The Bitcoin Pocket GuideAsk a question
Getting & Holding

What is a Bitcoin address, and why does it change?

Quick answer

An address is like an account number people use to send you bitcoin. Most wallets show a new one each time you receive, for privacy. Your old addresses still work.

Go deeper

All your addresses come from the same seed phrase, so your wallet tracks them all for you. Reusing one address lets anyone link your payments together on the public blockchain. Modern addresses start with "bc1"; older ones start with "1" or "3".

Search all 55 questionsSend sats