Free Public Bitcoin Node FAQ

BTC21 is a free public Bitcoin infrastructure project. It operates a Bitcoin Core archival full node, provides live network information, relays fully signed raw transactions, and links to a Bitcoin block explorer and public Electrum service.

Yes. BTC21 is a free community contribution with no subscription or payment required to connect to the public node.

Add btc21.cc:8333 as a peer using Bitcoin Core’s addnode command. BTC21 also publishes a Tor v3 onion address; verify the current address on the live dashboard before using it.

Yes. Use the current Tor v3 endpoint shown on the site and make sure your Bitcoin Core configuration supports Tor connections.

BTC21 does not use advertising pixels, analytics scripts, site-set cookies, or user profiling. Standard operational and abuse-prevention logs may temporarily record connection details to operate and protect the service.

No. BTC21 does not hold funds, control private keys, provide custody, operate an exchange, or offer financial advice.

Yes. Submit a fully signed raw transaction for relay to the Bitcoin mempool. Never submit a seed phrase, private key, wallet password, or unsigned transaction. Relay and confirmation are not guaranteed.

For Bitcoin Core releases and verification instructions, use the official Bitcoin Core download page. The Bitcoin Core addnode reference explains peer commands. Wallet software is independent of BTC21: Sparrow Wallet documentation describes its connection options, while BlueWallet documentation is a useful mobile-wallet reference. Verify downloads and signatures from each project's official site before installing anything.

They can provide network and blockchain information, but they cannot recover funds, reverse a confirmed transaction, or make a payment safe. For the protocol background, read the Bitcoin white paper. Always independently verify an address, amount, fee, and destination before signing.