In the process of daily transactions and transfers, especially during network congestion, issues such as failed transaction deposits and delayed arrivals are common. When a transaction doesn’t proceed as expected, it’s natural to worry about potential loss of assets. Using a blockchain explorer allows you to monitor on-chain status in real time.
This guide explains how to use blockchain explorers to find transaction records for popular tokens.
How to Use a Blockchain Explorer
The general process for using a blockchain explorer to find transaction records is consistent. However, it’s important to note that different tokens and withdrawal networks require different blockchain explorers. Selecting the appropriate explorer is essential for locating the correct transaction details.
- Identify the network used for the token withdrawal or transfer.
- Choose the corresponding blockchain explorer based on the network.
- Search using the transaction hash or wallet address to find the relevant records.
👉 Explore real-time transaction tools
BTC and BRC-20 Tokens
BRC-20 tokens, which gained significant attention this year—such as ORDI, PEPE, and PIZA—are created on the Bitcoin blockchain. These tokens can also be queried using blockchain explorers. By entering the transaction hash, address, or block number, you can access the corresponding transaction records.
ERC-20 Tokens
ERC-20 tokens, represented by ETH, can be tracked using the Etherscan explorer. Other common ERC-20 tokens include UNI, SHIB, LINK, and MX. Etherscan is accessible at: https://etherscan.io
A notable development is the emergence of Ethereum layer-2 networks, designed to address network congestion and high gas fees. Tokens on these layer-2 networks are still part of the ERC-20 standard but have their own blockchain explorers. For example, Polygon and Arbitrum require specific explorers.
Polygon
Polygon is widely used due to its low gas fees, making it a popular choice for NFT and GameFi projects. Its native token is MATIC. To query transaction data on the Polygon chain, use Polygonscan.
Other tokens commonly queried via Polygonscan include QUICK. While the number of native tokens frequently used on Polygon is limited, many users prefer this network for transfers from wallets to exchanges due to its speed and cost efficiency.
Arbitrum
Arbitrum, a prominent layer-2 solution, has attracted significant user attention. The mainnet launch and subsequent ARB airdrop created considerable buzz, drawing more users to the Arbitrum network. To look up ARB transaction records, use Arbiscan at: https://arbiscan.io/
Other tokens queried via Arbiscan include AIDOGE. Many of the meme tokens that followed AIDOGE were created on the Arbitrum network and can be tracked using this explorer.
BEP-20 Tokens
BEP-20 tokens, represented by BNB, require the Bscscan explorer for transaction queries. Common BEP-20 tokens include CAKE and DOGE. Many of the popular meme tokens from 2021 were BEP-20 tokens.
LTC
With the upcoming Litecoin halving event, discussion and interest in LTC have increased. To find Litecoin transaction records, you can use the multi-chain explorer Blockchair. Enter the transaction hash or wallet address to retrieve relevant transaction data.
TRC-20 Tokens
Before the rise of BNB Chain and Polygon, the TRON network was a top choice for transfers due to its low gas fees. TRX is the representative token of the TRC-20 standard, and all related transaction records can be found using the Tronscan explorer at: https://tronscan.org/
👉 Get advanced blockchain methods
Beyond transaction lookups, blockchain explorers offer insights into overall network activity, such as transaction volume and network health. Many third-party data sites use APIs from official blockchain explorers to compile statistics. Learning to use these tools is invaluable for daily trading and analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a transaction hash?
A transaction hash is a unique identifier for a blockchain transaction, often a long string of letters and numbers. It is used to track and verify transactions on the explorer.
Can I recover funds if a transaction fails?
If a transaction fails, funds are generally not lost. They may remain in your wallet or return after a network timeout. Always check the transaction status using the relevant explorer.
Are blockchain explorers free to use?
Yes, most blockchain explorers are free and provide real-time access to transaction details, network statistics, and contract information.
How do I find the right explorer for a token?
Identify the blockchain network the token uses (e.g., Ethereum, BSC, TRON). Each network has its own designated explorer, such as Etherscan for Ethereum or Bscscan for BNB Chain.
What information can I get from a blockchain explorer?
You can view transaction statuses, wallet balances, gas fees, block confirmations, smart contract details, and network activity metrics.
Why is my transaction taking so long?
Delays are often due to network congestion or low gas fees. You can monitor pending transactions and network status via the blockchain explorer.