How do I make a Bitcoin QR code?

Encode a bitcoin: URI — bitcoin:[your address] or bitcoin:[address]?amount=0.001 for a fixed amount — into a QR code. Nearly every Bitcoin wallet app can scan this format directly and pre-fill the payment.

What is the bitcoin: URI format?

It's a standardized format (BIP21) that most wallets support: bitcoin:ADDRESS optionally followed by ?amount=X&label=Y&message=Z. This lets a QR code pre-fill the recipient address, amount, and even a note in one scan.

Can I set a fixed amount in a Bitcoin QR code?

Yes — add ?amount=0.001 (or whatever amount, in BTC) to the bitcoin: URI before encoding it. The receiving wallet will pre-fill that amount, though the sender can usually still edit it before confirming.

Is it safe to display a Bitcoin QR code publicly, like at a market stall?

A receiving address QR code only lets people send you Bitcoin — it can't be used to withdraw funds. For privacy, some people prefer generating a new address per transaction rather than reusing one static code indefinitely, though a single address is simpler for a fixed display.

Do all wallets support the bitcoin: URI scheme?

The vast majority of Bitcoin wallets support scanning bitcoin: URIs — it's a long-established, widely adopted standard (BIP21), not something specific to one wallet or provider.

Bitcoin QR codes guide (2026)

Unlike some payment platforms, Bitcoin actually has a standardized, well-supported QR format — the bitcoin: URI (BIP21) works across nearly every wallet app. Here's exactly how to build one, with or without a fixed amount.

The bitcoin: URI format

A Bitcoin QR code encodes a URI in the format bitcoin:[your address], optionally extended with parameters:

?amount=0.001 — pre-fills a specific amount in BTC.
&label=Coffee%20Shop — a label identifying the recipient, shown in some wallets.
&message=Thanks! — an optional note attached to the request.

A full example: bitcoin:bc1qxy2kgdygjrsqtzq2n0yrf2493p83kkfjhx0wlh?amount=0.001&label=Coffee%20Shop. Most wallets read this standard directly with no extra setup required on the sender's side.

How to make one

Get your Bitcoin receiving address from your wallet.
Build the URI — just bitcoin:address for an open amount, or add ?amount= for a fixed one.
Encode it with Capy QR's text QR code generator — the bitcoin: URI works the same as any other text payload.

Fixed vs. open amount

Fixed amount: invoices, a specific price at a market stall — reduces the chance of a sender entering the wrong amount.
Open amount: donations or tips, where the sender decides how much.

Build yours in the editor → capyqr.com

A note on privacy

A single static address reused indefinitely (like on a printed sign) is simple but ties all payments to one visible address on the blockchain. For higher privacy, some people generate a fresh address per transaction and make a new QR code each time — worth weighing against the convenience of a permanent, printed code depending on your use case.

A code ready for a wallet address

Here's a Capy QR styled for a receipt, invoice, or counter display:

A Mono-preset Capy QR — high contrast, ready to encode a bitcoin: URI for any wallet to scan.

Frequently asked questions

How do I make a Bitcoin QR code?: Encode a bitcoin: URI — bitcoin:[your address] or bitcoin:[address]?amount=0.001 for a fixed amount — into a QR code. Nearly every Bitcoin wallet app can scan this format directly and pre-fill the payment.
What is the bitcoin: URI format?: It's a standardized format (BIP21) that most wallets support: bitcoin:ADDRESS optionally followed by ?amount=X&label=Y&message=Z. This lets a QR code pre-fill the recipient address, amount, and even a note in one scan.
Can I set a fixed amount in a Bitcoin QR code?: Yes — add ?amount=0.001 (or whatever amount, in BTC) to the bitcoin: URI before encoding it. The receiving wallet will pre-fill that amount, though the sender can usually still edit it before confirming.
Is it safe to display a Bitcoin QR code publicly, like at a market stall?: A receiving address QR code only lets people send you Bitcoin — it can't be used to withdraw funds. For privacy, some people prefer generating a new address per transaction rather than reusing one static code indefinitely, though a single address is simpler for a fixed display.
Do all wallets support the bitcoin: URI scheme?: The vast majority of Bitcoin wallets support scanning bitcoin: URIs — it's a long-established, widely adopted standard (BIP21), not something specific to one wallet or provider.

Bottom line: Bitcoin's bitcoin: URI is one of the few payment formats that genuinely works as a universal QR standard — no platform-specific caveats needed. Ready to make one? Open the text QR code generator or browse more QR guides.