Some third-party services, like tax software or older watch-only wallets, may require your Bitcoin account's extended public key in a specific format that is different from the one displayed in the BitBoxApp.
This guide shows you how to safely convert your key. If you are unfamiliar with these concepts, we recommend reading our foundational guides first:
Before you begin
You will need your account's extended public key from the BitBoxApp. If you haven't copied it yet, please follow this guide: How to find your extended public key in the BitBoxApp
How to use a converter tool
You will need to use a dedicated converter tool. While several are available online, for maximum security, we recommend downloading a tool (like the one from jlopp.github.io/xpub-converter/) and running it on a trusted, offline computer.
The process is generally the same for all converter tools:
- Paste your key: In the converter tool, paste the full extended public key you copied from the BitBoxApp (e.g., your zpub key).
- Select output format: Choose the format required by your third-party service (e.g., xpub or ypub). This is usually a dropdown menu.
- Convert: Click the "Convert" button to generate the key in the new format.
- Copy and use: Copy the newly converted key and paste it into your third-party service.
Important security reminder
Sharing an extended public key in any format only provides view-only access to an account's balance and transaction history. It never exposes your private keys or gives anyone the ability to spend your funds. Your crypto remains secure on your BitBox02.
FAQ Section:
Is it safe to paste my extended public key into an online website?
While an extended public key cannot be used to spend funds, it is sensitive financial data. For maximum privacy and security, we strongly recommend that you download any converter tool and run it on a secure, offline computer to prevent any potential snooping from a malicious website.
Will converting my key affect the funds in my wallet?
No. Converting is like changing the format of a date—the underlying information (your key) doesn't change, only how it is displayed. This process has no impact on your funds or the security of your private keys.
I converted my zpub to xpub but the other wallet doesn't see my balance. Why?
The format must match the account type. Your BitBoxApp account is Native Segwit (zpub), so it has transactions on bc1q... addresses. Converting to xpub tells a wallet to look for transactions on old Legacy (1...) addresses. If the third-party wallet does not support Native Segwit, it will not find your funds regardless of the key format.