How to verify a transaction on the blockchain

Ever sent crypto and wondered, “Where’s my transaction?” A blockchain explorer puts you in control. In this guide, we’ll break down what a blockchain explorer is, how it works, and why it’s a must-have tool in every crypto enthusiast’s toolkit. You’ll discover how to use a blockchain explorer to track your transactions, check wallet balances, troubleshoot issues, and gain a clear window into the world of blockchains—all in plain English. We’ll also compare top explorer platforms, showcase OKX’s unified dashboard features, and offer actionable security pro tips. Let’s unlock the transparency of the blockchain together!

What Is a Blockchain Explorer?

A blockchain explorer is like a search engine for blockchain networks. It lets you view detailed information about crypto accounts, transactions, blocks, and more. Imagine Googling your crypto transaction—except here, you can see exactly which block it belongs to, whether it’s confirmed, and all details about the involved wallets.

Blockchain explorers have evolved since Bitcoin’s early days, starting as basic transaction list viewers and now offering real-time charts, wallet analytics, and multi-chain integration. Historically, Bitcoin block explorers paved the way, but now each network (from Ethereum to Solana) offers specialized options. Users typically use explorers to:

• Track the status of a transaction (crypto transfers, deposits, withdrawals)
• Research a wallet or address (checking balances or transaction histories)
• Explore live data about blocks, including miner/validator information

With OKX, you get an integrated blockchain explorer and account dashboard to manage both your on-chain and platform-based transactions in one place.

How Blockchain Explorers Work

Blockchain explorers connect to blockchain nodes, fetching publicly available data using APIs. These explorers organize raw blockchain data—blocks, transactions, wallet addresses—into a searchable and user-friendly interface. Whenever you submit a query (like a TxID or wallet address), the explorer fetches transaction details, confirmations, and activity directly from the decentralized network.

Why Use a Blockchain Explorer?

You might use a blockchain explorer to:

• Confirm when your deposit or withdrawal is finalized
• Monitor your crypto wallet balance in real time
• Investigate another address or track large (“whale”) transactions It’s much like using a search engine to look up who sent a payment or how busy the network is right now.

💡 Pro Tip: OKX’s unified dashboard shows both platform and on-chain transactions for maximum transparency.

Key Features of Blockchain Explorers

Modern blockchain explorers pack a ton of user-friendly functions. At their core, you’ll find:

• Block search: Lookup details of specific blocks by number or hash
• Transaction (TxID) lookup: Find out if a transfer is confirmed or still unconfirmed
• Wallet/address search: View historical balances and all transactions of a crypto wallet
• Network analytics: See mempool congestion, confirmation times, and on-chain statistics

OKX’s explorer offers advanced search filters plus instant alerts as soon as your transaction is confirmed, giving you peace of mind.

Blocks, Transactions, and Addresses

With any explorer, you can search by:

• Block: View block height, hash, timestamp, miner/validator, and included transactions
• Transaction: Plug in the TxID to see sender, receiver, amount, fee, and confirmation status
• Address: Input a crypto wallet address to view its balance, all incoming/outgoing transactions, and associated tokens

For example, entering a Bitcoin address into a bitcoin blockchain explorer reveals every transaction (with timestamps), confirming its transparency.

Confirmed vs Unconfirmed Transactions

• Confirmed transactions are added to a block and settled on-chain. These are visible with a confirmation count (e.g., 6 confirmations for high security in Bitcoin).
• Unconfirmed transactions sit in the mempool, awaiting inclusion. They might show as “pending” or “unconfirmed” in your explorer.

This matters: an unconfirmed transaction isn’t considered final. OKX’s explorer immediately notifies you of each confirmation milestone, so you always know when your funds are safe.

How Blockchain Transactions Are Verified

Understanding how a blockchain explorer tracks confirmations starts with how a transaction is processed:

The Verification Process Step-by-Step

1. Transaction initiated: You send crypto. A transaction is broadcast to the network.
2. Mempool holding: The transaction enters the “mempool”—a waiting area for unconfirmed transactions.
3. Miner/Validator selection: Miners (in Proof of Work) or validators (in Proof of Stake) pick transactions from the mempool to add to the next block.
4. Block inclusion: If your transaction is bundled into a block, it gains its first confirmation.
5. More confirmations: Each new block built on top of the block containing your transaction increases your confirmation count. Six confirmations is standard for most Bitcoin transactions; other networks may require fewer.
6. Explorer updates: Every step is visible in the blockchain explorer—watch confirmation numbers rise in real time!

With OKX, you’ll see confirmation counts on your dashboard for all deposits and withdrawals, streamlining your tracking process.

💡 Pro Tip: For high-value transfers, always wait for the recommended number of confirmations before considering the transaction final.

Consensus Mechanisms: Proof of Work vs Proof of Stake (and Beyond)

Not all blockchains verify transactions in the same way. The underlying consensus mechanism determines how new blocks are validated, affecting speed, energy use, and transaction finality.

Proof of Work Explained

Proof of Work (PoW) is the original consensus system used by Bitcoin and Ethereum (before Ethereum’s 2022 merge). Miners compete to solve cryptographic puzzles, consuming significant energy. Once a miner finds the solution, they add a block to the chain. Confirmation can take 10 minutes (Bitcoin) or longer during busy times.

Proof of Stake and Other Models

Proof of Stake (PoS) and variants (e.g., DPoS, PBFT) use validators who stake coins in order to propose/verify blocks. Examples: Solana, Cardano, and the OKX Chain. These systems generally offer faster confirmations (as low as a few seconds in Solana or OKX Chain) and are more energy efficient. However, each model has different security trade-offs.

OKX supports both PoW and PoS chains, and the OKX Chain itself uses a PoS model for speedy, secure confirmations.

Popular Blockchain Explorers by Network

Here’s a quick-reference table for the most popular explorers per major blockchain:

Choose the explorer that matches your network. OKX integrates OKLink for OKX Chain with your account dashboard—a unique advantage when you want both platform and on-chain visibility.

How to Use a Blockchain Explorer: Step-By-Step Guide

Ready to dive in? Here’s how to get the most out of any blockchain explorer, using OKX’s integrated tools and public explorers.

Checking a Transaction with TxID

1. Copy your TxID: On OKX, navigate to your account history. Find your recent withdrawal or deposit, and copy the transaction ID (TxID).
2. Open the explorer: Go to the matching blockchain explorer (e.g., OKLink, Etherscan).
3. Paste TxID: Enter your TxID in the explorer’s search bar.
4. Interpret results:
   • “Unconfirmed”/“Pending”: Still waiting for inclusion in a block.
   • “Confirmed”: You’ll see the number of confirmations and associated block.
5. Status updates: On OKX, you’ll also receive a notification once confirmations hit the safe threshold.

Locating Your Wallet's Balance and History

1. Get your wallet address: Use your OKX or external crypto wallet address.
2. Input address: Enter it into the explorer’s search field. For Ethereum, Etherscan is popular for ethereum wallet lookup and token details.
3. Review data: You’ll see:
   • Current balance
   • Full transaction history
   • NFT ownership (if relevant)
   • Token holdings

With OKX, you have both on-chain and platform balances in one unified dashboard, streamlining asset management.

Troubleshooting: Common Mistakes

• Wrong network: Using an Ethereum TxID on a Bitcoin explorer or vice versa—always double-check the chain.
• Typos: Crypto addresses and TxIDs are case-sensitive; a typo can return “no results.”
• Explorer delays: Occasionally, explorers lag behind the actual blockchain; try refreshing or using a different explorer if a result looks outdated.

💡 Pro Tip: Bookmark the support page for troubleshooting crypto deposits if you’re stuck—OKX can help with delayed or missing deposits.

What To Do If a Blockchain Transaction Is Delayed or 'Stuck'

Sometimes, your transaction hangs as “pending” or “unconfirmed”—don’t panic! Here’s why it can happen:

• Block space is full (network congestion)
• Your fee/gas was too low, making miners skip your transaction
• Temporary blockchain or explorer outages

What can you do?

• Use the explorer’s mempool view to see if your transaction is waiting for confirmation
• Wait for the network to clear; resending is usually not required unless fees were extremely low
• If funds are stuck coming into or out of OKX, check the confirmation status or contact OKX support for direct help

OKX offers automated notifications and step-by-step support for stuck deposits or withdrawals, keeping you updated in real time.

Explorer Tools vs Crypto Trackers: What's the Difference?

A blockchain explorer is a search engine for on-chain data: blocks, transactions, addresses. It doesn’t manage your portfolio. A cryptocurrency tracker helps you monitor portfolio value, track gains/losses, and manage multiple assets across exchanges and wallets.

When to use each:

• Use an explorer to verify a single transaction, check confirmation status, or research an address.
• Use a tracker for a holistic, real-time view of your portfolio performance.

OKX’s unified dashboard lets you track your portfolio alongside explorer-powered detail—all in one place.

OKX Blockchain Explorer: Fast, Unified Verification (Platform Tutorial)

With OKX, you don’t have to switch between multiple sites. Benefits:

• One-click verification for all crypto deposits, withdrawals, and on-chain transfers
• Integrated explorer lets you view confirmation counts, TxIDs, and full details without leaving your account page
• Automatic alerts as soon as your transaction is finalized for enhanced security

For power users, OKX offers advanced filters, asset category sorting, and direct links between your crypto wallet assets and on-chain data. The platform’s unified view is perfect for beginners and pros who want to streamline their crypto management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a blockchain explorer?

A blockchain explorer is a search engine for blockchain networks. It allows anyone to look up transaction details, wallet balances, and blocks, making blockchain activity transparent and trackable.

How do I use a blockchain explorer?

To use a blockchain explorer, first find your transaction ID or wallet address. Enter it into the search bar of the appropriate explorer (for the correct network). You’ll see the transaction’s status—pending, confirmed, fee paid—plus all related history, making tracking easy.

How do I know if a crypto transaction is confirmed?

Check the explorer for your transaction’s confirmation count. “Confirmations” appear when your transaction is included in a block and further validated by successive blocks. For most tokens, 1-6 confirmations mean your transaction is secure; times vary by network.

Can blockchain transactions be reversed?

No, blockchain transactions are irreversible. Once confirmed, they cannot be changed or undone. Be wary of scams that promise to “reverse” or “recover” lost funds—this is not possible on real blockchains.

Which blockchain explorer should I use for Bitcoin/Ethereum/Solana?

Use Blockchain.com or Blockstream for Bitcoin, Etherscan for Ethereum, and Solscan for Solana. Always make sure you pick an explorer that matches your asset’s network. Many blockchains have their own featured explorer listed on their official site.

What if my transaction is stuck or unconfirmed?

If your transaction is unconfirmed, check the explorer’s mempool for congestion. Wait for confirmations—most transactions clear in time. If it’s delayed for hours, contact OKX support or try rebroadcasting if it’s your own wallet.

Conclusion

Blockchain explorers give users an instant, transparent view into blockchains. Whether you’re tracking a single transaction, researching a wallet, or keeping tabs on network health, they are essential for beginners and experts alike. Here are the key takeaways:

• Blockchain explorers are like search engines for crypto, offering clarity on every adoption level
• Use them to verify confirmations, spot delays, or research crypto wallets
• Confirmed transactions are safest; always check multiple confirmations before considering funds final
• OKX’s unified platform offers one-click explorer integration, fast confirmation alerts, and built-in portfolio tools

Explore your blockchain journey today—try OKX for the most secure and seamless crypto experience.

Risk Disclaimer: Crypto trading carries risk. Always double-check addresses, use strong security settings, and remember blockchain transactions are not reversible. For more security tips, check our crypto wallet setup guide.