How to Send Bitcoin and Other Cryptos to Another Wallet

Cryptocurrency is becoming a more common way to store, transfer, and grow wealth. But if you’re new to crypto, one of the first things you’ll need to learn is how to send Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to another wallet. Whether you’re sending funds to a friend, a hardware wallet, or an exchange, this guide will walk you through every step in simple, human-friendly terms.

What Is a Crypto Wallet?

A crypto wallet is a digital tool that stores your cryptocurrency securely. There are two main types:

• Hot Wallets: Connected to the internet (e.g., mobile apps like Trust Wallet or MetaMask)
• Cold Wallets: Offline storage (e.g., Ledger Nano X, Trezor)

You need a wallet to send or receive crypto. Each wallet has a public address, like an email for receiving funds.

Why Send Crypto in the First Place?

Here are common reasons why users send crypto:

• Paying someone for a product or service
• Moving assets to a hardware wallet for safekeeping
• Sending funds to a crypto exchange to trade
• Transferring crypto between your own wallets

How to Send Bitcoin to Another Wallet

This section explains how to send Bitcoin to another wallet in just a few simple steps:

1. Open your wallet: Use your preferred wallet app like Trust Wallet, Coinbase, or MetaMask.
2. Select “Send”: You’ll see an option to send BTC.
3. Paste the recipient’s Bitcoin address: Make sure it starts with “bc1” or “1/3” depending on the format.
4. Enter the amount: Choose how much Bitcoin to send.
5. Choose network fee: Higher fees = faster processing.
6. Confirm and send: Double-check everything and hit “Send.”

Always double-check the wallet address before confirming. Crypto transactions are irreversible.

Choosing the Right Wallet for Transfers

When sending crypto, your wallet choice matters:

• Hot Wallets (Mobile/Desktop Apps): Best for quick transfers and everyday use, but more exposed to hacks.
• Cold Wallets (Hardware/Paper Wallets): Safer for long-term storage, but less convenient for frequent transfers.
• Custodial Wallets (Exchanges): Easy to use, but you don’t control the private keys. Always weigh convenience vs. security.

Tip: Use a trusted, reputable wallet and ensure it supports the specific cryptocurrency you want to send.

How to Find and Verify a Wallet Address Safely

• Copy and Paste Carefully: Always copy the exact wallet address—never type it manually.
• Use QR Codes: Scanning a QR code reduces typos, but still double-check the address.
• Watch for Malware: Some viruses can swap copied addresses with a hacker’s address. After pasting, verify the first and last few characters.
• Never Share Private Keys: Only share your public wallet address, never your private key or recovery phrase.

Confirmations: What They Mean and How Long They Take

• What Are Confirmations?
  A confirmation is proof that your transaction has been added to a block on the blockchain. Each new block confirms your transaction again.
• Bitcoin Confirmations:
  Most exchanges and wallets require 3–6 confirmations before considering the transaction final.
• Time Per Confirmation:
  On Bitcoin, one block is mined about every 10 minutes. So 3 confirmations usually take ~30 minutes.
• Why They Matter:
  More confirmations = stronger security. After enough confirmations, your BTC can’t be reversed or double-spent.

How to Send Other Cryptos (ETH, SOL, MATIC, etc.)

The process for sending other coins is similar to sending Bitcoin:

1. Open your wallet app (e.g., MetaMask for Ethereum-based tokens)
2. Select the coin (ETH, SOL, MATIC, etc.)
3. Tap on “Send”
4. Paste recipient’s wallet address
5. Select the right blockchain (e.g., Ethereum Mainnet, Solana, Polygon)
6. Confirm network fees
7. Hit Send

Don’t send ETH to a SOL address or vice versa. Always match the correct blockchain network.

Things to Check Before Sending Crypto

Before you hit send, verify:

• The recipient address is correct
• You’re using the right blockchain (ETH vs BNB vs SOL)
• You’ve selected the proper token version (e.g., USDT-ERC20 vs USDT-TRC20)
• You have enough balance to cover network (gas) fees
• The receiving wallet supports the crypto

How to Send Crypto: Step-by-Step Guide

Step	Action	What to Do
1️⃣	Open Your Wallet App	Use your crypto wallet (e.g., MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, Trust Wallet).
2️⃣	Select the Crypto You Want to Send	Choose Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, etc.
3️⃣	Click “Send” or “Transfer”	Look for a “Send” button in the app or platform.
4️⃣	Enter the Recipient’s Wallet Address	Copy and paste the correct wallet address (double-check for accuracy!).
5️⃣	Enter the Amount	Type in how much crypto you want to send.
6️⃣	Choose the Network (if needed)	Make sure you’re on the right blockchain (e.g., ERC20, BEP20, etc.).
7️⃣	Review the Transaction	Double-check all details: amount, address, fees.
8️⃣	Confirm and Send	Hit “Confirm,” “Send,” or “Approve.” You may need to enter your password or PIN.
9️⃣	Wait for Confirmation	Transactions may take seconds to minutes depending on network speed.
🔟	Check Transaction Status	View the status and hash on a blockchain explorer (like Etherscan or Blockchain.com).

Stats:
- Over $15 billion in Bitcoin transactions happen daily (source: CoinMarketCap, 2025)
- Average Ethereum gas fee in 2025: ~$1.20
- Most common transaction mistake: sending to the wrong network (34% of errors)

You can use visual wallet interfaces like Coinbase Wallet, MetaMask, or Exodus to simplify the process. Most mobile apps even offer QR scanning.

Security Best Practices During Transfers

1. Always Double-Check Addresses
   Crypto transfers are irreversible. Verify the first and last characters of the recipient’s wallet address before hitting send.
2. Avoid Public Wi-Fi
   Use a secure, private internet connection to prevent hackers from intercepting your transaction details.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
   Protect your exchange and wallet accounts with 2FA apps (like Google Authenticator) instead of SMS codes.
4. Start with Small Test Transactions
   If sending a large amount, do a small transfer first to ensure the address and network are correct.
5. Choose the Right Network
   Sending tokens on the wrong blockchain (e.g., ERC-20 to a BTC address) results in permanent loss. Always confirm network compatibility.
6. Keep Wallets Updated
   Use the latest wallet software or firmware to protect against known security vulnerabilities.
7. Beware of Phishing Scams
   Only use official wallet apps or exchange websites. Bookmark trusted sites to avoid fake links.
8. Secure Private Keys and Recovery Phrases
   Never share your private key or seed phrase. Store them offline in a safe place, not in cloud storage or screenshots.

Wallet Addresses and Why They Matter

A wallet address is like the “email address” for your cryptocurrency wallet. It’s a unique string of letters and numbers that you use to send or receive crypto. Just like you need someone’s email to message them, you need a wallet address to send them Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any other digital coin.

1. They keep your crypto safe

Each address is linked to your wallet, which holds your private keys. Sharing your wallet address is safe — but never share your private key.

2. They’re needed to send and receive crypto

If someone wants to send you crypto, they’ll need your wallet address. If you want to send crypto, you’ll need theirs.

3. They’re coin-specific

Each crypto has a different wallet address. For example, you can’t send Ethereum to a Bitcoin address — doing so may cause you to lose your coins.

4. They work on different networks

Some tokens can exist on multiple blockchains. Always make sure you’re using the correct network (e.g., ERC20 for Ethereum, BEP20 for BNB) when sending or receiving.

5. They help track transactions

Every transaction on the blockchain is public. You can use wallet addresses to check payment history and status through a blockchain explorer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Copy-pasting the wrong wallet address
• Choosing the wrong network (e.g., sending ERC20 to BEP20 address)
• Not leaving enough for gas fees
• Sending funds to an unsupported wallet or platform

Best Practices for Secure Transactions

• Use 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)
• Keep your seed phrase safe and offline
• Use cold wallets for large amounts
• Enable biometric authentication for mobile wallets
• Always test with a small amount before large transfers

Need help setting up your wallet? Read our Crypto Wallet Setup Guide

FAQs

1. Can I cancel a crypto transaction?

No. Once sent, crypto transactions are permanent and irreversible.

2. How do I know the transfer was successful?

Use the blockchain explorer (e.g., blockchain.com or etherscan.io) and input the transaction ID.

3. What if I sent crypto to the wrong address?

Unfortunately, nothing can be done. That’s why double-checking is critical.

4. How long does a transaction take?

• Bitcoin: 10–60 minutes
• Ethereum: Seconds to minutes
• Solana: Usually under 10 seconds

5. Is it free to send crypto?

No. Transaction fees apply, depending on the network’s traffic.

6. How can I avoid paying high transaction fees?

Avoiding high crypto transaction fees is all about timing, tools, and choosing the right networks. Some blockchains charge much lower fees than others. Some dApps and DeFi protocols use smart contract wallets that cost more to interact with. A basic wallet like Trust Wallet or MetaMask (with native tokens) is usually cheaper.

7. Can I send Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to someone without a crypto wallet?

No, you cannot directly send Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies to someone who doesn’t have a crypto wallet. Never send crypto to a random or unverified wallet thinking it will “hold” the funds for someone else. If they don’t own that wallet, they can’t access the crypto.

Conclusion

Knowing how to send crypto is an essential skill for any crypto user in 2025. Whether you’re sending Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other altcoins, the process is straightforward but requires caution. Always double-check addresses, networks, and fees. Start with small amounts if you’re new.

Want to learn more about wallets? Check out our guide on How to Create, Use, and Secure Your Crypto Wallet.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a professional before making any financial decisions involving cryptocurrencies.