What Happens When Crypto Is Sent to the Wrong Address?

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Updated: June 13, 2023

how to recover crypto sent to wrong network

If you’re unsure about an address, especially when dealing with a new recipient, send a small test amount first to confirm everything is in order. This method works best for non-custodial wallets where you own the private keys. Importing the wallet via private keys gives you access to assets stored there. If a wallet supports both networks–Ethereum and BSC– finding and retrieving your tokens should be seamless. Search for the list of tokens for each network; if your token is not enabled, you can undo that and enable it.

How to Retrieve Crypto Sent to the Wrong Network

If you are about to make a big transaction to a new address, it is wise to send a small test transaction first to confirm the correctness of the address. Recovery is only possible if the wallet owner can be identified and contacted. If it is an exchange account, the exchange can be contacted for a possible recovery attempt. Always verify the recipient address and the target network before confirming any crypto transaction.

How to Avoid Sending Crypto to the Wrong Address

  1. After successfully importing your wallet address, you should be able to see the mistakenly sent funds within the new wallet.
  2. Search for the list of tokens for each network; if your token is not enabled, you can undo that and enable it.
  3. MetaMask supports many ERC-20 tokens, and users often overlook the network before transferring tokens like BEP-20.
  4. Research these companies carefully and choose one with a proven track record of successfully recovering lost funds.

In this case, the asset is not lost but sent to the wallet through the wrong network. All crypto assets are marked by their respective standards, reflecting their network or https://cryptolisting.org/ perhaps their indigenous blockchain network. Each standard also reflects which blockchain they are compatible with and the types of wallets — custodial or non-custodial.

Check if the Receiving Wallet Supports Both Networks

Accidentally sending tokens to a crypto wallet that doesn’t support the blockchain they’re based on is the most common mistake people make while sending crypto. For example, using an Ethereum-based wallet and purchasing tokens on different networks, like BEP-20, can lead to this error. MetaMask supports many ERC-20 tokens, and users often overlook the network before transferring tokens like BEP-20.

How to recover crypto you accidentally sent to the wrong network address

how to recover crypto sent to wrong network

In a case where an asset is sent to a non-EVM network with a similar wallet structure (like Taraxa and SUI), the asset might be unrecoverable. This is because the asset is not universal to these networks as the smart contract that governs its generation and transaction doesn’t exist on the destination network. Assets can be bridged to non-similar networks if the facility for such operation is available and used correctly. For instance, assets cannot be wrongly transferred to Bitcoin, Tron, or Solana blockchain from Ethereum since the wallet structure is totally different. Liquidating digital assets requires either sending or withdrawing processes which can go south if proper care is not taken. When sending or receiving crypto on Binance, it is essential to know the network you’re sending from and the destination.

how to recover crypto sent to wrong network

It’s also important to remember that there is no guarantee of success, and the funds may be lost permanently. Using MetaMask, for example, you’ll have to click on the “import tokens” to search for your preferred token and add it. This method is recommended only if you have exhausted the available options and large amounts of crypto are involved. Several companies specialize in crypto asset recovery, E.g., Coinfirm, CipherBlade, Ontrack, and M2 Recovery. To get back your Ethereum, send the Binance-pegged Ethereum to your Gate.io BEP-20 Address for Ethereum; the tokens will be received as Ethereum on your Gate.io account.

Always exercise extreme caution while handling your private key or seed phrase to avoid exposing your wallet to potential theft or hacks.b. Double-check your network and wallet compatibility before initiating a recovery process to avoid further errors.c. Verify wallet reputation and security features before importing your private key to ensure a safe retrieval of your assets. In conclusion, recovering cryptocurrency sent to the wrong address is quite difficult due to the irreversible nature of blockchain transactions. By following preventive measures like double-checking addresses and networks, using QR codes, and testing transactions, you can minimize the chances of any sort of error.

On the positive side, this means that your transactions cannot be halted or rejected by a governing entity. However, it also means full accountability with little external support, besides community forums. While transacting cryptocurrencies, mistakes can occur due to ignorance or an oversight caused by distraction or excitement. With the way the blockchains are built, wrong transactions might be irreversible, although in some cases, there’s a way around it. Let’s explore the possible options for recovering crypto sent on the wrong network.

However, if a mistake still occurs, act quickly and explore recovery options, but be prepared for the possibility that funds may not be retrievable. That is why it is always advised to be extra cautious while dealing with your crypto funds. If you’re already using a wallet supporting both networks, then the process is even simpler. Find the exact contract address of the cryptocurrency you’ve sent, then add the address for that token to your wallet. You can find the address on that network’s official website or on sites like CoinMarketCap and CoinGecko.

You can use two options to transfer your tokens back to your preferred network. All you have to do is to send your token back to your preferred network. This is why it is essential to understand the token standard of the respective blockchain and which token standard can be sent to or received with a specific network and wallet. In this case, you need to get the seed phrase of the wallet you sent the coins to (Exodus). If you don’t have the seed phrase, you can find it in the settings of most wallet apps.

Cryptocurrency trading is an integral part of the crypto market where assets are exchanged, withdrawn, or sent to various networks as the case may require. When these digital assets are exchanged, they are usually sent or received via a crypto wallet, where they are eventually stored or kept. Before confirming the transaction, carefully verify both the recipient’s address and the selected network. Take the time to check each character and make sure you have copied the address as it is. If you are not sure about the network for the cryptocurrency you are transferring, a quick Google search can solve the problem. First, verify from the recipient that they have sent the correct address.

Some centralized exchanges provide asset recovery services for wrong transfers to any of their wallets. While the terms might vary depending on the exchange, affected individuals what are the costs for free on board could be able to get the whole or a part of the lost asset. Generally the process is irreversible, as all Bitcoin and cryptocurrency transactions are final.