How QR Works With Crypto


This is especially useful in face-to-face point-of-sale transactions, because copy and paste isn’t an option and it avoids having to type in very long codes by hand (if you get even one character wrong, it won’t work).

In simple terms, to send crypto via a QR code:

  • The recipient needs to display the QR code of the address they want a specific cryptocurrency sent to. This is done with software, either merchant software designed for crypto or a wallet app.
  • The sender needs to scan the recipient’s QR code. Specifically, they need to open a wallet app that has a balance of the cryptocurrency being requested, enter the amount they want to send, select the QR option, scan the recipient’s QR code to get their address, verify everything is correct (the amount being sent AND the address), and then confirm the transaction. For more information, see how to send crypto.

TIP: Scanning a QR code only grabs the public address of the recipient. It does not grab other data, you’ll still need to fill in the amount being sent and account for network fees as needed.

TIP: Addresses are coin specific, you cannot for example send ETH to a BTC address.

TIP: QR also works well for sending crypto between two devices. For example sending crypto to an exchange from a wallet app on your phone.
