Google has recently added a Bitcoin wallet address search function, allowing users to directly check the balance and last update time of Bitcoin addresses on the search engine. This feature now supports multiple blockchains including Ethereum, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Optimism, Polygon, and Fantom.
Users can now enter Bitcoin addresses directly in the Google search bar, supporting three address formats: P2PKH (starting with “1”), P2SH (starting with “3”), and Bech32 (starting with “bc1”, also known as SegWit addresses). When searching any of these Bitcoin addresses, users will see the balance as of the last transaction and the last update time.
This move by Google is significant given its large global user base. To achieve mainstream adoption of Bitcoin, it is important to provide users with tools to easily explore and understand the Bitcoin blockchain, and Google’s search capabilities are helping to popularize this among the public. Major US exchange Kraken has stated that “mainstream adoption is just around the corner.”
While Google is taking steps towards mainstream adoption, privacy-focused Bitcoin advocates have expressed concerns. Despite this, many Bitcoin supporters appreciate Google’s gradual integration. This integration marks a significant shift in Google’s stance towards the cryptocurrency industry after years of unstable relationships. Google’s evolving policies reflect a growing openness towards the cryptocurrency industry.
In addition to the Bitcoin network, Google currently supports users in checking wallet balances on the Ethereum, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Optimism, Polygon, and Fantom blockchains. It is important to note that the balances displayed are for the native tokens of each network and are not updated in real-time.