Coinbase Finally Activates Support for Bitcoin Taproot Transfers: Details

As a seasoned researcher with a deep-rooted passion for blockchain technology and its evolution, I find Coinbase’s recent move to support Taproot addresses to be a significant step forward in enhancing user experience and promoting the advancement of Bitcoin. Having closely followed the development of the Taproot upgrade since its inception, I’ve witnessed firsthand the potential it holds for improving privacy, efficiency, and smart contract capabilities within the Bitcoin network.


Coinbase users can now transfer Bitcoin (BTC) directly to Taproot addresses, according to an official announcement from the platform. This move increases the variety of places where Bitcoin transactions can be made and enhances the overall user-friendly nature of utilizing the significant Bitcoin update known as Taproot.

Coinbase just shared that their users are now able to transfer Bitcoin to Taproot addresses, expanding the options for where they can send their transactions on the blockchain.” (Source: Grammarly)

🥁 Great news! We’re thrilled to let you know that Coinbase.com users are now able to transfer Bitcoin to Taproot addresses, expanding the variety of locations where your transactions can be processed on the blockchain.

— Coinbase Assets 🛡️ (@CoinbaseAssets) October 8, 2024

As a researcher, I’ve been closely following the recent advancements within the Bitcoin ecosystem. One significant update that has caught my attention is the implementation of Taproot, which took effect in November 2021. This upgrade was designed to enhance the privacy, efficiency, and smart contract capabilities of the Bitcoin network, making it a more robust platform for digital transactions.

A Taproot address, sometimes referred to as a Bech32m address, is a specific type of Bitcoin address that starts with “bc1p”. This format was introduced in the Bitcoin Taproot update, which also includes Schnorr signatures. These addresses enhance transaction privacy and speed, but not all wallets currently support Bech32m.

Many exchanges haven’t implemented support for Taproot addresses just yet, which means that users can’t fully take advantage of the upgrade’s advantages. However, by enabling Bitcoin transfers to Taproot addresses, Coinbase is moving in step with the growing Bitcoin network.

Bitcoin taproot upgrade three years on

The Taproot upgrade went live in November 2021, following a 90% consensus among Bitcoin miners.

The Taproot upgrade contained three Bitcoin Improvement Proposals (BIPs): BIP340 (Schnorr Signatures), BIP341 (Taproot) and BIP342 (Tapscript).

Taproot enhances Bitcoin’s transaction scripting language, incorporating Schnorr and Taproot technologies. This allows for smoother deployment of future Bitcoin updates by developers.

Although the Taproot update was carried out approximately three years back, it might take a while for its complete effects to become apparent. It’s anticipated that the full potential of this enhancement will be seen in the upcoming years as more service providers integrate the technology.

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2024-10-09 18:11