QR Codes, Addresses, and Confirmations Explained
Someone wants to send you Bitcoin — but you’re not sure how to receive it safely?
Good news: receiving Bitcoin is actually straightforward once you understand a few basics. You don’t need an exchange, a bank, or special permission — just a wallet and the right information.
This guide walks you through exactly how to receive Bitcoin from a friend, how QR codes and addresses work, and how to confirm the transaction on the blockchain. For broader beginner education, the Bitcoin Resources Hub is a great place to explore.
This same wallet-to-wallet flow is also how Bitcoin is delivered when Canadians Buy Bitcoin in Canada through 1Bitcoin.ca’s non-custodial brokerage.
Step 1: Make Sure You Have a Bitcoin Wallet
To receive Bitcoin, you need a wallet.
A wallet allows you to generate addresses, receive bitcoin, and view confirmations. This can be:
- A mobile wallet
- A desktop wallet
- A hardware wallet
For larger amounts or long-term holding, learning self-custody is strongly recommended.
Step 2: Open Your Wallet and Tap “Receive”
Open your wallet app and select Receive.
Your wallet will display:
- A public address (a long string of letters and numbers)
- A QR code (a visual version of the same address)
This is your public receiving address. It’s safe to share with anyone who wants to send you Bitcoin.
Step 3: Share the Address or QR Code with Your Friend
You can now share your address in one of two ways:
- Copy and paste the address into a message
- Show the QR code so your friend can scan it
Using QR codes reduces the risk of typing mistakes, which is why address accuracy and sharing best practices are emphasized throughout the Resources Hub.
⚠️ Important:
Never share your private key or recovery phrase. Only the public address is required to receive Bitcoin.
Step 4: Ask for the Transaction ID (TXID)
Once your friend sends the Bitcoin, ask them for the transaction ID (often called a TXID).
Think of the TXID like a receipt number. It allows you to independently track the transaction on the blockchain.
If you’re unfamiliar with this process, the guide on how to verify a Bitcoin transaction walks through it step by step.
Step 5: Wait for Confirmations
Bitcoin transactions are not instant. After being broadcast to the network, they need confirmations.
In simple terms:
- 1 confirmation means the transaction was included in a block
- 3 confirmations are generally considered secure
- 6 confirmations are effectively final
Most wallets will show the incoming transaction within minutes, even before full confirmation. Confirmation timing and block creation are explained in more detail in the Resources Hub.
Optional: Track the Transaction on the Blockchain
If you want to watch the transaction yourself, you can paste the TXID into a block explorer.
This lets you see:
- Confirmation status
- Timestamp
- Sending and receiving addresses
If you’d like a deeper walkthrough, see How to Track Bitcoin Transactions on the Blockchain.
Common Safety Tips When Receiving Bitcoin
- Always double-check your address before sharing
- Use QR codes instead of typing when possible
- Keep your wallet app secure
- Enable account protections like two-factor authentication (2FA) where available
Simple habits like these help prevent mistakes and protect your funds.
Why Learning This Matters
Receiving Bitcoin directly from another person is one of the most powerful features of the network.
It allows:
- Peer-to-peer payments
- No intermediaries
- Full control over your funds
This same direct, permissionless settlement is what allows Bitcoin to function independently of banks and platforms—whether you’re receiving $20 from a friend or managing larger value through professional channels like Bitcoin OTC Canada.
Understanding how addresses, confirmations, and transactions work gives you more confidence and independence — key ideas emphasized throughout the Bitcoin Resources Hub.
Final Thought
Receiving Bitcoin doesn’t require technical expertise — just the right steps.
Once you’ve done it a few times, the process becomes second nature:
- Open your wallet
- Share your address
- Wait for confirmations
To keep building practical Bitcoin knowledge from a Canadian perspective, visit the 1Bitcoin.ca Homepage or explore beginner-friendly guides in the Bitcoin Resources Hub.
Clear steps.
Full control.
No middlemen.
