Get ready for your Satoshi Test

A "Satoshi Test" is a common way for exchanges or other services to verify that you control a specific Bitcoin address. It involves sending a very small, precise amount of Bitcoin from that address. Preparing correctly with your BitBox hardware wallet and the BitBoxApp will make this process smooth and successful.

Your pre-test checklist: Setting up BitBox

Follow these steps to ensure you're fully prepared before starting the Satoshi Test.

1. Update your BitBoxApp and connect your wallet

First things first, make sure you're running the latest version of the BitBoxApp. Outdated software can sometimes lead to unexpected hiccups. Once updated, connect your BitBox02 hardware wallet to your computer and ensure it's unlocked and accessible through the app.

2. Confirm sufficient Bitcoin balance

The specific Bitcoin UTXO (Unspent Transaction Output) tied to the address you need to verify must contain enough Bitcoin. This needs to cover:

• The small, exact amount required for the Satoshi Test itself.
• The anticipated Bitcoin network transaction fee (miner fee).

If the UTXO for that address (or your wallet in general) doesn't have enough funds, you'll need to add a small amount of Bitcoin first. You can often use the "Buy" feature directly within the BitBoxApp if you need to acquire more Bitcoin.

3. Activate Coin Control

Coin Control is essential for performing a Satoshi Test correctly, as it allows you to select the exact UTXO you need to send from. To enable it:

• Open your BitBoxApp.
• Navigate to Settings.
• Go to Advanced settings.
• Toggle on the Enable coin control option.

For a comprehensive walkthrough on using Coin Control, please go to our detailed section. 

4. Understand the exchange's instructions

Your exchange or service will provide specific instructions for the Satoshi Test. Pay close attention to:

• The exact destination Bitcoin address (this will usually be one of their addresses).
• The precise, small amount of BTC they require you to send. Sending even a slightly different amount can cause the verification to fail.

5. Crucial: Select the correct UTXO

This is the most important step for a successful Satoshi Test.

• Using Coin Control, you must select the UTXO that belongs to the specific Bitcoin address your exchange wants to verify.
• Critically important: Do not select a UTXO that comes from a "Change Address" in your wallet unless that change address is the specific one being verified. Using a standard receiving address's UTXO is recommended.