Bitcoin Signed Message Verification
This tool allows you to verify a signed Bitcoin message and confirm that it was created by the owner of a specific Bitcoin address.
It is compatible with SegWit Bech32 addresses (starting with bc1).
The verification works when the Bech32 address originates from a single public/private key pair (P2WPKH). If the address uses more complex spending conditions such as multisignature, timelocks, or scripts, the verification will not work.
Why Signed Messages Are Useful
Bitcoin message signing is commonly used to prove ownership of a Bitcoin address without sending any funds.
A typical situation where this is useful is account recovery on a cryptocurrency exchange. For example, your exchange account may be protected with two-factor authentication (2FA), but you lose access to your 2FA device (phone or email). In order to unlock your account, the exchange may ask you to sign a message with the Bitcoin address associated with your account. This proves that you control the address.
Verify Before You Send
With this tool you can verify the signed message and its signature before sending it to an exchange or another party. This ensures that the message has been signed correctly and that the signature is valid.
The verification process is performed using the public key derived from the Bitcoin address, meaning no private keys are required. Your Bitcoin funds are never exposed during this process.
Important Properties of Signed Messages
- Proves address ownership – Signing a message demonstrates control over the private key of the Bitcoin address.
- Can prove historical ownership – You can show that you currently own, or previously owned, an address that held a certain amount of Bitcoin.
- Tamper-proof – A signed message cannot be modified. If even a single character of the message changes, the signature becomes invalid.
- No risk to your coins – Message signing and verification never spend or move any Bitcoin.