How to read an NFT's smart contract on Etherscan?

An NFT's smart contract on Etherscan lets you explore ownership, metadata, and transaction history via Read Contract and Events tabs.

Jul 18, 2025 at 06:56 am

Understanding the Purpose of NFT Smart Contracts

To begin with, an NFT's smart contract is essentially a self-executing agreement written in code that governs the behavior and functionality of a specific NFT. These contracts are deployed on blockchain networks like Ethereum, and they define everything from ownership to transferability and metadata handling. Before diving into how to read them, it’s crucial to understand what you're looking at when you open a smart contract on Etherscan.

The contract address acts as the unique identifier for the NFT collection or individual token. This address allows users to interact directly with the contract, whether through reading functions or executing transactions. The ABI (Application Binary Interface) is another key component—it outlines how to interact with the contract by listing all available functions and events.

Navigating to the Correct Contract on Etherscan

To start reading an NFT's smart contract, you first need to locate its contract address. This can usually be found on NFT marketplaces like OpenSea, LooksRare, or Blur. Once you have the address, copy it and navigate to Etherscan.io, which is the most commonly used explorer for Ethereum-based contracts.

• Paste the contract address into the search bar
• Click the magnifying glass icon to initiate the search
• You will be redirected to the contract page

On this page, several tabs appear, such as Contract, Read Contract, Write Contract, Events, and more. Each tab serves a different purpose. For instance, the Contract tab displays the verified source code, while the Read Contract tab lets you call view-only functions without spending gas.

Exploring the Read Contract Tab

After reaching the contract page, click on the Read Contract tab. This section allows you to query the contract without making any changes to its state. It’s especially useful for checking things like token names, symbol details, owner balances, and other static data.

Each function listed here has a corresponding Query button. Clicking it sends a read-only request to the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) to fetch the current value associated with that function.

• Locate the name() function and click Query to retrieve the NFT collection name
• Find the symbol() function to get the token symbol
• Use the balanceOf(address) function by entering a wallet address to see how many tokens that address holds

These functions are non-destructive and safe to use since they do not alter the contract's state. They provide essential information about the NFT without requiring transaction confirmation or gas fees.

Interpreting the Write Contract Functions

If you're interested in performing actions like transferring tokens or approving third-party access, you’ll need to visit the Write Contract tab. Unlike the Read Contract section, this area requires interaction with the blockchain and thus involves gas fees.

Before proceeding, ensure you're connected to a wallet like MetaMask or Trust Wallet.

• Click on the Write Contract tab
• Connect your wallet using the Connect to Web3 button
• Scroll through the list of functions such as transferFrom, approve, or setApprovalForAll

Each function will prompt you to input parameters. For example, transferFrom(from, to, tokenId) needs the sender’s address, receiver’s address, and the specific token ID being transferred.

• Fill out the required fields
• Click the Write button after reviewing the inputs
• Confirm the transaction in your wallet

It's important to note that interacting with these functions can change the state of the blockchain and should be approached with caution. Always double-check addresses and token IDs before confirming any action.

Analyzing Events and Transaction History

Another valuable feature on Etherscan is the Events tab, which logs all past interactions with the contract. This includes transfers, approvals, and minting activities. By examining these events, you can trace the history of an NFT, including who owns it and when it was last moved.

• Go to the Events tab
• Look for entries labeled Transfer, Approval, or Mint
• Click on individual event rows to expand and view detailed transaction data

This tab provides transparency and auditability, allowing users to verify ownership transitions and detect potential anomalies. Additionally, the Transactions tab shows all incoming and outgoing transactions related to the contract, giving further insight into its activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the contract say “No Contract Source Code Verified”?

Some contracts aren’t verified, meaning their source code isn’t publicly visible. Without verification, it becomes difficult to assess the contract’s true functionality or security implications.

Can I read an NFT contract on other blockchains besides Ethereum?

Yes, explorers like BscScan (for Binance Smart Chain), Polygonscan (for Polygon), and Solscan (for Solana) offer similar functionalities for reading smart contracts, though the interface may differ slightly.

What if I don't see the Read Contract tab on Etherscan?

Ensure that the contract is verified. If the source code hasn’t been published, you won’t be able to interact with functions via the Read Contract interface.

Is it safe to interact with Write Contract functions?

Interacting with Write Contract functions is generally safe if done correctly and on verified contracts. However, always ensure you’re aware of the function’s purpose and confirm all parameters before submitting a transaction.