Google Searches for Bitcoin Hit 12-Month High Amid February Volatility

Global search interest for Bitcoin reached a 12-month peak during the week beginning February 1, 2026, according to provisional data from Google Trends.

Worldwide search activity hit a score of 100, the highest possible level on Google Trends’ relative scale, indicating a sharp resurgence in public attention toward Bitcoin during a period of extreme market turbulence.

Volatility Drives Retail Curiosity

The surge in search interest closely tracked Bitcoin’s violent price swings in early February.

Bitcoin fell from approximately $81,500 on February 1 to nearly $60,000 within five days, marking its lowest level since October 2024. This rapid decline appears to have acted as the primary catalyst for renewed retail engagement.

The previous major peak in search interest occurred between November 16–23, 2025, when Google Trends recorded a score of 95 as Bitcoin slipped below the $100,000 psychological level.

Signs of Retail Re-Engagement

Market observers interpreted the renewed spike in search activity as a signal that retail investors are re-entering the conversation.

Analysts, including the head of Europe at Bitwise, suggested the data indicates that “retail is coming back,” as investors evaluate potential dip-buying opportunities despite elevated fear levels.

At the same time, the Crypto Fear & Greed Index registered a score of 6, firmly within “Extreme Fear” territory, highlighting the contrast between rising curiosity and fragile sentiment.

Market Catalysts Behind the February Spike

Several high-impact events coincided with the jump in global search interest.

Exchange Error in South Korea

On February 7, 2026, the South Korean exchange Bithumb mistakenly sent more than $40 billion worth of Bitcoin to users. The error briefly triggered localized panic and selling pressure, contributing to heightened global attention.

Cross-Asset Deleveraging

The Bitcoin sell-off also occurred alongside broader cross-asset deleveraging, as weakness in major technology stocks prompted investors to liquidate crypto positions to meet margin requirements elsewhere.

Mining Stress

Adding to the narrative, the Bitcoin network implemented an 11.16% downward difficulty adjustment on February 7, the largest since 2021. The move reflected mounting pressure on miners as falling prices and high energy costs forced portions of the network offline.

Conclusion

The return of Google search interest to a 12-month high underscores how price volatility, not optimism, remains the dominant driver of retail attention. As Bitcoin experienced one of its sharpest drawdowns in over a year, public curiosity surged alongside fear, suggesting that periods of stress continue to function as the primary re-engagement trigger for retail participants rather than sustained price strength.

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