The CoolWallet S, a leading Bluetooth-enabled hardware wallet known for its sleek design and robust security, has taken a significant step forward by introducing support for BECH32 addresses across three major cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), and Bitcoin Cash (BCH). This update empowers users to send funds directly to BECH32-format addresses, aligning CoolWallet S with modern blockchain efficiency standards.
While this enhancement improves compatibility with next-generation wallet systems, it’s important to note that transactions initiated from CoolWallet S will still originate from non-BECH32 (legacy or P2SH) addresses. As a result, users should not expect immediate reductions in transaction fees or processing speed — but the ability to interact seamlessly with BECH32 recipients ensures future-readiness and broader network interoperability.
👉 Discover how modern crypto wallets are evolving to support faster, cheaper transactions.
How to Identify BECH32 Addresses
Recognizing a BECH32 address is simple — each follows a distinct naming convention depending on the cryptocurrency:
- Bitcoin (BTC): Begins with
bc1
Example:bc1qar0srrr7xfkvy5l643lydnw9re59gtzzwf5mdq - Litecoin (LTC): Begins with
ltc1
Example:ltc1qj4h8g7p2938xv06f3f5t6y7u8i9o0p1q2w3e4r - Bitcoin Cash (BCH): Uses the
qprefix in its CashAddr format (not technically BECH32 but functionally similar)
Example:qpm2qsznhks23z7629mms6s4cwef74vcwvy22gdx6a
🔍 Note: While Bitcoin Cash does not use BECH32 in the strictest sense, its modern CashAddr format starting with "q" serves a similar purpose — improving readability and reducing errors. Always double-check address prefixes before sending funds.
What Is BECH32?
BECH32 is a human-readable address format introduced in 2017 as part of Bitcoin Improvement Proposal BIP-0173. Designed specifically for Segregated Witness (SegWit) transactions, BECH32 enhances both security and efficiency in Bitcoin transfers.
Unlike older formats like P2PKH and P2SH, BECH32 minimizes transaction size by encoding data more efficiently. This leads to lower on-chain fees and faster confirmation times, especially during network congestion. Additionally, BECH32 includes built-in error detection, significantly reducing the risk of sending funds to an invalid or mistyped address.
Although initially adopted slowly, BECH32 is now gaining widespread support among major wallets, exchanges, and payment processors — making it a critical component of Bitcoin’s scalability roadmap.
Litecoin and Bitcoin Cash have also embraced similar advancements, with LTC adopting true BECH32 and BCH implementing its own optimized format.
👉 Learn how SegWit and BECH32 are shaping the future of blockchain efficiency.
Understanding Bitcoin Address Types: P2PKH, P2SH, and BECH32
Today, there are three primary Bitcoin address formats in circulation — each representing a different stage in the evolution of Bitcoin’s transaction architecture.
| Format | Prefix | Full Name | Purpose |
|---|
(Note: Table removed per instructions — content converted into structured paragraphs below)
1. P2PKH (Pay-to-Public-Key-Hash) – The Legacy Address
Starts with: 1
Example: 1BvLXSETsmqOtCtWn5Au3m4GFg7xJaMWN9
P2PKH is the original Bitcoin address format, introduced by Satoshi Nakamoto. Often called “legacy” addresses, they remain widely supported but are less efficient due to larger transaction sizes. While you can send BTC from a P2PKH address to any other type without issue, doing so typically incurs higher fees — especially when interacting with SegWit-compatible networks.
Despite being outdated in technical terms, P2PKH remains relevant due to broad backward compatibility.
2. P2SH (Pay-to-Script-Hash) – Enabling Advanced Features
Starts with: 3
Example: 3L49uLwB1BsTWvcXyeUA94eACt2VUNutUk
P2SH was introduced to support complex transaction types, such as multi-signature wallets, where multiple private keys are required to authorize a transfer. It also allows for smart contract-like functionality within Bitcoin’s framework.
Importantly, P2SH paved the way for SegWit adoption through P2SH-wrapped SegWit addresses, which begin with “3” but carry SegWit benefits — though not as efficiently as native BECH32.
3. BECH32 (Native SegWit) – The Modern Standard
Starts with: bc1
Example: bc1qe5rjaupmkyaynr5230387p67q5246sfsrp7tuy
BECH32 represents the most advanced Bitcoin address format available today. As a native SegWit solution, it offers:
- Smaller transaction size → lower fees
- Improved error detection → fewer lost funds
- Better performance → faster confirmations
- Future-proof design → full compatibility with evolving protocols
While adoption is still growing, major platforms like Blockstream, BitGo, and Trezor already prioritize BECH32 for new wallets.
Why Do We Need Different Address Types?
Cryptocurrency addresses act as digital destinations for fund transfers — much like email addresses or bank account numbers. Each public address is between 26 and 35 characters long and uses alphanumeric characters (excluding ambiguous ones like “0” and “O” to prevent confusion).
Just as internet protocols evolved from IPv4 to IPv6 to meet growing demands, Bitcoin address formats have evolved to improve:
- Transaction efficiency
- Network scalability
- User safety
- Support for advanced features
You can usually send BTC from one address type to another without technical issues. However, using mismatched formats may result in higher fees or slower processing, particularly when legacy addresses interact with SegWit outputs.
Upgrading to modern standards like BECH32 helps users save money and contribute to a healthier, more scalable Bitcoin ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I receive BTC in a BECH32 address using CoolWallet S?
Yes. CoolWallet S now supports sending to BECH32 addresses. You can safely receive funds at your BECH32 address from any wallet, including CoolWallet S.
Q: Will using BECH32 reduce my transaction fees?
Not directly — while CoolWallet S supports sending to BECH32 addresses, outgoing transactions still originate from legacy or P2SH formats. True fee savings come when sending from native BECH32 addresses.
Q: Is BECH32 more secure than other address types?
Yes. BECH32 includes advanced checksum features that detect typos and prevent invalid transactions. This makes it less prone to user error compared to P2PKH or P2SH.
Q: Can I convert my old address to BECH32?
You don’t convert existing addresses — instead, generate a new BECH32 receive address in your wallet. Most modern wallets, including CoolWallet S, allow you to choose or default to BECH32 for receiving funds.
Q: Does Litecoin’s BECH32 work the same way as Bitcoin’s?
Yes. Litecoin adopted BECH32 following BIP-0173 standards, so the technical implementation mirrors Bitcoin’s approach — offering smaller transactions and improved reliability.
Q: Why doesn’t Bitcoin Cash use BECH32?
Bitcoin Cash uses its own format called CashAddr, which starts with “q”. While not BECH32, it serves a similar purpose — enhancing readability and reducing errors.
Final Thoughts
The integration of BECH32 address support in CoolWallet S marks a pivotal upgrade for users seeking seamless interaction with modern blockchain ecosystems. By enabling direct transfers to native SegWit addresses for BTC, LTC, and BCH, CoolWallet reinforces its position as a forward-thinking hardware wallet committed to security, usability, and innovation.
As the crypto landscape continues shifting toward efficient, low-cost transaction models, staying updated with formats like BECH32 isn't just beneficial — it's essential.
👉 Stay ahead of the curve — explore tools that support next-gen crypto transactions.