What to do if MetaMask transaction fails? What is the appropriate gas fee setting?

If your MetaMask transaction fails, check its status on Etherscan, adjust gas settings if needed, and resubmit with a higher fee to ensure processing.

May 09, 2025 at 08:14 am

If you encounter a failed transaction on MetaMask, it can be frustrating and confusing. Understanding why the transaction failed and how to set the appropriate gas fee can help you navigate these issues more effectively. This article will guide you through the steps to take when a MetaMask transaction fails and provide detailed instructions on setting the right gas fee.

Identifying the Reasons for Transaction Failure

When a transaction fails on MetaMask, there are several potential reasons behind it. The most common causes include insufficient gas, network congestion, or incorrect transaction details. It's important to identify the specific reason for the failure to address it appropriately.

• Insufficient Gas: If the gas limit or gas price you set is too low, the transaction may not be processed by the network. Ethereum transactions require gas to execute, and if there isn't enough, the transaction will fail.

• Network Congestion: During times of high demand, the Ethereum network can become congested, leading to higher gas fees and slower transaction times. If your transaction is competing with many others, it might not be picked up by miners.

• Incorrect Transaction Details: Errors in the transaction details, such as the recipient address or the amount, can cause a transaction to fail. Always double-check the details before confirming the transaction.

Steps to Take When a Transaction Fails

If your MetaMask transaction fails, follow these steps to resolve the issue:

• Check the Transaction Status: First, check the status of the transaction on a blockchain explorer like Etherscan. Enter your transaction hash to see if the transaction is pending, failed, or stuck.

• Adjust Gas Settings: If the transaction failed due to insufficient gas, you'll need to resubmit the transaction with a higher gas limit or price. We'll cover how to set the appropriate gas fee later in this article.

• Wait for Confirmation: If the transaction is pending and you've set the gas correctly, wait for it to be confirmed. Sometimes, transactions take longer during network congestion.

• Cancel the Transaction: If the transaction is stuck and you need to proceed with other transactions, you can attempt to cancel it. To do this, you'll need to send a new transaction with the same nonce but a higher gas fee to replace the original transaction.

Setting the Appropriate Gas Fee

Setting the right gas fee is crucial for ensuring your transactions are processed efficiently. Here's how to set the appropriate gas fee in MetaMask:

• Open MetaMask: Launch the MetaMask extension or app and ensure you're connected to the correct network.

• Initiate a Transaction: Start a new transaction by clicking on "Send" and entering the recipient's address and the amount you want to send.

• Access Advanced Settings: Click on "Edit" next to the gas fee section to access the advanced settings. You'll see options for "Gas Limit" and "Gas Price."

• Set the Gas Limit: The gas limit is the maximum amount of gas you're willing to spend on the transaction. For standard transactions, a gas limit of 21,000 is usually sufficient. For smart contract interactions, you may need a higher limit.

• Set the Gas Price: The gas price is the amount you're willing to pay per unit of gas. You can use tools like Eth Gas Station or Gas Now to get current gas price recommendations. A higher gas price increases the likelihood of your transaction being picked up by miners quickly, but it also increases the cost.

• Confirm the Transaction: Once you've set the gas limit and price, review the transaction details and confirm. The total gas fee will be displayed, helping you understand the cost before proceeding.

Using MetaMask's Gas Fee Recommendations

MetaMask provides gas fee recommendations to help users set appropriate fees. Here's how to use them:

• Open MetaMask: Start by opening the MetaMask extension or app.

• Initiate a Transaction: Begin a new transaction by clicking "Send" and entering the recipient's address and amount.

• Check Gas Fee Recommendations: Before confirming the transaction, MetaMask will display three gas fee options: "Low," "Medium," and "High." These options are based on current network conditions and help you estimate the time it will take for your transaction to be processed.

• Select an Option: Choose the option that best fits your needs. If you need the transaction to be processed quickly, select "High." If you're willing to wait longer to save on fees, choose "Low."

• Confirm the Transaction: Review the total gas fee and confirm the transaction.

Resubmitting a Failed Transaction

If your transaction failed due to insufficient gas, you'll need to resubmit it with a higher gas fee. Here's how to do it:

• Find the Failed Transaction: In MetaMask, go to the "Activity" tab and find the failed transaction.

• Copy the Transaction Details: Click on the failed transaction to view its details. Copy the recipient's address, the amount, and the nonce.

• Create a New Transaction: Start a new transaction using the same recipient address and amount. Make sure to use the same nonce as the failed transaction.

• Set Higher Gas Fees: In the advanced settings, set a higher gas limit and gas price than the failed transaction. Use the recommendations from Eth Gas Station or Gas Now to ensure your new gas fee is competitive.

• Confirm the Transaction: Review the transaction details and confirm. The new transaction should replace the failed one and be processed by the network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I recover the gas fees from a failed transaction?

A: Unfortunately, gas fees from failed transactions are non-refundable. Once the gas is used to process the transaction, it cannot be recovered, even if the transaction fails.

Q: How long should I wait for a pending transaction to be confirmed?

A: The confirmation time for a pending transaction can vary depending on network conditions. During normal times, you might expect confirmation within 15 minutes to an hour. During high congestion, it could take several hours or even days.

Q: Is it possible to speed up a pending transaction without resubmitting it?

A: Yes, you can speed up a pending transaction by sending a new transaction with the same nonce but a higher gas fee. This new transaction will replace the original one and be processed more quickly.

Q: What should I do if my transaction is stuck and I need to proceed with other transactions?

A: If your transaction is stuck, you can attempt to cancel it by sending a new transaction with the same nonce and a higher gas fee. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you can proceed with other transactions.