Cryptocurrency transactions are completely transparent and traceable on public blockchains. This guide will teach you how to use Ethereum's block explorer to check transaction history and wallet balances.
Getting Started with Etherscan
Etherscan (https://etherscan.io/) is the most popular Ethereum block explorer. While the interface may seem intimidating at first, its core functions are straightforward:
- Homepage Search Bar: Paste any wallet address, transaction hash, or ENS name
- Search Button: Click "Search" to retrieve on-chain data
- Results Page: Displays comprehensive blockchain records
👉 Need help understanding blockchain basics?
How to Check Wallet Activity
Let's examine wallet address 0xf358f43A6b5...0d215A984076f85 as an example:
- Enter the address in Etherscan's search bar
Review the dashboard showing:
- Current ETH balance
- Transaction count
- QR code for the address
Click any "TxHash" to view:
- Transaction amount
- Sender/recipient
- Timestamp
- Gas fees paid
Pro Tip: If a transaction doesn't appear, it likely failed to execute.
Tracking Token Transfers
Ethereum explorers also support ERC-20 token tracking. Here's how to view KyberNetwork (KNC) transfers:
- Navigate to the "Token Transfers" tab
- Filter by token name or contract address
- View all incoming/outgoing token movements
Common Transaction Failures
| Failure Type | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Out of Gas | Insufficient gas limit | Resend with higher gas |
| Reverted | Smart contract error | Check contract requirements |
| Bad Instruction | Execution error | Verify transaction parameters |
Important notes about failed transactions:
- Still incur gas fees
- Don't deduct tokens from balance
- Appear in transaction history
👉 Learn how to optimize gas fees
ENS Domain Lookups
Ethereum Name Service (ENS) simplifies address management with human-readable domains like 888.eth. To search:
- Enter the ENS name instead of hexadecimal address
- View all associated transactions
- Check registered wallet details
FAQ Section
Why can't I see my transaction on Etherscan?
Transactions typically appear within 1-2 minutes. If delayed:
- Check your wallet's pending transactions
- Verify the transaction wasn't dropped
- Confirm successful broadcast to the network
How do I find my transaction hash (TxHash)?
The TxHash appears:
- In your wallet's transaction history
- On exchange withdrawal confirmations
- In MetaMask after sending funds
What gas price should I use?
Current network conditions determine optimal gas:
- Check EthGasStation for live metrics
- Wallets often suggest appropriate levels
- Time-sensitive transfers may require higher fees
Can I track NFTs on Etherscan?
Yes! The explorer supports:
- ERC-721 tokens
- NFT transfer history
- Smart contract verification
This comprehensive guide covers all essential functions for monitoring Ethereum blockchain activity through Etherscan. Bookmark it for future reference when investigating transactions or verifying wallet balances.