SegWit
Protocol
Bitcoin upgrade that fixes malleability and boosts capacity.
SegWit separates signature data from core transaction fields. This prevents third parties from changing a transaction ID before confirmation and improves how block space is measured. Wallets that support SegWit can send and receive with lower fees and higher reliability. Use a wallet that supports modern address formats and test with a small transaction before moving larger amounts. When possible, prefer SegWit addresses to reduce fees and improve confirmation odds during busy periods.
Frequently asked questions
What did SegWit change?
It moved signatures outside the base transaction data, fixing malleability and improving block space use.Do I need a new address type?
Yes. Use SegWit addresses like bc1 to get lower fees and better reliability.How does SegWit lower fees?
It discounts witness data, so SegWit spends use less weight and cost less per byte.