The reason why Bitcoin needs to have QR codes is the randomness of wallet addresses. If you have a Bitcoin wallet, you’ll know the insanely long alphanumeric codes known as a wallet address. A Bitcoin QR code makes things really easy and convenient by loading up the Bitcoin address into a QR code. All the sender needs to do is scan the QR code.
Users can scan the Bitcoin QR code with their cryptocurrency wallet app and send Bitcoin quickly and easily. The Bitcoin QR code stores your Bitcoin address, which contains 34 characters. You can also add other details, such as the amount, item name and a message. A QR code makes it easy to obtain the saved information and initiate a transaction.
Bitcoin is the first decentralized digital currency, developed in 2009 by a mysterious entity known only by the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin has no central authority, no banks, no government, and no middlemen.
Typing this great combination of numbers and letters, which forms the address to which said cryptocurrencies can be sent or received, is incredibly laborious for frequent Bitcoin users.
QR Codes have long been used to simplify mobile transactions, and the concept is the same when integrated with Bitcoin. The only difference is that you use your cryptocurrency wallet instead of your bank account to make a payment through a Bitcoin QR Code.
Here’s the steps required to make a QR code for Bitcoin with our free QR code generator.
We have mentioned previously that sending and receiving money with Bitcoin is very easy and that is because you only need your Bitcoin Address. Therefore, all you have to do is fill up the “Address” field, which is mandatory.
It should be noted that you can add more information such as the amount, item name, and a message. However, these fields are optional.
If you don’t fill up your amount, anyone who scans the QR code can enter the amount he or she wants. If you fill up the amount, anyone scanning the QR code will be able to pay only that amount.
You can customize your Bitcoin QR code through the following options: Colors, design, logo, frame, and options.
The QR code can be saved as a PNG or SVG file. You’ll want to save it as SVG if you want it to be in vector format. With a vector file, you’ll be able to re-size without it getting pixelated. After you’ve downloaded your QR code, double-check that it works by scanning the code.
When transferring cryptocurrency, a QR code is a simple and quick way to share an address. This is especially beneficial for face-to-face or point-of-sale transactions, where copying and pasting isn’t a good option, and it saves you from having to key in long codes by hand (which won’t work if you miss even one character).
The Bitcoin QR code will only work if the user has a cryptocurrency wallet app. The QR code will not work if the user does not have a cryptocurrency wallet app. Hence the best way to scan a Bitcoin QR code is using the QR code scanner in the cryptocurrency wallet app. Most cryptocurrency wallet app comes with a QR code scanner.
Alternatively, scanning a Bitcoin QR code with iPhone’s built-in camera, the iPhone’s QR scanner (which can be accessed through the control center) and Android’s built-in camera will open the cryptocurrency wallet app in the mobile device.
As for third-party QR code scanner, the result is mixed. Some would open the cryptocurrency wallet app whilst some would just show the data encoded in the QR code, for example the Bitcoin address, amount etc. Google Lens also shows the data encoded in the Bitcoin QR code instead of opening the cryptocurrency wallet app.
Bitcoin address, like those for other cryptocurrencies, consisting of a string of letters and numbers that can be up to 34 characters long. It’s annoying to have to manually enter or copy the information each time you need to request a payment.
Using a Bitcoin QR code generator, that long address can easily be converted into a QR code. You can also specify the amount, item name and leave a message. For anyone who needs your Bitcoin address to make a transaction, all they need is a simple scan using their smartphone’s camera. This makes crypto payments easier for users.
QR codes make it simple to pay with your smartphone’s Bitcoin wallet app. Simply scan the QR code, and the recipient’s Bitcoin address and payment amount will be pre-filled. The payment is complete after you send the transaction. For that reason, Bitcoin QR codes may be used in a variety of situations to make payments, purchases, and donations. Also, QR codes can be found in a range of locations, such as restaurants, farmers’ markets, and grocery stores.
If you have a restaurant and accept Bitcoin as a payment method, it is recommended that you add your Bitcoin QR code to the menu or payment counter so that customers can pay easily.
You have a few alternatives for using Bitcoin QR codes in retail.
On the one hand, you can print a unique Bitcoin QR code for your business and display it in your store’s window, where it will be visible to all passers-by. On the other hand, you can use your cash register to show your unique Bitcoin QR code. When your customers are ready to pay, they can use their mobile device to scan this code and pay without having to use your point-of-sale system.
Some car dealers use Bitcoin as one of their official payment methods, so customers can go to one of these places and buy a vehicle easily by scanning the QR code.
A lot of people are dedicated to raising funds to finance different causes. Using a Bitcoin QR code is a very easy and fast option when making donations.
Bitcoin QR codes are convenient. But they are risky too. Today, a network of Bitcoin to QR code generators has been formed by several malicious developers, stealing thousands of dollars from many users
You have to be careful about which online QR code generator you’re using to generate your code. Many shady sites convert Bitcoin addresses into QR codes. That is, they promise the generation of Bitcoin QR codes, but they modify the receiving address to theirs during the process. This meant that if a user shared the QR code with a friend or put it on a website to solicit donations, the money would be routed to the scammer’s Bitcoin address.
Therefore, after you generate the QR code, you must verify the Bitcoin address by scanning it yourself. This not only ensures that the QR code works but also allows you to double-check that the Bitcoin address you entered matches the one encoded in the QR code. You can also use a threat intelligence service as a browser add-on and wallet that alerts you to potentially fraudulent websites and addresses.
Using our free Bitcoin QR code generator, you don’t need to be a design expert to create a wide range of free QR codes (URLs, text, vCard, etc). After you’ve created and designed your own QR code with our QR code generator, all you have to do is download your QR code. It’s free and no registration required.
Credits
Credits for images use in this article
Photo by David Shares on Unsplash