5-minute read “ Essential for Bitcoin self-custody
Why This Matters
When generating Bitcoin keys, verifying they match is crucial. A mismatched private key means permanently lost funds. This guide shows you how to verify keys safely without downloading any software.
Before we dive into verification, understand how Bitcoin keys work:
Mnemonic Seed � Private Key � Public Key � Bitcoin Address
= Key Fact:
Your private key generates your public address. If you have the correct private key, you can always recover the public address. But the reverse is impossible - that’s what makes Bitcoin secure.
The gold standard for offline key verification.
Download for Offline Use
Enter Your Private Key
Verify Your Address
� Security Warning
NEVER enter your private key on the online version. Always download and use offline. Clear your browser cache after use.
Perfect for verifying paper wallets and Bitcoin notes.
Enter a Bitcoin address to check if it has an associated Bitcoin note or verify its format:
This will search our database for any Bitcoin notes created with this address and verify the address format.
Access the Tool
Enter Your Private Key
Visual Verification
💡 Unique Advantage:
Hongbao shows you a visual Bitcoin note design, making it easier to spot if something looks wrong. Great for beginners who prefer visual confirmation.
Use JavaScript libraries directly in your browser console.
// Load the library (offline version recommended)
const bitcoin = require('bitcoinjs-lib');
// Your private key in WIF format
const privateKeyWIF = 'YOUR_PRIVATE_KEY_HERE';
// Convert and get address
const keyPair = bitcoin.ECPair.fromWIF(privateKeyWIF);
const { address } = bitcoin.payments.p2pkh({ pubkey: keyPair.publicKey });
console.log('Public Address:', address);
For the truly paranoid or curious, you can verify using pen and paper:
This is extremely complex and not recommended for actual use, but understanding the process helps you trust the tools above. Each step involves cryptographic operations that would take hours to do manually.
Resources for learning:
Watch out for these warning signs:
Suspicious Patterns
Keys with obvious patterns like “1111” or “AAAA”
Too Short/Long
Private keys should be exactly 51-52 characters (WIF)
Wrong Prefix
Bitcoin WIF keys start with 5, K, or L
Can’t Reproduce
Different tools give different addresses
Before trusting any verification method with real funds:
Here’s a test private key to practice with (NO FUNDS - DO NOT USE):
5KYZdUEo39z3FPeuBxyCUngg4qhVHbxdB1NmkcrvUz5pP8bWEiS
Expected address: 1HZwkCg6Vet6tCrY7fS3MkgJMWJ9xSeXS9
NO. Always download tools and use offline. Online verification exposes your private keys to potential theft through malicious scripts, network sniffing, or compromised websites.
If you think your keys might be compromised:
Verifying your Bitcoin keys is like checking your parachute before jumping - essential and non-negotiable. The few minutes spent verifying can save you from permanent loss.
Generate secure, verified Bitcoin paper wallets with beautiful designs
Remember: Not your keys, not your coins. But also: Unverified keys, potentially no coins.
Found this helpful? Share it with someone learning Bitcoin self-custody.