How to Resend an Ethereum Transaction with a Higher Gas Price Using Ethers.js

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This guide explains the process of resending a stalled Ethereum transaction with an increased gas price using the Ethers.js library. We will cover essential concepts such as transaction parameters, nonce management, and the steps required to accelerate transaction confirmation on the Ethereum network.

Understanding Ethereum Transactions

A transaction on the Ethereum network represents an action that modifies the blockchain state, such as transferring ETH or interacting with a smart contract. Every transaction requires a fee known as gas, which compensates miners for the computational resources used.

Common Types of Ethereum Transactions

Key Transaction Parameters

Transaction Lifecycle

Transaction Signing
Signing cryptographically proves the sender authorized the transaction. It involves generating a digital signature using the sender's private key, which miners verify before processing.

Prerequisites

Setting Up the Development Environment

Verify Node.js installation by running:

node -v

Install the Ethers.js library (version 5.7 or compatible):

npm install --save [email protected]

If you encounter installation issues related to node-gyp, follow the official node-gyp installation instructions. Clearing the npm cache may also resolve problems:

npm cache clean

Generating a Wallet and Acquiring Test ETH

Create a new JavaScript file (e.g., index.js) and add the following code to generate a wallet:

const ethers = require('ethers');
const privateKey = '0xYourPrivateKeyHere'; // Replace with a valid private key
const wallet = new ethers.Wallet(privateKey);
console.log('Address: ' + wallet.address);

Run the script to display your wallet address:

node index.js

Obtain test ETH from a Kovan faucet (e.g., Kovan Faucet) by submitting your wallet address. Note: Test ETH has no monetary value.

Configuring the Ethereum Node Connection

Using a dedicated node provider simplifies access to the Ethereum network. Sign up for a service that offers Ethereum endpoints and replace the placeholder in your code with the actual HTTP provider URL.

Sending and Resending Transactions

Below is a sample script to construct, sign, and broadcast a transaction. Replace ADD_YOUR_ETHEREUM_NODE_URL with your node endpoint:

const ethers = require('ethers');
const url = 'ADD_YOUR_ETHEREUM_NODE_URL';
const customHttpProvider = new ethers.providers.JsonRpcProvider(url);
const privateKey = '0xYourPrivateKeyHere';
const wallet = new ethers.Wallet(privateKey);

const tx = {
  to: '0xRecipientAddressHere',
  value: ethers.utils.parseEther('0.05'),
  chainId: 42, // Kovan network ID
  nonce: 3 // Replace with the correct nonce for your address
};

customHttpProvider.estimateGas(tx).then(function(estimate) {
  tx.gasLimit = estimate;
  tx.gasPrice = ethers.utils.parseUnits('0.14085197', 'gwei');
  wallet.signTransaction(tx).then((signedTX) => {
    customHttpProvider.sendTransaction(signedTX).then(console.log);
  });
});

After running the script, copy the transaction hash and check its status on Kovan Etherscan. If the transaction remains pending due to low gas, resend it with the same nonce and a higher gas price:

// Modify the gasPrice value in the transaction object
tx.gasPrice = ethers.utils.parseUnits('2.14085197', 'gwei');

Re-run the script. The new transaction should confirm quickly due to the increased gas price.

Critical Note:
Always reuse the original nonce when resending a transaction. Using a different nonce will create a separate transaction instead of replacing the existing one.

Conclusion

Gas price competitiveness directly influences transaction confirmation time. During network congestion, miners prioritize transactions with higher gas prices. Resending a transaction with the same nonce and an increased gas price effectively replaces the original pending transaction, accelerating confirmation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why would a transaction remain pending?
Transactions can stall if the gas price is too low relative to network demand. Miners prioritize transactions offering higher fees, leaving low-gas transactions unconfirmed.

What is a nonce, and why is it important?
The nonce is a sequential number tied to a sender's address. It ensures transaction order and prevents replay attacks. Using the same nonce when resending allows the network to replace the original transaction.

How do I choose an appropriate gas price?
Use gas estimation tools or platforms like Etherscan to analyze current network conditions. Adjust your gas price based on real-time congestion metrics.

Can I cancel a pending transaction?
Yes, by sending a new transaction with the same nonce, a zero ETH value, and a higher gas price addressed to yourself. This replaces the original transaction without transferring funds.

Is it possible to resend transactions on other EVM-compatible blockchains?
Yes, the same principle applies to other networks like BSC, Polygon, or Avalanche. Always adjust the chainId and use a network-specific node.

What happens if I use the wrong nonce?
Transactions with incorrect nonces may get stuck or cause future transactions to fail. Always verify the next available nonce for your address using block explorers or node queries.