What is message signing? Is it safe? And how does it prove ownership?

Message signing is a standard feature in many Bitcoin wallets and devices. It allows you to use your private key — without revealing it — to sign a short piece of text called a "message."

In the context of Hoseki Prove, we ask you to sign a message to prove that you control a specific Bitcoin address (or set of addresses). The signed message acts as cryptographic proof of ownership — kind of like digitally stamping a document with your personal seal.

Is it safe? Yes. Message signing is a one-way, non-invasive process. It doesn’t expose your private key or give anyone access to your Bitcoin. You simply use your wallet or device to approve a signature, and that signature can be independently verified by anyone.

How does it prove ownership? Only someone with the private key can produce a valid signature for a given address. By successfully signing a message with your wallet or device, you demonstrate cryptographic control of the Bitcoin at that address — without ever moving the funds or revealing your key.

It’s widely used across the Bitcoin ecosystem for things like identity verification, audits, and — with Hoseki — generating a trusted statement of ownership.

Still curious? You can read more about message signing in the Bitcoin Wiki, or reach out to us at support@hoseki.app.