How do I cancel pending transactions in MetaMask?

To cancel a pending transaction in MetaMask, find it in the 'Activity' tab, click 'Cancel', confirm the cancellation, and pay the required gas fees.

Apr 17, 2025 at 09:29 pm

Understanding Pending Transactions in MetaMask

When you initiate a transaction in MetaMask, it enters a pending state until it is confirmed by the Ethereum network. Pending transactions are those that have been broadcast to the network but have not yet been included in a block. The time it takes for a transaction to move from pending to confirmed can vary based on network congestion and the gas price you set.

Reasons for Canceling Pending Transactions

There are several reasons you might want to cancel a pending transaction in MetaMask. You might have entered the wrong recipient address, set an incorrect amount, or simply changed your mind about the transaction. Additionally, if the network is congested and transactions are taking a long time to confirm, you might want to cancel and resubmit with a higher gas price to expedite the process.

Steps to Cancel a Pending Transaction in MetaMask

To cancel a pending transaction in MetaMask, you will need to follow a specific process. Here's how you can do it:

• Open MetaMask: Launch the MetaMask extension or mobile app.
• Go to Activity: Navigate to the 'Activity' tab where you will see a list of your transactions, including the one that is pending.
• Find the Pending Transaction: Identify the transaction you wish to cancel. It should be marked as 'Pending'.
• Speed Up or Cancel: Click on the transaction to see the options. You should see a 'Cancel' button. Click on it.
• Confirm the Cancellation: MetaMask will generate a new transaction to cancel the original one. You will need to confirm this cancellation transaction, which will require you to pay gas fees.
• Wait for Confirmation: The cancellation transaction will also enter a pending state and must be confirmed by the network. Once it is confirmed, the original transaction will be canceled.

Gas Fees and Cancellation

When you cancel a transaction, you need to pay gas fees for the cancellation transaction. The gas fee for cancellation is typically lower than the original transaction because it involves a simple transfer back to your wallet. However, you will still lose the gas fees you paid for the original transaction if it gets canceled.

What to Do If the Cancel Option Is Not Available

In some cases, the 'Cancel' button might not be available. This can happen if the transaction is too close to being confirmed or if the network is extremely congested. If you find yourself in this situation, you can try the following:

• Speed Up the Transaction: If the 'Cancel' option is not available, you might see a 'Speed Up' option instead. This allows you to resubmit the transaction with a higher gas price, which can help it get confirmed faster.
• Wait and Monitor: Sometimes, the best course of action is to wait and monitor the transaction. If it takes too long, you might need to consider other options like using a different wallet or contacting support.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When attempting to cancel a pending transaction, you might encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Transaction Not Showing as Pending: If the transaction is not showing as pending, it might have been confirmed already. Check the transaction hash on a blockchain explorer like Etherscan to confirm its status.
• Insufficient Funds for Cancellation: If you don't have enough funds to cover the gas fee for the cancellation transaction, you won't be able to cancel. You'll need to add more funds to your wallet.
• Network Congestion: If the network is congested, cancellation transactions might take a long time to confirm. Be patient and monitor the transaction's progress.

FAQs

Q: Can I cancel a transaction after it has been confirmed?
A: No, once a transaction is confirmed and included in a block, it cannot be canceled. Only pending transactions can be canceled.

Q: Will I get a refund for the gas fees of the original transaction if I cancel it?
A: No, you will not get a refund for the gas fees of the original transaction. You will, however, need to pay gas fees for the cancellation transaction.

Q: How long does it usually take for a cancellation transaction to be confirmed?
A: The time it takes for a cancellation transaction to be confirmed depends on network conditions. It can range from a few minutes to several hours during periods of high congestion.

Q: Can I cancel a transaction on other blockchain networks using MetaMask?
A: The ability to cancel transactions depends on the specific blockchain network. While MetaMask supports multiple networks, not all of them may support transaction cancellation in the same way as Ethereum. Always check the network's documentation for specific details.