How a Bitcoin Mixer Works
Understanding the way bitcoin transaction mixing works could be a Gordian knot for many crypto novices. However, a simple look at how these services function could make them much easier to use for those interested in enhancing their cryptocurrency privacy.
The best bitcoin mixers are capable of providing a high level of security and privacy through their use of complex mixing algorithms designed to thoroughly shuffle and obfuscate the trail left by a user’s bitcoin transactions. Moreover, they are able to provide a variety of features to enhance the effectiveness of their mixes, such as a no-logs policy, randomized transaction delays, and flexible fees.
To use a bitcoin mixer, you must first have a wallet to store your coins in, either on your computer or through an exchange such as Binance and OKEx. You should then transfer your coins to the mixer’s bitcoin address and wait for a period of time, after which the service will return your mixed funds back to your wallet.
While centralized bitcoin mixers offer the highest degree of security, they aren’t without their risks. Since they manage users’ mixing logs, they can be compelled to share this information with governments or blockchain forensic experts during investigations.
Decentralized bitcoin mixers, on the other hand, rely on blockchain protocols such as CoinJoin to obscure their users’ transactions. As a result, they are less susceptible to government pressures. However, they can still be shut down if they are linked to illegal activities such as money laundering.