In the world of cryptocurrency, transactions don’t always go as smoothly as expected—especially during periods of network congestion. You might experience delays, failed deposits, or unconfirmed transfers, leading to concerns about whether your funds have been lost. The good news? You can verify every crypto transaction on the blockchain using a blockchain explorer.
A blockchain explorer functions like a search engine for public ledger data. By entering a transaction hash, wallet address, or block number, you can track the real-time status of any transaction across various networks. This guide walks you through how to use blockchain explorers effectively to check transaction records for popular token standards in 2025.
What Is a Blockchain Explorer?
A blockchain explorer is a web-based tool that allows users to view and analyze transactions, addresses, blocks, and network activity on a blockchain. Think of it as Google for blockchain data—transparent, real-time, and accessible to anyone.
👉 Discover how blockchain transparency protects your digital assets today.
Whether you're sending Bitcoin, swapping ERC-20 tokens, or withdrawing BEP-20 coins to an exchange, using the correct explorer ensures you can independently verify every step of your transaction.
How to Use a Blockchain Explorer to Track Transactions
The process of checking transaction history is consistent across most blockchains. Follow these three simple steps:
- Identify the network used – Confirm which blockchain network was selected during the transfer (e.g., Ethereum, BNB Smart Chain, Polygon).
- Choose the correct blockchain explorer – Each network has its own dedicated browser.
- Search by transaction hash or wallet address – Paste the TXID (transaction ID) or wallet address into the search bar to retrieve full details.
Let’s dive into specific networks and their corresponding explorers.
Tracking BTC and BRC-20 Tokens
Bitcoin (BTC) transactions—and newer BRC-20 tokens like ORDI, PEPE, and PIZA—are recorded directly on the Bitcoin blockchain. Despite being inscriptions rather than smart contract tokens, their movements are still traceable.
Use Blockchair or Ord.io to explore BRC-20 transfers:
- Enter the transaction hash or Bitcoin address
- View confirmation status, fees, block height, and more
These tools help confirm whether an inscription has successfully moved between wallets or if it’s stuck due to low miner fees.
Checking ERC-20 Token Transactions
ERC-20 is the most widely adopted token standard on Ethereum. Popular tokens like UNI, SHIB, LINK, and MX all operate under this framework.
The go-to explorer? Etherscan — the leading browser for Ethereum-based activity.
However, Ethereum’s high gas fees led to the rise of Layer 2 (L2) scaling solutions, where many ERC-20 tokens now live. These require specialized explorers:
Polygon (formerly Matic)
Polygon offers fast, low-cost transactions—ideal for NFTs and GameFi projects. Its native token is MATIC, but it supports many ERC-20-compatible tokens such as QUICK.
To track transactions:
- Use Polygonscan
- Search by TX hash or address
- Monitor gas usage and contract interactions
Even if you're not actively using Polygon dApps, many exchanges route withdrawals through this chain due to cost efficiency.
👉 See how Layer 2 networks are reshaping crypto transaction speed and cost.
Arbitrum
Arbitrum is one of the most popular Ethereum L2 networks. After its ARB airdrop created massive user interest, numerous projects—including meme coins like AIDOGE—launched here.
To verify Arbitrum transactions:
- Visit Arbiscan
- Input your transaction ID
- Check confirmation status and smart contract calls
Many new "zoo coins" are deployed on Arbitrum, making Arbiscan essential for investors tracking early-stage token movements.
Monitoring BEP-20 Tokens
BEP-20 is the primary token standard on BNB Smart Chain (BSC). It supports fast and affordable transactions, making it ideal for decentralized exchanges and yield farming.
Key BEP-20 tokens include:
- BNB – The native coin
- CAKE – From PancakeSwap
- DOGE (BEP-20 version) – Bridged version for BSC
To explore BEP-20 activity:
- Use BscScan
- Search by wallet or TXID
- Review token approvals and contract interactions
⚠️ Always ensure you’re checking the correct network—especially with bridged tokens like DOGE (available on both TRC-20 and BEP-20). Sending to the wrong chain may result in permanent loss.
Tracking Litecoin (LTC) Transactions
Litecoin remains a reliable payment-focused cryptocurrency. With its upcoming halving event, interest in LTC has surged in 2025.
To check Litecoin transactions:
- Use Blockchair — a multi-chain explorer supporting LTC
- Enter your transaction hash or receiving address
- View confirmations, fee rates, and block data
Blockchair provides clean visuals and real-time updates, ideal for verifying everyday payments or exchange deposits.
Verifying TRC-20 Token Transfers
Before Polygon or BSC existed, Tron (TRX) dominated low-cost transfers. Today, it's still widely used for stablecoin transactions (like USDT) due to near-zero fees.
The main TRC-20 token is TRX, but others include:
- USDT (Tron version)
- BTT
- NFTs on Tron network
To explore Tron-based activity:
- Use Tronscan
- Paste your transaction ID
- View energy consumption, bandwidth usage, and token transfers
Many exchanges default to TRC-20 for USDT withdrawals because of speed and cost advantages.
Why Learning Blockchain Explorers Matters
Beyond simple tracking, blockchain explorers offer deep insights:
- Real-time network congestion levels
- Average transaction fees
- Top active addresses
- Smart contract verification
- Token supply distribution
They empower users to:
- Verify deposit confirmations independently
- Troubleshoot failed transactions
- Audit DeFi interactions
- Detect potential scams via suspicious addresses
Many third-party analytics platforms pull their data directly from these official explorers—meaning you can access raw data first-hand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a transaction hash (TXID)?
A: A transaction hash (or TXID) is a unique string of characters that identifies a specific crypto transaction on the blockchain. You can use it to track the status of any transfer in an explorer.
Q: Can I track transactions without knowing the TXID?
A: Yes. If you don’t have the TXID, you can search using the sender’s or receiver’s wallet address. However, this will show all activity linked to that address.
Q: Why does my transaction show “pending” for hours?
A: This usually happens during network congestion or when gas fees are too low. You can check the current average fee on the explorer and decide whether to speed up the transaction (if supported).
Q: Are blockchain explorers safe to use?
A: Yes—official explorers like Etherscan, BscScan, and Tronscan are secure and free. Just make sure you’re visiting the correct website to avoid phishing scams.
Q: Can someone see my balance using my wallet address?
A: Yes. All blockchain data is public. Anyone can view your transaction history and current balance by searching your address—but they cannot access your private keys or funds.
Q: Do I need an account to use a blockchain explorer?
A: No. Blockchain explorers are public tools—no registration or login required.
Core Keywords for SEO Optimization
This guide naturally integrates key search terms including:
- blockchain explorer
- check transaction history
- verify crypto transfer
- track BTC transaction
- ERC-20 token tracker
- BEP-20 explorer
- TRC-20 USDT tracking
- Polygon transaction lookup
These keywords align with common user queries related to transaction verification across major networks.
👉 Gain full control over your crypto transactions—start exploring the blockchain now.
Understanding how to use blockchain explorers is essential for every crypto user. Whether you're confirming a deposit, troubleshooting a failed withdrawal, or auditing DeFi activity, these tools give you full visibility into your digital asset movements—no middleman needed.