How to Type the Bitcoin Symbol (₿) on Any Device

You might be preparing an invoice for a client that prefers to pay using Bitcoin, or writing a short post about recent crypto market movements. You reach for the pound sign (£) or dollar sign ($), then stop. Writing “BTC” or “Bitcoin” works, but you would prefer to use the recognised symbol: ₿.

Most physical keyboards print common currency symbols like the pound (£), dollar ($), and euro (€) on specific keys. The Bitcoin symbol, however, sits in the extended Unicode character set, so you usually need an extra step to insert it. The methods below show you how to do that on common devices.

This is purely about formatting and presentation.

How to Type ₿ on Windows

On many Windows PCs, you can use special key combinations, known as Alt Codes, to type characters that are not shown directly on your keyboard. This usually requires a keyboard with a numeric keypad, which is the block of numbers on the right side.

Not all software supports this, and some laptops do not include a separate numeric keypad. If it does not work on your device, use copy and paste instead.

The Alt Code Method

1. Click exactly where you want the symbol to appear.
2. Make sure Num Lock is turned on.
3. Hold down the Alt key on your keyboard.
4. While holding Alt, type 8383 on the numeric keypad.
5. Release the Alt key. The ₿ symbol should appear.

If nothing appears, or you get a different character, your keyboard layout, app, or system settings may not support this code. In that case, try the Word method below or use copy and paste.

The Hex Code Method (Microsoft Word only)

If you do not have a numeric keypad, or the Alt code does not work, you can insert the symbol in Microsoft Word using its Unicode support.

1. Type 20BF.
2. Immediately press Alt + X.
3. Word should convert 20BF into ₿.

This method is specific to Microsoft Word (and some other Office apps). It will not normally work in most web browsers or other text editors.

How to Type ₿ on Mac

macOS does not include a default keyboard shortcut for the Bitcoin symbol, but it gives you two practical tools instead: the Character Viewer and Text Replacement.

Method 1: The Emoji & Character Viewer

Use this if you only need the symbol occasionally.

1. Place your cursor where you want the symbol.
2. Press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer.
3. Type “Bitcoin” in the search bar.
4. Click the Bitcoin symbol to insert it.

If you cannot find the symbol, make sure you are on a recent version of macOS, because older versions may not display every Unicode character.

Method 2: Text Replacement (Recommended for frequent use)

If you type the symbol regularly, Text Replacement can save time. You create a small shortcut, and macOS replaces it with ₿.

1. Go to System Settings > Keyboard.
2. Click Text Replacements.
3. Click the + (plus) button.
4. In the Replace column, type a trigger code such as (b) or btcsym.
5. In the With column, paste the Bitcoin symbol (copy this: ₿).
6. Close the window to save.

From now on, whenever you type that trigger code in a supported app, your Mac should swap it for the symbol. If it replaces text in places where you do not want it, you can edit or delete the shortcut later.

How to Type ₿ on iPhone and Android

On most smartphones, the Bitcoin symbol does not appear on the default layout of the software keyboard. The simplest long‑term solution is to create a text shortcut, similar to the Mac method.

Menu names and locations can vary slightly between software versions and phone manufacturers, so you may need to adjust these steps for your device.

iPhone (iOS)

1. Copy the Bitcoin symbol: ₿.
2. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement.
3. Tap the + in the top right corner.
4. Paste ₿ into the “Phrase” field.
5. Type a shortcut in the “Shortcut” field, for example btc.
6. Tap Save.

Now, when you type btc in many iOS apps, the keyboard should suggest the ₿ symbol. You can tap the suggestion to insert it. If it causes unwanted replacements, go back to Text Replacement and adjust or remove the shortcut.

Android

The exact steps differ between Android versions and keyboard apps, such as Gboard or Samsung Keyboard. The outline below works for many devices that use Google’s default settings.

1. Copy the Bitcoin symbol: ₿.
2. Go to Settings > System > Languages & input > Personal dictionary. (On some devices you may find this under the specific keyboard’s settings instead, for example Settings > General management > Samsung Keyboard settings.)
3. Select your language if prompted.
4. Tap the + button.
5. Paste ₿ into the main text field.
6. Add a shortcut such as btc in the shortcut field.
7. Save.

After this, typing btc should prompt your keyboard to suggest ₿. Again, if this behaves unexpectedly, you can edit or delete the entry in your personal dictionary.

Real‑Life Examples: When to Use the Symbol

Using the Bitcoin symbol is mainly a formatting choice. It can help make documents and posts look tidier, but it does not change the price, risk, or behaviour of Bitcoin or any other cryptoasset.

Here are some common uses.

• Invoices and quotes: Instead of writing “0.05 Bitcoin”, using “₿0.05” can bring it in line with standard currency formatting, similar to writing “£50.00” rather than “50 Pounds”. Always make sure both parties understand the asset and the amount, because crypto prices can change quickly.
• Social media tickers: On platforms with character limits, such as X (formerly Twitter), using something like “£50k per ₿” or “£50k/₿” can save space. This is only a way of displaying information. It is not a recommendation to buy or sell at any particular price.
• Price pairs: In trading interfaces, you may see Bitcoin used as the base asset. For example, a chart might show the price of Ethereum in Bitcoin as Ξ/₿ (Ether symbol over Bitcoin symbol). Trading or investing based on such pairs is complex and involves a high risk of loss, particularly if you are new to crypto markets.

Always remember that any transaction or investment involving Bitcoin or other cryptoassets carries the risk of losing some or all of your money, regardless of which symbol you use.

Security Red Flag: The “Look‑Alike” Scam

Typing the Bitcoin symbol is harmless, but reading it in websites, wallet addresses, or messages needs care. Some scammers use a technique called a homograph (or homoglyph) attack.

They exploit characters from other alphabets that look similar to Latin letters or symbols. For instance, they might replace the letter “o” with a Greek Omicron, or use a character that looks like ₿ but is actually something different in Unicode. This can create fake websites that look almost identical to genuine ones.

How to stay safe

• Do not rely only on how a URL looks. Check that the website address is spelled correctly, and look for the padlock icon that shows an HTTPS connection. Remember that a padlock alone does not guarantee that a site is genuine, but a missing padlock is a clear warning sign.
• Bookmark official sites. Access exchanges, wallets, and other financial services through your own bookmarks or by typing the address yourself. Avoid clicking links in emails, text messages, or direct messages that claim to be from support teams, even if they appear convincing.
• Check in plain text. If you are unsure about an address or URL, paste it into a plain text editor. This can sometimes make odd characters stand out, although it will not catch every trick.
• Be cautious with wallet addresses. Always double‑check the full address, compare the beginning and end of the string, and consider using small test transactions first if you are sending crypto. Transactions are usually irreversible, and a mistake can mean a permanent loss of funds.

Staying alert to look‑alike characters is one small part of keeping your accounts and funds secure.

Summary

The Bitcoin symbol ₿ is part of the Unicode standard (U+20BF), so you can insert it on most modern devices, even if it is not printed on your keyboard.

• On Windows, you can usually type it with Alt + 8383 on a numeric keypad, or use the 20BF + Alt + X method in Microsoft Word.
• On Mac, you can insert it through the Emoji & Character Viewer, or, for regular use, create a Text Replacement shortcut.
• On iPhone and Android, setting up a text shortcut is often the quickest long‑term option. Copy the symbol once, then let your phone expand a short code into ₿ whenever you need it.
• In all cases, remember that using the symbol is about appearance and clarity only. It does not reduce the high risks of dealing in cryptoassets.

When you see the symbol in URLs or wallet addresses, stay alert to possible “look‑alike” tricks, and take the time to verify where you are sending information or funds.