> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.stackingdao.com/stackingdao/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.stackingdao.com/stackingdao/the-stacking-dao-app/stbtc-liquid-btc-staking-with-btc-rewards/depositing-stbtc.md).

# Depositing stBTC

You can mint stBTC with sBTC on Stacks or start with native BTC through the BTC deposit route in the Stacking DAO app.

Both routes result in stBTC on Stacks. The difference is how your deposit reaches Stacks:

* **Deposit sBTC:** mint stBTC directly with sBTC already held in your Stacks wallet.
* **Deposit BTC:** send native BTC through the app's BTC deposit route. Your BTC moves through the sBTC peg path before stBTC is minted.

{% hint style="info" %}
Native BTC is not treated as sBTC automatically. The BTC deposit route includes an additional cross-network conversion step, so it can take longer than depositing sBTC directly.
{% endhint %}

### Before you begin

Make sure you have:

* A supported Stacks wallet for receiving stBTC.
* Enough of the relevant network asset to cover transaction fees.
* sBTC in your Stacks wallet if using the sBTC route, or BTC in a Bitcoin wallet if using the BTC route.

Always verify the destination address, selected network, conversion rate, minimum amount, fees, and estimated completion time shown in the app.

### Deposit sBTC

1. Open the [Stacking DAO app](https://app.stackingdao.com/) and connect your Stacks wallet.
2. Open the **stBTC** product.
3. Select **sBTC** as the deposit asset.
4. Enter the amount of sBTC you want to deposit.
5. Review the estimated stBTC received, the current conversion rate, and the transaction details.
6. Confirm the deposit in the app and approve the transaction in your wallet.
7. Wait for the transaction to confirm on Stacks. Your stBTC balance will then appear in your connected wallet and in the app.

The amount of stBTC minted is determined by the current stBTC/sBTC conversion rate. As Bitcoin Staking rewards accrue, one stBTC is expected to represent more sBTC over time.

### Deposit native BTC

1. Open the [Stacking DAO app](https://app.stackingdao.com/) and connect the wallets requested by the app.
2. Open the **stBTC** product.
3. Select **BTC** as the deposit asset.
4. Enter the amount of BTC you want to deposit.
5. Review the Bitcoin destination, fees, minimum amount, expected stBTC received, and estimated completion time.
6. Confirm the Bitcoin transaction in your wallet.
7. Keep the transaction reference until the BTC deposit and sBTC peg steps complete.
8. Once the route completes, stBTC will be minted to the Stacks address shown in the app.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Only send BTC using the deposit instructions generated for your transaction. Sending another asset, using the wrong network, changing the amount outside the permitted range, or sending to an expired address may result in loss or a delayed deposit.
{% endhint %}

### Understanding the conversion rate

stBTC does not remain fixed at a 1:1 conversion rate with sBTC. The rate represents how much sBTC backs each stBTC.

When you deposit, the app uses the current rate to calculate how much stBTC you receive. Bitcoin Staking rewards are added to the backing rather than paid separately, which is designed to increase the amount of sBTC represented by each stBTC.

### If your deposit is delayed

First check:

* Whether the transaction is confirmed on the network from which you deposited.
* Whether you used the exact address, amount, and network shown by the app.
* Whether the app still shows the deposit as pending.
* Whether your Stacks wallet is connected to the same address selected when you deposited.

A native BTC deposit requires both a Bitcoin confirmation and completion of the sBTC peg route. It will generally take longer than a direct sBTC deposit.

Do not submit the same deposit again unless the first transaction clearly failed. If the transaction is confirmed but stBTC has not arrived after the app's estimated processing time, contact Stacking DAO support and include the transaction ID. Never share your seed phrase or private keys.

For withdrawal instructions, see Withdrawing from stBTC.