Base32 decoder
This Base32 decoder turns Base32 back into readable text or raw bytes. Developers use it to inspect two-factor authentication secrets, encoded identifiers and data from systems that use RFC 4648 Base32.
- Runs in your browser
- Free, no account needed
- Copy or download the result
Result
Example
JBSWY3DPFQQHO33SNRSCC===
Hello, world!
How to use the base32 decoder
- Paste Base32 into the Base32 to decode box.
- Pick the Alphabet: Base32 or Base32hex.
- Pick the Decoded output: UTF-8 text or Hexadecimal bytes.
- Press Run, then Copy result or Download.
How it works
Upper and lower case are both accepted, and spaces and line breaks are ignored.
Padding is optional, but if = signs are present there must be the right number at the end. Lengths that no valid encoding can have are rejected.
A character outside the chosen alphabet is reported with its position. The digits 0, 1, 8 and 9 are not part of standard Base32.
The last character must not carry stray bits. Bytes that are not valid UTF-8 text produce an error, so choose Hexadecimal bytes for binary data such as authenticator secrets.
Everything runs in your browser. Your input is not uploaded or stored.
Questions and answers
Why does my authenticator secret fail to decode as text?
Those secrets are random bytes, not text. Choose Hexadecimal bytes as the Decoded output to see them.
Why is 0 or 1 rejected?
Standard Base32 does not use the digits 0, 1, 8 or 9, partly to avoid confusion with letters such as O and I. If your data uses them, it may be Base32hex.
Do I need the = padding?
No. Input without padding decodes the same way. If padding is present, it must be correct.
Is my data uploaded?
No. It runs in your browser, and nothing you paste is sent to a server.