> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.lightswap.me/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How swaps work

> The whole swap in four steps: choose a pair, add your wallet, send the deposit, track the payout.

Every swap on LightSwap follows the same four steps: on the website, in the widget, and in Telegram. No account and no wallet connection.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Choose the pair and amount">
    Pick what you send and what you receive, for example BTC to USDT. Enter the amount to get a live quote: the rate and the exact amount you'll receive.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add your wallet">
    Enter the address where you want to receive the coins. Check it carefully, because crypto transfers can't be reversed. Some networks, like XRP or Cosmos, also need a memo or destination tag. If the form asks for one, copy it exactly.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Send the deposit">
    Send the exact amount to the deposit address shown, on the network shown. Each quote has a time window. The swap page displays it, so send before it runs out.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Track the payout">
    Keep the swap page open to follow the deposit, the confirmations, and the payout. Most swaps finish in minutes. Cross-chain swaps take longer because two blockchains are involved.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What you need before you start

<Note>
  A wallet with the coins you want to swap, the receiving address for the coins you want, and a little extra to cover the network fee on the send.
</Note>

The [glossary](/glossary) explains addresses, networks, and hashes in plain language.

## What happens behind the scenes

Once your deposit arrives, we wait for network confirmations, execute the swap at the current rate, and send the payout. Each stage shows on the swap page. If something stalls, [contact support](/support).

<Tip>
  Swapping a large amount for the first time? Start with a small test swap.
</Tip>

Next: [what the quote includes](/fees-and-rates).