From ffa6bf4944c4c883970b8a9b6e7386459d5efd0d Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Sjors Provoost Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2026 13:32:01 +0200 Subject: [PATCH] bip138: clarify zero and omitted birth times Explain that zero and omission both mean the birth time is unknown. Recommend scanning from the wallet birthday if known, otherwise from genesis. --- bip-0138.md | 4 ++++ 1 file changed, 4 insertions(+) diff --git a/bip-0138.md b/bip-0138.md index 555bb3de..e8974260 100644 --- a/bip-0138.md +++ b/bip-0138.md @@ -487,6 +487,8 @@ descriptor set, with `start <= end`. `birth_time` is an optional integer Unix timestamp in seconds, indicating a lower bound for when the descriptor set may have received funds. Importing wallets MAY use this value as a scanning hint. +If `0` or omitted, no lower bound is known. Importers SHOULD scan from the wallet +birthday if known, otherwise from genesis. #### BIP388 Wallet Policy Backup Content @@ -529,6 +531,8 @@ policy, with `start <= end`. `birth_time` is an optional integer Unix timestamp in seconds, indicating a lower bound for when the policy may have received funds. Importing wallets MAY use this value as a scanning hint. +If `0` or omitted, no lower bound is known. Importers SHOULD scan from the wallet +birthday if known, otherwise from genesis. ##### Multiple Policies Document