A "Satoshi Test" is a common verification step used by cryptocurrency exchanges or services. It involves sending a tiny, specific amount of Bitcoin (measured in satoshis, its smallest unit) from the Bitcoin address you want to prove you control. Successfully sending this small amount demonstrates that you have access to the private keys associated with that address. Exchanges often require this test as part of their security and compliance procedures, like Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC), ensuring withdrawals go to addresses verifiably controlled by you.
The key to success: Coin Control in BitBoxApp
To successfully complete a Satoshi Test with your BitBox hardware wallet and the BitBoxApp, the Coin Control feature is essential. Here’s why:
- A Satoshi Test requires you to send funds from a specific UTXO (Unspent Transaction Output – think of it as a specific "piece" or "coin" of bitcoin) tied to the address you are verifying.
- The Coin Control feature in your BitBoxApp gives you the ability to manually select that specific UTXO as the input for your transaction.
Therefore, Coin Control must be enabled in your BitBoxApp settings before you attempt the test.
Preparing for your Satoshi Test with BitBox
Follow these steps to ensure you're fully prepared for a smooth and successful Satoshi Test:
01 Update your BitBoxApp and connect your wallet
First, make sure you're running the latest version of the BitBoxApp. Outdated software can sometimes lead to unexpected issues. Once updated, connect your BitBox02 hardware wallet to your computer, unlock it, and ensure it's accessible through the app.
02 Confirm sufficient Bitcoin balance in the specific UTXO
The Bitcoin UTXO linked 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.
03 Activate Coin Control
As mentioned, Coin Control is crucial. To enable it:
- Open your BitBoxApp.
- Navigate to Settings.
- Go to Advanced settings.
- Toggle on the Enable coin control option.
04 Carefully review 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.
05 Crucial: Select the correct UTXO with Coin Control
This is the most important step for a successful Satoshi Test. When you are ready to send the transaction:
- Using the Coin Control feature, 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 UTXO from a standard receiving address is generally recommended.
By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared to complete your Satoshi Test with confidence.