CipherSwap Documentation
A complete guide to private Bitcoin ↔ Monero swaps.
⬡ Contents
1. Introduction
CipherSwap is a non‑custodial, privacy‑first exchange that allows you to swap Bitcoin (BTC) for Monero (XMR) without creating an account, providing personal information, or trusting a third party with your funds.
Unlike centralized exchanges, CipherSwap never holds your Bitcoin or Monero. Instead, you send BTC directly to a unique deposit address, and once the transaction is confirmed, the operator manually releases the corresponding XMR to your Monero wallet. This "escrow‑like" model ensures that neither party can run away with the funds.
2. How It Works
CipherSwap uses a simple three‑step process that mimics a traditional escrow service, but without a central custodian.
Initiate
Enter the amount of BTC you wish to swap and your XMR receiving address. You'll see the exact amount of XMR you will receive after fees.
Send BTC
Send the exact BTC amount to the provided deposit address. The address is valid for 30 minutes. The operator monitors the Bitcoin network for your transaction.
Receive XMR
Once the BTC transaction has enough confirmations, the operator sends the agreed XMR amount to your Monero address. You can track the status in real time.
When you initiate a swap, a unique order ID is generated and a Bitcoin deposit address is assigned (usually from a pool of pre‑generated addresses). The order details are stored encrypted in our database. The operator uses a private key to sign the XMR release transaction; the service itself cannot access the Monero funds without the operator's manual action—this separation adds an extra layer of security.
3. Fees & Limits
CipherSwap charges a simple, transparent fee structure. There are no hidden costs.
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Swap Fee | 1.5% (configurable) | Deducted from the XMR amount you receive. |
| Bitcoin Network Fee | Variable | Paid by the user when sending BTC. We recommend using a wallet with adjustable fees. |
| Monero Network Fee | ~0.0001 XMR | Covered by CipherSwap. |
Swap Limits
To maintain liquidity and manage risk, swaps are subject to minimum and maximum amounts. These values are displayed on the swap page and may be adjusted by the operator based on market conditions.
- Minimum: 0.001 BTC
- Maximum: 1.0 BTC (higher limits available on request)
⬡ Limits are subject to change. For large swaps, please contact support in advance.
4. Privacy & Security
Privacy is not an afterthought—it's the foundation of CipherSwap. We employ several measures to protect your identity and transaction details.
Data Minimization
We do not require an email address, account, or any personal information. Your IP address is hashed with a daily rotating salt and only used for rate limiting. All order data is encrypted at rest and automatically purged 30 days after completion.
On‑Chain Privacy
Bitcoin transactions are public. To break the link between your identity and the swap, we recommend:
- Using a fresh Bitcoin address for each swap (most wallets do this automatically).
- Withdrawing your Monero to a subaddress or a wallet that uses stealth addresses (Monero does this by default).
- Accessing CipherSwap via Tor for an additional layer of network anonymity.
Operator Security
The operator's signing keys are stored offline (cold storage) and only used to release XMR. The web server has no access to the Monero wallet's private keys. This separation ensures that even if the website were compromised, funds could not be stolen.
5. Step‑by‑Step Guide
Follow these instructions to complete a swap safely.
Prepare Your Wallets
Have a Bitcoin wallet with sufficient funds (plus network fee) and a Monero wallet ready to receive XMR. We recommend using non‑custodial wallets like Electrum (BTC) and Feather Wallet or Monero GUI (XMR).
Visit CipherSwap
Go to the main swap page. Enter the amount of BTC you want to exchange. The XMR estimate will update automatically.
Enter Your XMR Address
Paste your Monero receiving address. Double‑check that it is correct—Monero transactions are irreversible.
Initiate Swap & Get Deposit Address
Click "INITIATE SWAP". You will see a Bitcoin deposit address and a 30‑minute countdown. Copy the address or use the QR code (if enabled).
Send Bitcoin
From your Bitcoin wallet, send exactly the displayed amount to the deposit address. Do not send any other cryptocurrency to this address.
Wait for Confirmations
After sending, click "I'VE SENT THE PAYMENT". The order status will update. The operator will monitor the Bitcoin network for your transaction. This usually takes 10‑30 minutes depending on network congestion.
Receive Monero
Once the BTC transaction is confirmed, the operator will send XMR to your provided address. You will see a confirmation on the status page. Check your Monero wallet—the funds should arrive within minutes.
Done!
Your swap is complete. You can start a new swap or close the page. No further action is required.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I send the wrong amount?
If you send less than the required amount, the order will be marked as underpaid and may be cancelled. If you send more, the excess amount will be considered a donation or may be refunded at the operator's discretion (minus network fees). Always send the exact amount shown.
Can I cancel a swap after sending BTC?
Once BTC is sent, the swap cannot be cancelled by the user because the operator might already be in the process of sending XMR. If you accidentally sent funds, contact support immediately with your Order ID.
Why do I need to wait for Bitcoin confirmations?
Bitcoin transactions are not instant. Confirmations protect against double‑spending. The operator waits for at least 1 confirmation (sometimes more for larger amounts) before releasing XMR to ensure the BTC payment is final.
Is there a mobile app?
Not at this time. However, the website is fully responsive and works well on mobile browsers. For maximum privacy, use a mobile Tor browser.
How can I trust CipherSwap?
CipherSwap has been operating since 2023 with a perfect track record. The non‑custodial model means we never hold your Bitcoin—you send directly to an address we control, but the XMR release requires manual approval. We also maintain a warrant canary and provide a PGP key for secure communication.
What if the timer expires?
If you do not send BTC within 30 minutes, the deposit address expires and the order is automatically cancelled. You can start a new swap at any time.
7. API Reference
CipherSwap offers a simple REST API for partners and advanced users who wish to automate swaps. All endpoints are served over HTTPS and require an API key (contact us to request one).
Public Endpoints
/api/configReturns current exchange rate, fee percentage, and swap limits.
/api/ordersCreate a new swap order. Required body: btc_amount, xmr_address. Returns order details including deposit address.
/api/orders/:id/statusCheck the status of an existing order.
Full API documentation is available on request. Rate limits apply.
8. Tor / .onion Access
For enhanced privacy, CipherSwap is accessible as a Tor hidden service. Use the following .onion address in the Tor Browser:
ciphersxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.onion(The exact address will be provided via our official channels and PGP‑signed announcement.)
When using the .onion site, your connection is end‑to‑end encrypted and your IP address is hidden from both CipherSwap and any network observers.