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Major Networks
What Is the Bitcoin Network?
Understand the Bitcoin network, BTC transactions, confirmations, addresses, fees, and how it differs from smart contract chains.
Network map
What this means
The Bitcoin network is designed for BTC transfers and settlement, not general-purpose EVM smart contracts like Ethereum or BNB Smart Chain.
Core ideas
What to understand first
- BTC is the native asset of the Bitcoin network.
- Bitcoin uses transaction fees paid in BTC.
- Bitcoin addresses and wallet formats differ from EVM addresses.
- Bitcoin confirmations may take longer depending on fees and network demand.
User checklist
What to check before moving assets
- Confirm the recipient supports Bitcoin network deposits.
- Check transaction confirmations with a trusted Bitcoin explorer.
- Do not send BTC to an EVM token address.
- Use a small test transfer for unfamiliar destinations.
Risk note
Common mistakes to avoid
- Bitcoin transfers are generally irreversible.
- Wrong-address transfers are difficult or impossible to recover.
- Wrapped BTC on other networks is not native BTC.