etherscan

What Is the Etherscan Blockchain Explorer?

Etherscan Blockchain Explorer is a website that allows users to view data on the Ethereum blockchain, functioning similarly to how a bank statement provides transaction records, but for a public blockchain ledger. Etherscan organizes information such as blocks, transactions, wallet addresses, tokens, and smart contracts into easily readable pages, enabling users to verify transfers and developers to troubleshoot issues.

Ethereum operates as a public transaction network where anyone can access on-chain data. Etherscan does not store or manage your assets; it merely displays information directly from the blockchain. This means it is a tool for verification, not for conducting transfers or deposits/withdrawals on your behalf.

How Does Etherscan Display Blocks and Transactions?

Etherscan retrieves public data from Ethereum nodes and presents it from three main perspectives: blocks, transactions, and addresses. You can think of a block as a “page in the ledger” containing a batch of transactions, while a transaction is “an individual transfer or smart contract interaction.”

Gas refers to the “transaction fee” required to compensate network resources. On each transaction details page, Etherscan displays the gas price, gas limit, and actual gas used, helping users understand the cost structure of their operation. It also shows the transaction status (success or failure), block number, confirmation count, and other key information.

As of the second half of 2025, daily transaction volume on Ethereum remains in the millions (source: Etherscan Charts, trend statistics), so Etherscan’s pages frequently feature rapidly updated data and charts to help users monitor network congestion and fee fluctuations.

How to Check Transaction Status with Etherscan

You can check transaction status using either the transaction hash (TxID) or a wallet address. Once you search for the transaction details page, you’ll see status, block, confirmations, and fee information.

Step 1: Copy the transaction hash from your wallet or exchange record. For example, in Gate’s deposit record, locate and copy the relevant TxID.

Step 2: Open Etherscan’s homepage, paste the TxID into the search bar, and hit Enter. If you only have the recipient address, search for it first and then find the transaction in the “Transactions” list.

Step 3: On the transaction details page, review fields such as “Status,” “Block,” “Confirmations,” “Gas Used,” and “Value.” A status of “Success” means the transaction is confirmed on-chain; “Pending” indicates it is still awaiting inclusion in a block; “Fail” usually results from insufficient gas or unsatisfied contract conditions.

Step 4: Pay attention to “InputData” and “Logs.” InputData contains instructions passed when calling a contract; Logs act as an “event bulletin,” recording events triggered by this transaction, such as token transfers.

How to View Addresses, Tokens, and Holdings on Etherscan

On any address page, Etherscan displays balance, transaction history, internal transactions (contract-to-contract transfers), and token holdings. Think of an address as your “account number.”

Step 1: Search for your address to enter its details page. You will see sections like “ERC-20 Token Holdings” and “Transactions.”

Step 2: In the token-related section, verify the token contract address. The contract address serves as the unique identifier for each token. If multiple tokens share similar names, always rely on the contract address to avoid confusion or counterfeit tokens.

Step 3: Check “Analytics” or holding trends to track inflows, outflows, and balance changes over time. For NFTs, you’ll see “ERC-721/1155” holdings to verify your collections and transfer records.

Note: If you see unexpected airdropped tokens in your holdings, always confirm the contract address and check project announcements. Many phishing tokens use fake transfers to lure users into interacting with malicious contracts—never grant permissions or swap these assets without due diligence.

How to Read Smart Contract Information Using Etherscan

A smart contract is a self-executing program deployed on-chain. On a contract page, Etherscan provides sections for “Code” (source code), “ABI” (like an instruction manual listing callable functions), “Read Contract” (for viewing data), “Write Contract” (for executing functions), and “Events” (event logs).

In short: Through the Etherscan contract page, you can read contract states without coding or interact with contracts directly after connecting your wallet.

Step 1: Open the contract address page for a token or dApp. Under the “Contract” tab, explore “Code,” “Read,” and “Write.” If you see “Contract Source Code Verified,” it means the code has been submitted by developers and verified for public review.

Step 2: Under “Read Contract,” select functions like querying total supply or checking an account’s balance. These are read-only actions that do not consume gas.

Step 3: To use “Write Contract,” you must connect your wallet. Typical write operations include approving token allowances or executing specific contract functions. These actions consume gas and may change your asset balances—ensure you understand each function and its parameters before proceeding.

Step 4: Review “Events” and “Logs” to understand contract activity. For instance, a token transfer event (“Transfer”) will show sender, recipient, and amount—helpful for auditing asset flows.

Advanced Features and API of Etherscan

Beyond basic queries, Etherscan offers advanced features like gas tracking, address labels, ENS name display, token allowance checker, analytics charts, CSV exports, and API services.

• Gas Tracker: Monitor current fee levels and historical trends to select optimal gas prices. In late 2025, base fees typically fluctuate in the tens of Gwei range but may spike during congestion.
• Address Labels & ENS: Some addresses are tagged as exchanges, contracts, or notable accounts. If linked with an ENS name, it will display a readable label for easy identification.
• Token Allowance Checker: View which contracts an address has authorized to spend your tokens and use this information with your wallet to revoke approvals if necessary.
• Charts & Stats: Access macro-level data on transaction volume, address growth, etc., supporting research and decision-making.
• API: Developers can apply for an API key to access endpoints for transactions, balances, events, and more. Free tiers suit lightweight usage; higher quotas are available for high-throughput or commercial applications.

How to Use Etherscan During Gate Deposits and Withdrawals

When facing delayed or missing deposits on Gate, Etherscan is your primary troubleshooting tool. It can confirm whether a transaction is on-chain, successful, correctly funded with fees, and sent to the right contract or address.

Step 1: Copy the transaction hash (TxID) from your Gate deposit or withdrawal record.

Step 2: Search this TxID on Etherscan to check “Status” and “Confirmations.” If successful with enough confirmations, on-chain status is generally fine; if still pending, network congestion or low gas price might be the cause.

Step 3: Verify the “To” field (recipient) and the “Token Transfer” records to ensure funds went to Gate’s correct deposit address or designated contract. If there’s a mismatch, stop further action immediately and contact Gate support.

Step 4: For ERC-20 tokens, confirm that the token contract address matches what’s listed on Gate’s project page to avoid accidentally sending assets to a counterfeit contract. If needed, provide screenshots of transaction details and contract addresses to customer support for faster troubleshooting.

What Risks Should You Watch Out For When Using Etherscan?

Etherscan is purely a data interface; it does not manage your funds. However, there are several information and operational risks to consider:

• Domain & Phishing Sites: Always ensure you’re accessing the official domain—beware of phishing clones. Never enter your private key or mnemonic phrase on any website.
• Token Confusion: Similar names do not guarantee identical assets; always verify using the official contract address from trusted sources or Gate’s project page.
• Write Operation Risks: Double-check all functions and parameters before submitting transactions via “Write Contract.” Mistaken approvals or interactions with malicious contracts can result in asset loss.
• Overreliance on Labels: Address tags are not infallible; always corroborate with multiple information sources.
• Data Context: On-chain data is real-time but requires context for interpretation. For complex contracts or cross-chain operations, consult project documentation and Gate’s official announcements.

Key Takeaways on Using Etherscan

Etherscan is your gateway for viewing information on the Ethereum blockchain—ideal for verifying transactions, checking addresses and token balances, understanding smart contract behavior, and monitoring gas fees. By organizing complex blockchain data through blocks, transactions, and event logs—and offering advanced features like gas tracking, labeling, allowance checks, and APIs—Etherscan streamlines blockchain analysis. For best results during deposits or withdrawals on Gate, cross-reference transaction records with project page contract addresses. Always exercise caution with write operations by verifying all functions and data sources; if you encounter suspicious tokens or sites, stop immediately and verify both domain names and contract addresses to minimize risk.

FAQ

What Is Etherscan and Why Use It?

Etherscan is Ethereum’s most widely used blockchain explorer for viewing all transactions, addresses, and smart contracts on-chain. It acts as a blockchain "x-ray"—allowing you to see detailed records of every transfer, wallet balances, transaction statuses, and more. Whether you need to confirm if a transaction succeeded, review an address’s history, or research smart contracts, Etherscan is an essential tool.

How Do I Look Up My Wallet Address on Etherscan?

Enter your wallet address (starting with 0x) into Etherscan’s homepage search bar and click search. You’ll see details including wallet balance, complete transaction history, token holdings list, etc. If a transaction hasn’t been confirmed yet its status will be shown as "Pending"; once successful it will display "Success" along with gas fee details.

Why Hasn’t My Transaction Arrived? How Can I Check on Etherscan?

Search for your transaction hash (Txn Hash) on Etherscan to view its real-time status. "Pending" means it’s still awaiting confirmation; if it says "Success" but your balance hasn’t updated you may have entered an incorrect receiving address. During periods of network congestion transactions may take over ten minutes—check whether your gas fee was set too low as insufficient gas can delay processing.

How Can I Tell If a Token Is Safe Using Etherscan?

Search for the token’s contract address on Etherscan to review its codebase, trading volume, and holder distribution. Secure tokens typically feature audited open-source codebases, substantial trading volume, and decentralized ownership rather than concentration among large holders ("whales"). If the code is disorganized or holders are highly concentrated—or if risky functions exist—proceed with caution. Combine this analysis with reviews from reputable exchanges like Gate for further validation.

What Else Can Etherscan Do Besides Transaction Tracking?

Etherscan offers much more than simple transaction lookups—you can view real-time gas prices using its Gas Tracker feature; monitor smart contract states; track large transfers; analyze network statistics; and more. Advanced users can leverage its API for data extraction or application development. For traders in particular, Gas Tracker helps identify optimal timing for submitting transactions at lower fees.