Sending cryptocurrency to a friend is fast, secure, and cost-effective—but if you’re new to crypto, the process can seem confusing. Whether you’re using Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), or another digital currency, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process with clear instructions and visuals.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know:
✅ How to choose the right wallet
✅ How to get your friend’s crypto address
✅ How to send crypto securely
✅ How to avoid common mistakes
Let’s get started!
Step 1: Choose a Crypto Wallet
Before sending crypto, you and your friend need compatible wallets. Here are the main types:
- Mobile Wallets (e.g., Trust Wallet, MetaMask) – Best for beginners.
- Desktop Wallets (e.g., Exodus, Electrum) – More secure than mobile.
- Hardware Wallets (e.g., Ledger, Trezor) – Most secure for large amounts.
- Exchange Wallets (e.g., Coinbase, Binance) – Easy but less private.
🔹 Pro Tip: If you’re sending to an exchange wallet, confirm the network (e.g., ERC-20 for Ethereum) to avoid lost funds.
Step 2: Get Your Friend’s Wallet Address
Your friend must share their public wallet address, which looks like this:
- Bitcoin (BTC):
1A1zP1eP5QGefi2DMPTfTL5SLmv7DivfNa - Ethereum (ETH):
0x71C7656EC7ab88b098defB751B7401B5f6d8976F
🔹 Always double-check the address! A single wrong character means lost funds.
How to Find a Wallet Address (Visual Guide)
- Open your friend’s wallet app.
- Click “Receive” (or similar).
- Copy the address or scan the QR code.
(Example image: “Receive” screen in a wallet)
Step 3: Send Crypto from Your Wallet
Now, let’s send crypto in just a few clicks:
- Open your wallet and select “Send”.
- Paste your friend’s wallet address (or scan their QR code).
- Enter the amount you want to send.
- Choose the network (e.g., Bitcoin network for BTC, ERC-20 for ETH).
- Review fees (higher fees = faster transactions).
- Confirm & Send!
(Example image: “Send” screen in a wallet)
Step 4: Wait for Confirmation
- Bitcoin transactions take 10 mins to 1 hour (depending on fees).
- Ethereum transactions usually take under 5 minutes.
- You can track the transaction on a block explorer like Blockchair or Etherscan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Sending to the wrong network (e.g., sending BTC to an ETH address = lost funds).
🚫 Typos in the wallet address (always copy-paste or scan QR).
🚫 Not checking gas fees (high traffic = higher fees).
Final Thoughts
Sending crypto to a friend is simple once you know the steps. Always:
✔ Double-check the wallet address.
✔ Confirm the correct network.
✔ Start with a small test transaction if unsure.
Now you’re ready to send crypto safely! 🚀