Base32 Decode
Decode Base32 safely and inspect the exact bytes it really represents
Safety note: Base32 work stays in your browser. This page uses RFC 4648-style Base32, which is the format most TOTP secrets use before they become
otpauth:// URIs. Decode RFC 4648 Base32
This decoder accepts uppercase or lowercase input and ignores spaces or hyphens before decoding.
What Base32 Encodes
Base32 turns raw bytes into an alphabet built from A-Z plus 2-7. That makes it more human-friendly than Base64 in some contexts, especially manual authenticator setup, but it also means the bytes only round-trip if the alphabet and padding rules stay consistent.
Encode or Decode Base32
- Paste the Base32 string and click Decode Base32.
- Use the decoded hex output when the payload is binary or not clean UTF-8 text.
- Copy the output exactly. Changing case, punctuation, or padding changes the decoded bytes.
Why Base32 Shows Up in OTP
Many TOTP secrets are stored or shared as Base32 because the alphabet avoids symbols that are awkward to type or read aloud. That same convenience is why you often need a quick Base32 check before you build an otpauth:// URI.