# Peg in BTC to the Liquid Network

Source URL: https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/liquid-network/perform-advanced-liquid-operations/peg-in-btc-to-the-liquid-network
Updated: 2026-04-09T09:37:46.000Z
Category: Liquid Network
Section: Perform Advanced Liquid Operations

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Liquid peg-ins require a moderate level of technical proficiency and around a day to confirm (102 Bitcoin blocks), therefore most users will prefer to [acquire their Liquid Bitcoin (LBTC) from a third party](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/liquid-network/acquire-lbtc/get-liquid-bitcoin-lbtc) that either handles the peg-ins for them or offers a swap service of some kind.

> **Warning:** Do not peg-in LBTC without having a [method of converting it back to BTC](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/liquid-network/acquire-lbtc/convert-lbtc-to-btc). LBTC peg-outs can only be performed by a [Liquid Federation member](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/liquid-network/faqs/what-are-the-different-types-of-participants-in-the-liquid-network).

## **Preparation**

Before you start the peg-in process, you will need to make sure you have the following prepared on your desktop computer:

1. A [Bitcoin node](https://glossary.blockstream.com/bitcoin-node/) ([Bitcoin Core](https://glossary.blockstream.com/bitcoin-core/)) installed and fully synced
2. [A Liquid node (Elements Core) installed and fully synced](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/liquid-network/perform-advanced-liquid-operations/set-up-a-liquid-node)
3. [Peg-in validation enabled on Elements Core](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/liquid-network/perform-advanced-liquid-operations/enable-peg-in-validation-on-my-liquid-node)

## Step-by-Step Guide

1.

Run Elements Core, and open the console window: **Window** \> **Console**.

![elements-1-console.png](https://dxp-backend.devserver.app/uploads/help-center/content/liquid-network/perform-advanced-liquid-operations/peg-in-btc-to-the-liquid-network/900001852343.png)

2.

Get a peg-in [address](https://glossary.blockstream.com/address-bitcoin/) by using the following command in the terminal.

getpeginaddress

> **Warning:** The duration between generating a peg-in address with ‘getpeginaddress’ and claiming it with ‘claimpegin’ should be kept as small as possible. **Peg-in addresses are not long-term durable and should not be reused.** 

3.

Record the `mainchain_address` and `claim_script` values.

4.

Send the bitcoin to be converted to the `mainchain_address` and record the transaction ID provided by your wallet.

5.

Wait for 102 confirmations on the Bitcoin [blockchain](https://glossary.blockstream.com/blockchain/). You can track the transaction on [Blockstream Explorer](https://blockstream.info/).

6.

After the transaction has received 102 confirmations, run Bitcoin Core and open the console: **Window** \> **Console**.

7.

Enter the following two commands in the console using the transaction ID recorded in _Step 4_. Record each result—you'll need these to claim the peg-in on Liquid.

getrawtransaction <yourTXID>  

gettxoutproof '["<yourTXID>"]'

8.

Enter the following command in the Elements Core console to initiate a claim transaction on Liquid.

- - Replace `<raw>` with the result from `getrawtransaction <yourTXID>` in _Step 7_.
  - Replace `<proof>` with the result from `gettxoutproof '["<yourTXID>"]'` in _Step 7_.
  - Replace `<claim_script>` with the `claim_script` value obtained in _Step 3_.

claimpegin <raw> <proof> <claim_script>

9.

After the transaction confirms on the Liquid sidechain (around two minutes), your LBTC balance in Elements Core should be updated.

All done! You now should have successfully converted your BTC to LBTC using a peg-in.

> **Note:** Unless you are [Liquid Federation member](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/liquid-network/faqs/what-are-the-different-types-of-participants-in-the-liquid-network), converting LBTC back to BTC requires a third party. [See our guide for a variety of methods on how to achieve this](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/liquid-network/acquire-lbtc/convert-lbtc-to-btc).

Navigation: Blockstream Help Center > Liquid Network > Peg in BTC to the Liquid Network

## Related Articles in This Section
- [Set up a Liquid node](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/liquid-network/perform-advanced-liquid-operations/set-up-a-liquid-node)
- [Install a Liquid node so it runs at boot time](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/liquid-network/perform-advanced-liquid-operations/install-a-liquid-node-so-it-runs-at-boot-time)
- [Create a watch-only wallet with a Liquid (Elements) node](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/liquid-network/perform-advanced-liquid-operations/create-a-watch-only-wallet-with-a-liquid-elements-node)
- [Peg in BTC to the Liquid Network](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/liquid-network/perform-advanced-liquid-operations/peg-in-btc-to-the-liquid-network) (current)
- [Enable peg-in validation on my Liquid node](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/liquid-network/perform-advanced-liquid-operations/enable-peg-in-validation-on-my-liquid-node)
- [Issue an asset on Liquid](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/liquid-network/perform-advanced-liquid-operations/issue-an-asset-on-liquid)