On-chain BTC · Self-custody
Store, send, receive, and exchange BTC while keeping your encrypted private keys on your device. Check the address format, miner fee, and pending status before treating a payment as complete.
Wallet operations
Basic storage and on-chain transfers do not require an exchange account. Optional purchase and swap services have their own terms.
Private keys are encrypted with AES-256 and stored on your device. Your 12-word recovery phrase is the backup for restoring access; keep it offline and private.
Use available card-payment providers to buy BTC or swap supported pairs in the wallet. Provider availability, verification, limits, fees, rates, minimums, and delivery times vary.
View BTC value, 24-hour changes, and allocation alongside other assets. Restore access on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android with your recovery phrase.
Balances and history come from the Bitcoin blockchain, not from a copy of coins stored in the app.
Address compatibility
Atomic currently provides a Legacy receiving address. It can send on-chain BTC to the formats below, subject to the recipient service’s supported formats.
| Format | Typical prefix | Use in Atomic | Compatibility check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy | 1 | Receive with your address or QR code; send to a recipient | Confirm the sender uses the Bitcoin network for deposits. |
| Nested SegWit | 3 | Send to a recipient | Confirm the destination service accepts this format. |
| Native SegWit | bc1 | Send to a recipient | Confirm the destination service accepts this format. |
| Lightning invoice | Not an on-chain address | Do not enter it in the on-chain BTC address field | Check current official documentation before attempting Lightning functionality. |
Self-custody
A non-custodial wallet reduces reliance on an exchange, but it cannot reverse a confirmed transaction or recover an exposed recovery phrase.
On an exchange, the provider holds your keys and can be affected by hacks, insolvency, or withdrawal restrictions. With Atomic, encrypted keys remain on your device and Atomic cannot move BTC without them.
That control does not protect against a compromised device, a disclosed recovery phrase, or an address and amount you failed to verify.
Transfer workflow
Confirmed Bitcoin transactions are irreversible. Use a small test transfer for a new recipient when appropriate.
Write down the 12-word recovery phrase, store it offline, and never disclose it to a person or website claiming to offer support.
Open BTC, select Receive, and copy the Legacy address or show its QR code. Confirm that the sender is using Bitcoin.
Do not send another asset to your BTC address or paste a Lightning invoice into the on-chain field. Atomic can send to addresses beginning with 1, 3, or bc1 when the recipient supports them.
Check the first and last address characters, BTC amount, and miner fee. After sending, follow the transaction status rather than assuming a confirmation time.
Fees and confirmations
Bitcoin does not guarantee a confirmation in a fixed number of minutes. Network conditions and the transaction’s fee matter.
Check the transaction in a Bitcoin explorer and consult the official troubleshooting guide. Atomic does not currently provide an in-app BTC replace-by-fee control, so do not assume you can simply increase the fee after broadcasting.
Follow official instructions before attempting any advanced recovery workflow.
Device recovery
Your BTC remains on the Bitcoin blockchain. Replacing a phone or computer does not require sending it to a new wallet.
Install Atomic through the official flow on another supported device and restore with your 12-word recovery phrase. This restores access to the same Bitcoin addresses; the device itself holds keys, not the coins.
The recovery phrase works across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Protect it on every device used for restoration.
Atomic Wallet is non-custodial: your encrypted keys are stored on your device rather than on Atomic’s servers. Keep your recovery phrase offline and private, protect your device, and verify every address and transaction before approving it. Self-custody reduces exchange-counterparty risk, but no wallet can prevent loss caused by a compromised device, exposed recovery phrase, or transaction mistake.
Yes. Available card-payment providers can deliver BTC to your wallet address. Provider availability, verification requirements, fees, limits, and delivery times vary by region.
This guide covers on-chain Bitcoin transactions. Do not enter a Lightning invoice into the on-chain BTC address field. Check Atomic’s current release notes or support documentation before attempting to use Lightning functionality.
Yes. Atomic Wallet includes in-wallet swaps for supported pairs. Eligible completed swaps may qualify for AWC membership rewards under current cashback terms. Review the displayed pair, rate, fees, and minimum before confirming.
Your Bitcoin is not stored on your device — it's on the blockchain. Your device just holds the keys. If you lose your device, you can restore your wallet on any new device using your 12-word seed phrase. That's why backing up your seed phrase is essential.
Atomic Wallet supports 1,000+ cryptocurrencies across 60+ blockchains.
Install Atomic on desktop or mobile, then back up your 12-word recovery phrase before receiving BTC.
