As a ledger, a blockchain keeps a record of each transaction ever to have occurred on the network. Unlike banks, however, public blockchains keep this information open to everyone. This means that the information about all transactions can be freely accessed from anywhere across the globe. All you need is a connection to the internet.
As a ledger, a blockchain keeps a record of each transaction ever to have occurred on the network. Unlike banks, however, public blockchains keep this information open to everyone. This means that the information about all transactions can be freely accessed from anyplace across the globe. All you need is a connection to the internet.
Depending on the currency of a transaction, you will have to check the respective blockchain to get insight into that transaction. For example, if you have transferred some ETH and wish to check the status of that transaction, you will have to consult the Ethereum blockchain.
Cryptocurrency transaction tracking essentials
- Transaction data stored in public blockchains is accessible to everyone.
- A transaction contains transaction data, the amount of currency transferred, the sender’s address, the receiver’s address and the timestamp.
- Each transaction is assigned a transaction ID, or TXID, which is a hash of all transaction data.
- Transactions and their statuses can be tracked using a full node, a wallet or blockchain explorer websites.
Transaction data
When a digital currency payment is made to a given address, details about that transfer are added to the blockchain. When it comes to most blockchains, these details are publicly available. They include:
- Amount of cryptocurrency sent;
- Sender’s address;
- Receiver’s address;
- Date of transfer.
Each transaction is assigned its own transaction ID, also referred to as TXID. At times, the person who you are transferring your currency to might ask you to provide that transaction ID. This is just to confirm that the transaction actually took place. Transaction IDs are similar to reference numbers in payment orders.
Cryptocurrency transactions also provide proof that the transfer has been successful or unsuccessful. If you need to check whether a transaction has already been processed, its transaction ID will help you find all the necessary transfer details. Typically, the status of a transaction is determined by the number of confirmations it has amassed in the blockchain.
Tracking transactions
Transaction information can easily be obtained in most wallets, but it’s also accessible to people who don’t own any cryptocurrency and have no wallet. There are many different websites which you can use to check transactions on the blockchain. Because each blockchain is a separate ledger, they each have their own explorer websites. Provided below is an explorer for some of the largest cryptocurrencies by market cap.
Bitcoin
Ethereum
Litecoin
Bitcoin Cash
Solana
XRP
These are just examples. There are a number of other blockchain explorers to choose from, so feel free to use any page that you might prefer. Once you have found your page of choice, proceed to the following three steps:
- You will need to find the search field on your explorer website. Once you’ve found it, you’ll have to enter transaction data specific to your cryptocurrency transaction. You can search by different parameters. These include the receiver’s address, the sender’s address, the hash of the block containing the transaction data, or the TXID itself, if you have it. If you don’t, a good place to start is the receiver’s address.
- If you have entered the correct data, you will be provided with a list of all the receiver’s transactions so far. If the receiver has been involved in many transactions, the easiest way to find a particular transaction is to search by the exact amount sent. If you’re using a desktop device, you can use keyboard shortcuts to search for the exact amount sent. If you’re using Windows, press Control + F, and if you are using MacOS, use the Command + F combination. Then, enter the exact value of the transaction in the search bar, and your browser will take you to the transaction you are trying to find.
- Once you have found the transaction you have been looking for, you will be able to see its transaction ID. Typically, it is a long string of letters and numbers. You can copy this transaction ID and share it with another person. You may be requested by the receiving party to provide this ID, so that it is easier for them to check the transaction data themselves.
If you trade cryptocurrency, knowing how to check the details and status of a transaction that you are involved in is a key to keeping track of your activities and investments.