The emergence of BRC-20 tokens has opened a new frontier in the Bitcoin ecosystem, enabling users to issue and manage fungible tokens directly on the Bitcoin blockchain. Unlike Ethereum-based ERC-20 tokens, BRC-20 operates without smart contracts by leveraging the Ordinals protocol, which embeds data—such as token deployment, minting, and transfer instructions—into Bitcoin inscriptions using JSON format.
This guide walks you through how to view, manage, trade, and transfer BRC-20 assets seamlessly within the OKX Wallet app, ensuring you stay in full control of your digital assets with ease and security.
Understanding BRC-20 Tokens
BRC-20 is an experimental token standard built on Bitcoin via the Ordinals protocol. While Bitcoin was originally designed for peer-to-peer transactions, Ordinals introduced the concept of "inscribing" arbitrary data—like text, images, or code—onto individual satoshis. Developers leveraged this capability to create fungible tokens by writing JSON-formatted scripts that define token logic.
Key characteristics of BRC-20:
- No smart contract support (unlike ERC-20)
- Relies on on-chain inscriptions via Ordinals
- Token operations (deploy, mint, transfer) are executed through specific JSON payloads
- Transactions require SegWit-compatible Bitcoin addresses
Because these tokens live natively on Bitcoin, managing them requires a wallet that supports both Bitcoin inscriptions and BRC-20 token recognition—which OKX Wallet provides.
👉 Discover how to securely manage emerging Bitcoin-based tokens with advanced wallet features.
Step-by-Step: Managing BRC-20 Assets in OKX Wallet
Whether you're new to OKX Wallet or already using it, here’s how to get started with your BRC-20 holdings.
1. Access OKX Wallet
If you haven’t set up your wallet yet:
- Open the OKX app
- Navigate to Wallet and create or import your crypto wallet
If you already have a wallet:
- Launch the OKX app
- Go directly to the Wallet section
Ensure your app is updated to the latest version to guarantee full BRC-20 compatibility.
2. Add and View BRC-20 Tokens
Once inside your wallet:
- Tap on Manage Crypto
- Search for the BRC-20 token you own or wish to track
- Select it and add it to your visible crypto list
Tip: Not all BRC-20 tokens may appear automatically. Use the search function to manually locate and display your tokens.
Now, your selected BRC-20 token will be visible under your Crypto list, just like BTC or other supported assets.
3. Monitor Your Token Activity
To view transaction history related to a specific BRC-20 token:
- From your Crypto list, tap the desired BRC-20 token
- You’ll see your balance and a record of all associated inscriptions and transfers
This detailed view helps you track mint events, incoming transfers, and past trades—all directly from your mobile device.
Trading BRC-20 Tokens Made Simple
One of the most powerful features in OKX Wallet is the ability to trade BRC-20 tokens instantly without leaving the app.
How to Trade BRC-20 Tokens
- Open the BRC-20 token’s details page
- Tap Trade
- Choose between buying more tokens or selling your existing balance
- Confirm the trade parameters and execute
Example: If you hold ORDI (a popular BRC-20 token), you can swap it for USDT or BTC directly within the wallet interface.
This integration removes the need to use external decentralized exchanges manually—everything happens securely within a trusted environment.
👉 Start trading next-gen Bitcoin-native tokens with built-in exchange functionality.
Transferring BRC-20 Tokens Securely
Sending BRC-20 tokens differs slightly from standard Bitcoin transactions because each token exists as a unique inscription tied to a specific UTXO (unspent transaction output).
Steps to Send BRC-20 Tokens
- From your Crypto list, select the BRC-20 token you want to send
- Tap Send
- Choose the specific inscription(s) representing your token balance
- Adjust the number of inscriptions if needed (total cannot exceed available balance)
- Enter the recipient’s Bitcoin address (must support Ordinals/BRC-20)
- Review fees and confirm with Confirm
⚠️ Important: Only send to wallets that support BRC-20 inscriptions. Sending to non-compatible wallets may result in permanent loss.
Each transfer creates a new inscription on the Bitcoin blockchain, maintaining immutability and traceability.
How to View and Switch Your BTC Addresses
Since BRC-20 tokens rely on Bitcoin’s infrastructure, understanding your BTC addresses is crucial.
Accessing Your BTC Address List
- Open the OKX app
- Go to Wallet
- Under Crypto, select BTC
- Tap Switch in the top-right corner
You’ll now see all available Bitcoin addresses linked to your wallet, including:
- Legacy (P2PKH)
- Native SegWit (bech32, starting with
bc1q) - Nested SegWit (P2SH)
Note: For BRC-20 compatibility, use Native SegWit (bech32) addresses—they’re optimized for lower fees and full Ordinals support.
Use this feature to rotate addresses for privacy or ensure you're using the correct format when receiving funds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between BRC-20 and ERC-20 tokens?
A: BRC-20 tokens run on the Bitcoin blockchain using the Ordinals protocol and do not use smart contracts. In contrast, ERC-20 tokens operate on Ethereum and rely on smart contract functionality for token logic.
Q: Can I store any BRC-20 token in OKX Wallet?
A: Yes, as long as the token is recognized by the wallet. Use the “Manage Crypto” feature to search and add supported BRC-20 tokens manually.
Q: Why can’t I see my BRC-20 balance after adding it?
A: Some tokens may not have been indexed yet. Ensure the token has been correctly inscribed and sent to a compatible address. Wait for blockchain confirmation before checking again.
Q: Are BRC-20 transactions reversible?
A: No. Like all blockchain transactions, BRC-20 transfers are irreversible once confirmed. Always double-check recipient addresses before sending.
Q: Do I need BTC to send BRC-20 tokens?
A: Yes. Since BRC-20 runs on Bitcoin, you must pay network fees in BTC for minting, transferring, or trading inscriptions.
Q: Is OKX Wallet safe for storing inscribed assets?
A: Yes. OKX Wallet gives you full custody of your private keys and supports secure handling of both BTC and Ordinals-based assets like BRC-20 tokens.
Final Thoughts
Managing BRC-20 assets doesn’t have to be complicated. With OKX Wallet, you gain access to a powerful, user-friendly platform that simplifies viewing, trading, and transferring Bitcoin-based tokens—all while maintaining full control over your digital wealth.
As the BRC-20 ecosystem continues to grow, having a reliable wallet that supports cutting-edge innovations like Ordinals inscriptions becomes essential for every crypto enthusiast.
👉 Securely explore the future of Bitcoin-powered tokens today—start managing your BRC-20 assets now.