BRC-20 is an experimental token standard for issuing fungible tokens on the Bitcoin network. By leveraging the Ordinals protocol, BRC-20 embeds JSON-formatted data into inscriptions to deploy token contracts, mint, and transfer tokens. This guide answers frequently asked questions about BRC-20 trading and inscription—particularly within Web3 wallets supporting these functionalities—helping users navigate the process with confidence.
Whether you're new to Bitcoin-based tokens or expanding your digital asset portfolio, understanding how BRC-20 works, how to inscribe tokens, and how to manage transactions efficiently is essential. Below, we break down key processes, common issues, and practical solutions.
How to Inscribe a BRC-20 Token?
To inscribe a BRC-20 token, you must first ensure your wallet holds enough BTC to cover both the inscription cost and network fees. You can acquire BTC by purchasing it directly in your wallet or transferring from another source.
👉 Discover how to prepare your wallet for seamless BRC-20 inscriptions today.
Navigate to [Market] → [Ordinals] → [Inscribe]. On the general inscription page, select BRC-20, then choose Mint under Type. Enter a four-letter token symbol (e.g., "csas"), specify the quantity and repetition count, and input the receiving address. Confirm the details and proceed.
Once inscribed, you can view your BRC-20 tokens by going to the homepage, selecting [Token Management], entering the token name, and adding it via the + button. Your inscribed BRC-20 balance will now appear in your wallet.
Why Are My BRC-20 Transactions Stuck in “Confirming”?
Both inscription and trading actions require confirmation from the Bitcoin network. Due to high transaction volume on the BTC blockchain, network congestion often causes delays—sometimes lasting 1–2 days.
If your transaction remains in "confirming" status, check its progress using a block explorer like Mempool. There’s no immediate action needed other than waiting for sufficient block confirmations. Patience is key during peak usage periods.
What Causes BRC-20 Inscription Failures?
Several factors may lead to failed inscriptions:
- Insufficient gas fee: The most common cause. If the fee is too low, miners may ignore your transaction.
- Network congestion: Heavy traffic on the BTC network increases competition for block space.
- Premature assumption of success: Even if your interface shows completion, unconfirmed transactions remain vulnerable to failure.
⚠️ Note: Failed inscriptions result in non-refundable gas fees. These are collected by miners, and platforms cannot recover them.
Ensure adequate BTC reserves and monitor network conditions before initiating any inscription.
How to Use EVM-Based Inscription Tools?
EVM-compatible inscription tools allow users to create Ethscriptions—similar to Bitcoin’s Ordinals but on Ethereum and other EVM chains.
Go to [Web3 Wallet] → [Discover] → [Explore DApps] → [Tools] → [Inscription Tool]. Select your desired EVM network (e.g., Ethereum). Choose between:
- Single text mode for repeated content.
- Multiple text mode for unique inscriptions.
The tool auto-fills data:,, so no manual input is required. After entering your content and connecting your wallet, click Confirm to initiate the transaction. Multiple inscriptions require separate signature approvals.
This feature expands creative possibilities beyond Bitcoin, enabling on-chain expression across major smart contract platforms.
How to List, Delist, or Reduce Price of an Inscription?
Listing an Inscription
- Go to [Market] → [Ordinals].
- Select the BRC-20 token and enter its detail page.
- Click List Inscription.
- First, inscribe a transfer sat—this prepares the asset for sale.
- Hold sufficient BRC-20 assets and BTC for gas.
- Wait for 3 block confirmations.
- Then select the inscription, enter your price, and click List.
Adjusting or Removing Listings
From [My Orders]:
- Click Reduce Price to adjust listing value.
- Click Delist to remove the order.
🔔 Delisting incurs a network fee. Ensure you have enough BTC reserved; otherwise, top up via [Add BTC].
How to Buy BRC-20 Tokens?
Visit the [Ordinals] marketplace and browse available BRC-20 tokens. Click Buy on your preferred listing.
Use filters to sort by:
- Unit price or total price
- Listing time
Review both item cost and associated gas fees before confirming your purchase. Once submitted, the transaction enters the BTC mempool for confirmation.
Why Does My Wallet Show “Insufficient BTC Balance”?
Even with visible funds, certain scenarios trigger balance errors due to UTXO (Unspent Transaction Output) limitations.
Common Scenarios & Solutions
During BTC Transfer
- Usable UTXOs: Confirmed, change from pending, released locked outputs.
Causes of error:
- Transfer amount exceeds sum of usable UTXOs.
- Pending transactions blocking funds.
- All UTXOs are locked or fragmented ("dust").
Fixes:
- Reduce transfer amount.
- Wait for pending transactions to clear.
- Release locked UTXOs (with caution).
During BRC-20 Minting or Staking
- Only confirmed UTXOs are accepted.
- Errors arise from pending transactions or fully locked balances.
- Solution: Add more BTC or wait for confirmation.
During Purchase
- Accepts confirmed, change from pending, and released UTXOs.
- Issues stem from large total costs, slow data sync, or locked outputs.
- Action: Top up BTC, wait for pending clears, or release UTXOs carefully.
How to Release Locked UTXOs?
A UTXO represents unspent cryptocurrency output—essentially “unused” funds in your wallet. Some UTXOs become locked when associated with NFTs or inscriptions.
To unlock:
- Go to homepage → BTC → UTXO.
- Select specific locked entries and click Release Lock.
- Or use Auto-Release for low-value inscriptions.
❗ Warning: Releasing UTXO locks tied to valid NFTs or BRC-20 assets may result in permanent loss. Always verify before unlocking.
After release:
- Appears under Released tab.
- Can be restored via Restore Lock if mistakenly unlocked.
- Cannot pay for new inscriptions but can cover network fees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I recover a failed BRC-20 inscription?
A: No. Failed inscriptions consume gas fees permanently as they’re paid to miners. Always double-check fees and network load beforehand.
Q: Do I need separate BTC for gas every time?
A: Yes. Every on-chain action—minting, transferring, listing—requires BTC as gas. Keep a small reserve even after acquiring tokens.
Q: Are BRC-20 tokens compatible with all Bitcoin wallets?
A: No. Only wallets supporting Ordinals and BRC-20 standards can display and manage these tokens properly.
Q: What happens if I send BRC-20 tokens to a non-compatible wallet?
A: The tokens may become inaccessible or lost permanently. Always confirm wallet compatibility before sending.
Q: How long does a typical BRC-20 transaction take?
A: Under normal conditions, 1–6 hours. During congestion, up to 48 hours or more.
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Final Thoughts
BRC-20 opens exciting opportunities for tokenization directly on Bitcoin’s secure and decentralized network. However, its reliance on Bitcoin’s base layer means users must understand UTXO mechanics, gas management, and network dynamics.
By mastering inscription workflows, monitoring transaction status through tools like Mempool, and managing UTXO states responsibly, you can reduce errors and maximize efficiency.
Whether you're minting your first token or trading established BRC-20 assets, preparation and awareness are crucial.
Keywords: BRC-20, Bitcoin inscription, Ordinals protocol, Web3 wallet, BTC gas fee, UTXO management, blockchain tokenization