WORLDCRYPTOCURRENCY GUIDE
Verify a transfer

How to read a transaction in a block explorer

A block explorer shows public ledger data. It helps verify a transfer but does not prove who controls an address.

Illustration of a transaction traced in a block explorer
Illustration of a transaction traced in a block explorer
Short answer

Copy the transaction hash from your wallet, open a trusted explorer for the correct network, then compare status, addresses, asset, amount, fees and confirmations. Never enter a recovery phrase.

Pending

Broadcast but unsettled

Confirmed

Included in a block

Failed

Execution rejected

01

Start with a trusted source

Copy the hash from wallet history. Follow an explorer link in official network documentation and check the domain. Public lookup never requires connecting a wallet.

02

Read the status

Pending means a transaction is not yet in a block. Inclusion may still need more confirmations under the recipient’s rules. Some networks also distinguish finality.

03

Check the transfer

Compare addresses, token contract, quantity and fees. For contract calls, actual token movements can appear in event logs rather than the simple value field.

04

Investigate a mismatch

If the hash is missing, check the network and copy. Failed execution can still cost fees. For a wrong destination, contact the recipient promptly without assuming recovery is possible.

DATA

Key points

StateMeaning
PendingBroadcast but unsettled
ConfirmedIncluded in a block
FailedExecution rejected
Not foundCheck network or hash
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can an explorer reverse a transfer?

No. It reads the public ledger and does not control it.

Must I connect my wallet?

No, never for public transaction lookup.

Verifiable sources

Independent educational content reviewed against primary documentation. No personalized recommendation or promise of returns. Reviewed September 23, 2026