# Onboard to Liquid bitcoin

Source URL: https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-app/use-liquid-bitcoin/onboard-to-liquid-bitcoin
Updated: 2026-04-09T09:36:35.000Z
Category: Blockstream App
Section: Use Liquid Bitcoin

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Liquid bitcoin (LBTC) is bitcoin on the Liquid Network. Transactions settle in roughly two minutes, fees stay low, and Confidential Transactions hide both amounts and asset types from outside observers. Your Liquid balance also lets you send and receive Lightning payments without managing channels.

The Blockstream app supports two ways to get LBTC: receiving it from a Lightning payment, or swapping bitcoin for LBTC with an on-chain swap.

## Receive LBTC via Lightning

When someone sends you a payment over the Lightning Network, the Blockstream app receives it as LBTC directly into your Liquid wallet. The conversion happens automatically through a Lightning ↔ Liquid swap. No existing bitcoin balance is required.

For step-by-step instructions, see our [guide to receiving LBTC via Lightning](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-app/use-lightning-bitcoin/receive-lbtc-via-lightning-and-pay-lightning-invoice-with-lbtc).

## Swap Bitcoin for LBTC

You can convert bitcoin you hold in the Blockstream app to LBTC using an on-chain swap. The swap is 1:1, minus network fees.

If you do not have bitcoin in the Blockstream app yet, you can get it two ways:

- **Buy bitcoin** directly in the app. Tap **Transact**, then tap **Buy**, or tap **Buy Now** under the Bitcoin price chart on the home screen. The app supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, debit card, and wire transfer in 200+ currencies.
- **Receive bitcoin** from another wallet. Tap **Transact**, then tap **Receive**, and choose **Bitcoin** as the asset.

Once you have bitcoin, follow our [on-chain swap guide](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-app/use-liquid-bitcoin/perform-an-on-chain-swap) to convert it to LBTC.

Navigation: Blockstream Help Center > Blockstream App > Onboard to Liquid bitcoin

## Related Articles in This Section
- [Onboard to Liquid bitcoin](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-app/use-liquid-bitcoin/onboard-to-liquid-bitcoin) (current)
- [Perform an on-chain swap](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-app/use-liquid-bitcoin/perform-an-on-chain-swap)
- [Multisig security overview for Liquid wallets](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-app/use-liquid-bitcoin/multisig-security-overview-for-liquid-wallets)
- [Receive and send Liquid assets](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-app/use-liquid-bitcoin/receive-and-send-liquid-assets)
- [Generate AMP ID](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-app/use-liquid-bitcoin/generate-amp-id)
- [Receive AMP assets (Desktop)](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-app/use-liquid-bitcoin/receive-amp-assets-desktop)