often have user-friendly interfaces and support features like QR code scanning.

How to Send BTC on PayPal?

Steps to Send Bitcoin Using PayPal

PayPal has integrated cryptocurrency services, allowing users to buy, hold, and send Bitcoin. Here’s how to send BTC using PayPal:

1. Log In to Your PayPal Account: Open the PayPal app or website and log in with your credentials.

2. Access the Cryptocurrency Section: Navigate to the section where you manage your cryptocurrencies. This can usually be found under 'Crypto' or 'Cryptocurrencies' in your account.

3. Select Bitcoin: Choose Bitcoin (BTC) from the list of supported cryptocurrencies.

4. Choose 'Send': Find the 'Send' button next to Bitcoin.

5. Enter Recipient Details: You can send Bitcoin to another PayPal user by entering their email or mobile number associated with their PayPal account.

6. Specify the Amount: Enter the amount of Bitcoin you wish to send.

7. Review and Confirm: Check the transaction details, including any applicable fees, and confirm the transaction.

Limitations

    • Internal Transfers: PayPal currently only supports sending Bitcoin to other PayPal users. You cannot send Bitcoin from PayPal to an external wallet.
    • Fees: Be aware of any transaction fees or exchange rates applied by PayPal.

What is the Bitcoin Network Fee?

Understanding Network Fees

The Bitcoin network fee is a small charge paid to miners for validating transactions and including them in a block. This fee compensates miners for their computational work and ensures the security of the network.

Factors Influencing Fees

    • Network Congestion: When the Bitcoin network is busy, fees can increase as users compete to have their transactions processed quickly.
    • Transaction Size: Larger transactions (in terms of data size) typically require higher fees. This is because they take up more space in a block.
    • Priority: Users can choose to pay higher fees for faster transaction confirmations or lower fees if they are willing to wait longer.

How Much Does It Cost to Send Bitcoin?

Variable Costs

The cost to send Bitcoin varies depending on several factors:

    • Network Fee: This is the main cost associated with sending Bitcoin. It can range from a few cents to several dollars depending on network congestion and transaction size.
    • Wallet Fees: Some wallets or exchanges may charge additional fees for processing transactions.
    • Priority: Higher fees can be paid to prioritize your transaction, resulting in faster confirmations.

Estimating Costs

To estimate the cost of sending Bitcoin, you can use online tools or check your wallet’s fee estimator. Many wallets automatically calculate the optimal fee based on current network conditions.

How Are Bitcoin Fees Measured?

Bitcoin transaction fees are typically measured in satoshis per byte (sat/byte). A satoshi is the smallest unit of Bitcoin, equal to 0.00000001 BTC. The fee rate indicates how many satoshis you are willing to pay for each byte of data in your transaction.

To calculate the fee, multiply the fee rate (sat/byte) by the size of your transaction in bytes. For example, if the fee rate is 50 sat/byte and your transaction is 250 bytes, the total fee would be 12,500 satoshis (0.000125 BTC).

Tools and Resources

    • Fee Estimators: Many wallets and online platforms provide fee estimators to help you choose an appropriate fee rate.
    • Blockchain Explorers: Sites like blockchain.com offer insights into current fee rates and network conditions.

Sending Bitcoin is a process that combines straightforward steps with an understanding of the underlying mechanics of Bitcoin transactions. By following this guide, you can ensure that your Bitcoin transfers are conducted safely and efficiently, whether you’re using a mobile wallet, PayPal, or other platforms.

 



 

About the author
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Ana Marauli
Content Creator and Social Media Manager
Ana Marauli is a marketing and PR visionary with over 13 years of experience in new project launches, positioning, digital marketing, content creation and community management. She has worked with companies, from innovative start-ups to large corporations, helping them to develop a unique strategy and positioning to reach the right audiences. Ana is passionate about fintech and is committed to the potential of decentralised web3 solutions to drive meaningful, global change.
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