Bitcoin Halving: What It Is and When It Will Happen

/Sep 10, 2025

Key Takeaways

• Bitcoin halving occurs every four years, reducing miner rewards by 50% to control inflation and promote scarcity.

• The last halving took place on April 20, 2024, with the next expected in 2028, continuing until all 21 million Bitcoins are mined.

• Halving events can lead to increased market speculation, price volatility, and challenges for miners due to reduced profitability.

Understanding Bitcoin Halving

Bitcoin halving is one of the most pivotal and anticipated events in the blockchain and cryptocurrency ecosystem. Built directly into the core Bitcoin protocol, a halving reduces the reward miners receive for adding new blocks to the blockchain by 50% every 210,000 blocks—roughly every four years. This mechanism is designed to control the inflation rate of Bitcoin and to ensure its overall scarcity, with a final capped supply of 21 million coins1 4.

The last Bitcoin halving occurred on April 20, 2024, reducing the block reward from 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC. The next halving event is expected in 2028, continuing this cycle until all Bitcoins have been mined, which is projected to happen around the year 21404 3.

Why Does Bitcoin Halving Matter?

The halving event is crucial for several reasons:

Scarcity and Value: By decreasing the rate at which new Bitcoins enter circulation, halving promotes scarcity, a key factor in maintaining and potentially increasing Bitcoin’s value, according to principles of supply and demand1 5.
Network Security: Miners, who secure the network through proof-of-work, are incentivized by block rewards. Halving events challenge miners to become more efficient, as rewards decrease, often leading to industry innovation and competition5.
Inflation Control: Unlike fiat currencies, which are subject to unrestricted printing, Bitcoin’s issuance schedule is predictable and deflationary, helping it act as "digital gold" and a potential hedge against inflation 5.

How Bitcoin Halving Works

Bitcoin operates on a decentralized network of over 56,000 nodes, many of which are run by miners. These miners validate transactions and add them to the blockchain in blocks. Each block completion earns the miner a set reward, which is halved during each halving event2.

This reward reduction is hard-coded into the protocol and cannot be altered without a consensus-driven fork, which is exceedingly rare. The system is designed so that the halving occurs automatically and is predictable3.

Impact of Halving Events on the Crypto Market

Historically, Bitcoin halving events have triggered significant interest and speculation in the crypto markets. Reduced miner rewards can lead to a decrease in selling pressure from miners, which, combined with sustained or increased demand, often drives price volatility and market rallies. However, it also presents risks, including:

Potential miner exodus due to lower profitability, especially if Bitcoin’s price does not rise post-halving.
Increased transaction fees: As block rewards diminish, miners may rely more on transaction fees for revenue.
Market speculation: The halving is frequently discussed in media and investment circles, amplifying both optimism and caution in the ecosystem.

For more in-depth analysis and coverage of the latest halving event, you can read Bitcoin Halving 2024: Impact, Predictions & Expert Analysis.

Latest Industry Trends and What to Expect

The April 2024 halving has led to renewed conversations around network security, miner profitability, and Bitcoin’s role in a maturing global financial system. Post-halving, many analysts continue to monitor the hash rate, mining distribution, and broader market sentiment. Insights from recent studies suggest that while past halvings have frequently been followed by bullish price trends, there is no guaranteed outcome, and the crypto market remains susceptible to various macroeconomic and regulatory factors. For ongoing developments and market reactions, you can follow Kraken’s coverage of Bitcoin halving.

How Can Users Prepare for Bitcoin Halving?

Whether you are a long-term holder, miner, or new investor, preparing for the effects of halving involves:

Staying Informed: Track industry news and analyses from reputable sources. Chainalysis provides regular updates on blockchain trends and the implications of halving events: Chainalysis Bitcoin Halving Insights.
Securing Assets: As price fluctuations can increase post-halving, using a secure wallet to store your Bitcoin is critical. Cold wallets, such as hardware wallets, provide robust protection against online threats.

Choosing a Secure Hardware Wallet: Why OneKey Stands Out

As the industry evolves and the importance of security grows—especially around major events like Bitcoin halving—storing your Bitcoin in a hardware wallet becomes essential for safeguarding your assets against cyber threats. OneKey hardware wallets offer a seamless user experience, robust security features, and support for the latest blockchain advancements, making them a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced crypto users.

Investors preparing for future market events and potential volatility can benefit from OneKey’s open-source architecture, multi-platform compatibility, and proven commitment to security. In a time when safeguarding digital assets is more important than ever, OneKey provides the peace of mind needed to navigate the dynamic world of cryptocurrency.

For more information about the upcoming halving and its impact on the market, continue exploring industry resources and consider securing your Bitcoin holdings with a trusted solution like OneKey.