Core offers the ability to convert BTC into BTC.b and vice versa on the Avalanche® network.
Navigate to Core web and connect Core extension.
In the Command Center, select Bridge.
If converting BTC.b into BTC, make sure the Avalanche network is active and select the BTC.b token. If converting BTC into BTC.b, make sure the Bitcoin network is active.
Enter the amount of BTC/BTC.b to convert and click Bridge Tokens.
Review the transaction details in Core extension and click Approve.
NOTE:
Converting BTC on Bitcoin into BTC.b on Avalanche is ONLY available through Core extension, Core mobile (iOS and Android), and Core web.
Once the BTC arrives on the Avalanche blockchain, it will have a ".b" designation indicating it is able to be bridged back to the Bitcoin network.
There are two distinct types of fees for the Avalanche Bridge: Network fees, known as BTC transaction (Tx) fees for the Avalanche Bridge, and fees that are charged by the Bridge to the user (also known as Bridge Toll).
To view a video version of this tutorial, please check out the YouTube video here.
For any additional questions regarding the Avalanche Bridge, please visit this FAQ.
For a more in-depth read on how the Avalanche Bridge works, please read the following articles.
Important Information
To ensure the safety of users and the protection of their funds, the Avalanche Bridge™ should only be accessed and used through the UI, located in Core. Any other use of the Avalanche Bridge could result in the permanent loss of funds. The non-exhaustive list below enumerates possible ways to permanently lose funds by attempting to use the Avalanche Bridge through sources that are not recommended. Funds lost in the examples listed below will be permanently lost, and are not recoverable by Ava Labs, the Bridge Nodes, or the Avalanche Bridge.
USERS MUST NOT SEND FUNDS DIRECTLY TO ANY OF THE AVALANCHE BRIDGE CONTRACT ADDRESSES. The Avalanche Bridge should only be accessed through the Avalanche Bridge UI, located here. Any funds sent directly to the Avalanche Bridge contract addresses will be permanently lost, and are not recoverable.
USERS MUST NOT SEND FUNDS DIRECTLY TO ANY OF THE AVALANCHE BRIDGE WALLET ADDRESSES. The Avalanche Bridge should only be accessed through the Avalanche Bridge UI, located here. Any funds sent directly to the Avalanche Bridge wallet addresses will be permanently lost and not recoverable.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE ANY SMART-CONTRACT WALLET WITH THE AVALANCHE BRIDGE. The Avalanche Bridge is currently not compatible with smart contract wallets because smart contracts are currently not supported by the Avalanche Bridge. Using the Avalanche Bridge with a smart contract wallet or smart contract will result in the permanent loss of funds. Users should not use smart contracts with the Avalanche Bridge at this time because no one can retrieve tokens lost when smart contract wallets try to use the Avalanche Bridge. This is not a statement against smart contract wallets or the below list of smart contract wallet projects, which is not an exhaustive list. This is to make users aware of the current technical architecture. WE CAN NOT RETRIEVE YOUR TOKENS.
For any additional questions, please view our other knowledge base articles or contact a Product Support team member via the chat button. Examples are for illustrative purposes only.