BRC-20 is an experimental token standard for issuing fungible tokens on the Bitcoin network. It utilizes the Ordinals protocol to inscribe JSON-formatted data for deploying token contracts, minting, and transferring tokens.
1. How to Inscribe BRC-20 Tokens?
To inscribe BRC-20 tokens:
1. Ensure your wallet holds sufficient BTC (acquire via trading or deposits).
2. Navigate to:
【Discover】→【NFT】→【Inscriptions】→【Ordinals】→【Inscription Hub】.
3. Select BRC-20 → Choose Mint as the type → Enter the 4-digit token code (e.g., “csas”).
4. Specify the quantity, repeat count, and receiving address → Confirm.
👉 Learn more about BRC-20 inscriptions
After inscription:
– Go to 【Asset Management】, search for your BRC-20 token, and click 【+】 to add it.
– View your inscribed tokens under the assets section.
2. Why Are BRC-20 Inscriptions/Transactions Pending?
BRC-20 transactions require Bitcoin network confirmations. Due to high network congestion, confirmations may take 1–2 days. Check progress via blockchain explorers and wait patiently.
3. Common Reasons for BRC-20 Inscription Failures
- Insufficient Gas Fees: The most frequent cause; ensure adequate BTC for fees.
- Network Congestion: High traffic delays transactions.
- Pending State: Transactions showing “completed” may still fail if unconfirmed.
Note: Failed inscriptions incur non-refundable miner fees.
4. Using EVM Inscription Tools
Ethscriptions (Ethereum’s counterpart to Ordinals):
1. Access:
OKX Wallet → 【Asset Dashboard】→ 【Tools】→ 【EVM Inscriptions】.
2. Select a network (e.g., Ethereum) and input text (prefix data:, auto-added).
3. Confirm via wallet signature. Multiple inscriptions require separate signatures.
5. Listing/Delisting/Repricing Inscriptions
Listing:
- Navigate to:
【Discover】→【NFT】→【Inscriptions】→【Ordinals】→ Token details → 【List】. - Inscribe a transfer transaction (requires BRC-20 tokens + BTC for gas).
- After 3 confirmations, set a price and list.
Repricing/Delisting:
- Under 【My Orders】, adjust prices or delist (requires BTC gas).
Caution: Delisting consumes fees; ensure sufficient BTC balance.
👉 Master BRC-20 trading strategies
6. How to Buy BRC-20 Tokens?
- Browse 【Ordinals】 listings → Filter by price/time.
- Select an order → Review fees → 【Confirm Purchase】.
7. Fixing “BTC Balance Insufficient” Errors
| Scenario | Usable UTXO Types | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfers | Confirmed/Pending/Unlocked UTXO | Exceeds UTXO sum; pending TXs | Reduce amount; wait; unlock |
| BRC-20 Inscriptions | Confirmed UTXO only | Pending TXs; locked UTXOs | Add BTC; wait for confirmations |
| Purchases | Confirmed/Pending/Unlocked UTXO | High total; slow updates | Supplement BTC; unlock UTXO |
8. Managing UTXO Lockups
UTXOs (Unspent Transaction Outputs) are unused BTC fragments. To unlock:
1. Go to 【BTC】→【UTXO】 → Select locked UTXO → 【Unlock】 (or use Bulk Unlock for non-valuable inscriptions).
Warning: Unlocking UTXOs tied to valid assets may cause permanent loss!
2. Recover accidentally unlocked UTXOs under the 【Unlocked】 tab.
FAQs
Q1: Can I cancel a pending BRC-20 transaction?
No—once broadcasted, transactions cannot be canceled. Wait for confirmation or replacement.
Q2: Why is my BRC-20 token not visible after inscription?
Manually add it via 【Asset Management】 using the token name.
Q3: Are BRC-20 tokens compatible with Ethereum wallets?
No, they exist solely on the Bitcoin network via Ordinals.
Q4: What’s the minimum BTC needed for inscriptions?
Varies by network fees; always reserve extra for gas.
Q5: How do I avoid UTXO fragmentation?
Consolidate small UTXOs by sending your entire BTC balance to yourself.
Q6: Can I trade BRC-20 tokens on decentralized exchanges?
Currently, trading is primarily via Ordinals marketplaces like OKX.