strkBTC goes live on Starknet tomorrow.
Ahead of launch, this guide explains how you will be able to access strkBTC, which wallets support the experience, how shielding works, and where incentives will be directed after launch.
strkBTC is a Bitcoin-backed asset on Starknet, designed to let Bitcoin holders bring BTC into Starknet, access privacy through shielding, and to put their Bitcoin to productive use across Starknet DeFi. At launch, the user journey has three main parts:
- Bridge native BTC into strkBTC, or swap into strkBTC.
- Hold strkBTC in a supported wallet to access privacy features such as shielding.
- Use strkBTC across Starknet DeFi to make your Bitcoin productive.
How to access strkBTC
At launch, users will be able to transfer BTC into strkBTC through supported bridge routes, including an Atomiq powered dedicated bridge https://strkbtc.io/. In addition to this route, Atomiq and Garden will also directly support bridging into strkBTC with routes for native BTC and selected BTC variations from other chains.
The user flow is simple:
- Bridge in: Start with native BTC on Bitcoin and use a supported bridge route to receive strkBTC on Starknet.
- Use strkBTC: Once strkBTC is in your wallet, you can hold it and activate shielding to hide your balance, or use it across Starknet DeFi.
- Bridge out: When you want to return to Bitcoin, strkBTC can be redeemed back into native BTC.
For everyday users, the experience should feel like a normal bridge interaction. The bridge is supported by a Federated model, the Federation is responsible for operating infrastructure that supports the minting, burning, and bridging of BTC and strkBTC between Bitcoin and the Starknet ecosystem in accordance with protocol rules. Learn more about the Federation here.
The wallets to use
Wallet support is a major part of the strkBTC launch. For privacy to be useful, it needs to be accessible from the wallets people already use to hold and move assets. At launch, strkBTC privacy features will be supported by key wallet partners, Ready X and Xverse.
Ready X: Starknet’s Leading Wallet
Ready X will support strkBTC shielding directly inside the wallet, giving users a simple way to shield, unshield, and transfer strkBTC on Starknet.
“Ready is built on the belief that self-custody should feel as simple as any consumer app. strkBTC fits that mold — Bitcoin holders get privacy, low fees, and a one-click onboarding experience that doesn’t require them to think about the infrastructure underneath.” – Itamar Lesuisse, CEO, Ready
Download the Ready X wallet extension here: https://www.ready.co/ready-x
Xverse: Leading Bitcoin Wallet
Xverse will give Bitcoin users a familiar wallet route into Starknet, with shielding and private transfers supported directly inside the wallet.
“Our users want to put their Bitcoin to work without giving up the principles that brought them to BTC in the first place. strkBTC on Starknet gives them a native path to do that — privacy included without compromises on custody or redemption.” – Ken Liao, CEO, Xverse
Download the Xverse wallet extension here: https://www.xverse.app/
How Shielding works
Shielding can be activated or deactivated directly inside supported wallets. Users who hold strkBTC in their Ready X or Xverse wallet can choose when selected balances and transactions are private from public view, and when they return to a public state.
Shielding gives users more control over what is publicly visible onchain. Users will be able to:
- Shield selected balances: Choose when your strkBTC balance is shielded rather than publicly visible.
- Move privately: Send shielded strkBTC without making transaction details public.
- Unshield when needed: Return selected strkBTC balances to a public state.
Disclaimer: Shielding is not the same as unlimited or absolute privacy. Participation will involve screening at points of entry and exit, and certain activity may be visible through a viewing key where required for regulatory purposes.
BTCFi Incentives
BTCFi incentives will continue after launch, with rewards shifting toward selected strkBTC markets on Vesu and strkBTC liquidity pairs on Ekubo.
Launch Checklist
- Download or prepare a supported wallet: Ready X and Xverse will support strkBTC shielding.
- Check supported bridge routes: strkBTC Bridge (powered by Atomiq), Atomiq and Garden will provide routes into strkBTC.
- Review the DeFi apps and incentives: Users planning to borrow, provide liquidity, or participate in incentives should check which markets and pools are supported.
Live Tomorrow
strkBTC brings Bitcoin to Starknet with wallet-level privacy through Ready X and Xverse. BTC holders can bridge native Bitcoin, shield selected balances and transactions, and put BTC to work across Starknet DeFi with faster movement and lower fees.
“Bitcoin privacy has been discussed for years, but most solutions have lived in research papers or required users to learn a new protocol. With Ready and Xverse integrating strkBTC directly, Bitcoin holders can open the wallet they already use and find the option there. That is when privacy moves from an idea into something people can actually use.” – Damian Chen, VP Growth, Starknet Foundation
Join the online launch party: https://luma.com/strkBTClive
