How do I create a Bitcoin QR code?
Receiving Bitcoin with QR CodesA Bitcoin QR code encodes a BIP21 URI that auto-fills the sender's wallet send dialog. Paste your Bitcoin address (legacy 1..., SegWit 3..., or bech32 bc1...) into QR Code AI, then optionally add an amount in BTC and a label as BIP21 parameters. Customize the design with your logo and brand colors, and download in PNG, SVG or PDF. The BIP21 data is encoded directly into the pixel pattern, so any wallet camera can read the code once printed.
Can I include a payment amount (BIP21)?
BIP21 supports an optional amount parameter. Append ?amount=0.001 to the bitcoin: URI so the receiver's wallet auto-fills the send dialog with the value. Add a label or message via &label=Tip&message=Coffee parameters for context. The sender confirms the address and amount before signing and broadcasting on-chain.
Is it safe to share my wallet address as a QR code?
Yes. Sharing your Bitcoin wallet address as a QR code is safe because the address is a public identifier, not a private key, similar to publishing an email address. Anyone who scans can send to it but cannot withdraw. The BIP21 URI format is supported by every major wallet (Coinbase, Cash App, Strike, MetaMask, Ledger Live, Trezor Suite, Muun, Phoenix, Exodus, Trust Wallet), and hardware wallets confirm the destination on the device screen before signing.
What about Lightning Network invoice QR codes?
Lightning Network uses a separate BOLT-11 payload (lnbc...) different from BIP21. Generate a Lightning invoice in your LN wallet such as Wallet of Satoshi, Phoenix, Strike, Muun, Breez or Zeus. Copy the lnbc string then encode it as a QR code with QR Code AI. Lightning invoices are time-limited by design.
How do I pay with a Bitcoin QR code?
Open the send screen in any compatible wallet such as Coinbase, Cash App, Strike or Muun, tap the QR scanner icon and point the camera at the Bitcoin QR code. The wallet reads the BIP21 URI and auto-fills the recipient address along with any pre-set amount and label. Review the details and tap Confirm to broadcast the transaction on-chain. No copy-paste or manual address entry is needed.
Bitcoin QR vs Ethereum QR vs PayPal QR: which one should I print?
Print a Bitcoin QR (BIP21) when you accept on-chain BTC for tips, donations or merchant checkout: the sender confirms before broadcast with no chargebacks. Print an Ethereum QR (EIP-681) when you accept ETH or ERC-20 stablecoins, NFT-mint contributions or DAO treasury sends. Print a PayPal QR when buyers prefer fiat with chargeback protection or live outside crypto-comfortable regions. Print all three side by side on the same checkout sign to let payers self-select.
How do I scan a Bitcoin QR code on Cash App?
To scan a Bitcoin QR code on Cash App, open the app and tap the Bitcoin tab on the home screen. Tap Send Bitcoin, then tap the QR scanner icon in the top-right corner and point the camera at the Bitcoin QR. Cash App reads the BIP21 URI, auto-fills the recipient address along with any pre-set amount, then asks you to review and confirm before broadcasting on-chain. The same flow works on Coinbase, Strike, Muun and any major wallet.