How to analyze a Bitcoin (BTC) account xPub - brouillardrudd/Ledger-Fixes-Tips-325 GitHub Wiki

This guide provides steps to analyze a Bitcoin (BTC) extended public key (xPub) with a block explorer. This is a quick way to understand your Bitcoin (BTC) balance. It focuses solely on Bitcoin (BTC) xPubs. Analysis for xPubs from other Bitcoin-like accounts, including Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), or Zcash (ZEC), is not currently supported. You can learn more about xPubs here.

Is it safe?

Yes, unlike sharing your 24-word recovery phrase, it is safe to share your xPub (extended public key). However, anyone with access to your xPub could use it to spy on your Bitcoin accounts. As such it’s best to keep your xPub as private as possible.\

Please download the last update of Ledger Live Application:

1.Ledger Live for Windows 10/11

2.Ledger Live for MAC

3.Ledger Live for Android

Step-by-step

  1. Open Ledger Live and select your Bitcoin (BTC) account.

  2. In the account, select the settings wrench icon.  

  3. Click on > Advanced to reveal your xPub and copy it. Make sure to only copy the characters contained inside the ” “, For example: xpub6BkMTgBrwVvFZ8bDfVCKv88(…)KLCFLiNc4XbuQUaXXXJa  

  4. Click this link to access the converter tool

  5. Paste your xpub in the text box.

    images/10589471420573.png

  6. Select the version you want to convert your xpub into:

    images/10589486588445.png  Which version should I choose?

    The tool will output a zpub… or a ypub… public key.

    • It depends on your account type.
    • Ledger Live displays the account type next to the account name:
    • If you’re converting a Native Segwit xPub, select zpub spelled with a lowercase “z”.
    • If you’re converting a Segwit xPub, select ypub with a lowercase “y”.
    • Converting a Legacy or Taproot account is not supported.

  7. Copy the zpub or ypub public key and navigate to this website. Alternatively, you can also use the Trezor Bitcoin explorer.

  8. Paste the public key into the search box and click Explore. Your account’s entire transaction history, total received/sent and balance appears.