In this article, we explain step by step on how to convert from BTC to rBTC, and vice versa.
The process of conversion utilises a [Powpeg](/concepts/powpeg/) mechanism. Thus, these conversions are referred to as peg-ins and peg-outs.

- **Peg-in**:
  - A conversion from BTC to rBTC
  - Locks BTC in the BTC Federation address
  - Releases rBTC in the Rootstock derived address
- **Peg-out**:
  - A conversion from rBTC to BTC
  - Locks rBTC on the Rootstock network
  - Releases BTC on the Bitcoin network

## Address Compatibility

There are two main ways to perform a peg-in:

1. **Direct Peg-in (Legacy)**: You can send funds directly from your wallet to a [Federation address](/concepts/powpeg/) or using the [PowPeg App](https://powpeg.rootstock.io/). This method is only supported for two specific address types:
    - Legacy Addresses (P2PKH): Starts with a `1`. These addresses are the original Bitcoin address format.
    - SegWit Compatible Addresses (P2SH-P2WPKH): Starts with a `3`. These addresses support Segregated Witness (SegWit), a type of upgrade to the Bitcoin network.

2. **Using the PowPeg App (Modern)**: For other address types, a specialized tool like the [PowPeg App](https://powpeg.rootstock.io/) has been built for smoother UX and faster peg-ins. Required for addresses such as:
    - Native SegWit (Bech32): Starts with `bc1`. Starts with `bc1`. This is the newest address format. You cannot use it for a direct peg-in because it requires the `OP_RETURN` field to be included in the transaction. Modern tools like the PowPeg App include this field directly from the destination address.

:::tip[Tip]

The address verifier on this page is designed to check for direct peg-in compatibility only. If you are using a Native Segwit (Bech32) address, you will need to use a tool like the [PowPeg App](https://powpeg.rootstock.io/) to perform a peg-in.
:::

## Address verifier

Enter your BTC address below to verify whether it may be used to peg in from BTC to rBTC. 



## User Guide

- [Mainnet Guide](/concepts/rbtc/networks#mainnet-conversion)
- [Testnet Guide](/concepts/rbtc/networks#testnet-conversion)

You can try the conversion process using either options below;

- Using a [ledger hardware wallet](/concepts/rbtc/conversion-with-ledger)
- Using a [software](/concepts/rbtc/conversion-with-node-console)

## Video

Watch this explainer video on **How to do BTC & R-BTC Conversions using the Rootstock Powpeg**.

<iframe width="949" height="534" src="https://youtube.com/embed/XTpQW9Rw838" frameBorder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowFullScreen></iframe>

### FAQs

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### Feedback

Join the [Rootstock Global Discord Community](https://rootstock.io/discord), to ask questions and get answers.