How to send crypto to another wallet address?

Understanding Wallet Addresses

1. A wallet address is a unique alphanumeric identifier that represents a destination for cryptocurrency transfers.

2. Each blockchain has its own address format — Bitcoin uses Base58 or Bech32, Ethereum relies on hexadecimal addresses starting with '0x', and Solana employs base58-encoded strings.

3. Addresses are case-sensitive in some networks; entering even one incorrect character may result in irreversible loss of funds.

4. Public keys generate wallet addresses, but private keys remain essential for authorizing outgoing transactions.

5. QR codes often accompany wallet addresses to simplify manual entry and reduce human error during transfers.

Selecting the Correct Network

1. Sending ETH on the Ethereum mainnet differs fundamentally from sending it via Arbitrum or Optimism — mismatched networks lead to stuck or lost assets.

2. Tokens like USDC exist across multiple chains — USDC on Ethereum is not interchangeable with USDC on Polygon without bridging.

3. Wallet interfaces usually display network selection before confirming a transaction; users must verify this setting matches the recipient’s expected chain.

4. Some wallets auto-detect network compatibility based on address prefix, yet this feature is not universal nor foolproof.

5. Transaction explorers such as Etherscan or Solscan allow verification of whether an address actively receives funds on a given network.

Initiating the Transfer

1. Access the “Send” or “Transfer” function inside your wallet application or exchange interface.

2. Paste or scan the recipient’s wallet address into the designated field — avoid editing any part of it after input.

3. Enter the exact amount of cryptocurrency to be sent, keeping in mind minimum balance requirements and dust limits.

4. Choose gas fee parameters if supported — low priority may delay confirmation, while high priority accelerates inclusion in the next block.

5. Review all details including address, amount, token symbol, and network before signing with your private key or hardware device.

Confirming Transaction Status

1. Once signed, the transaction receives a hash — a unique string used to track movement across the blockchain.

2. Wallets typically show pending status until miners or validators confirm the operation through consensus mechanisms.

3. Confirmation time varies: Bitcoin averages ten minutes per block, Ethereum ranges from 12 to 20 seconds, Solana processes in under a second.

4. Failed transactions still consume gas and appear on-chain with status “reverted”, requiring no further action beyond checking smart contract logic.

5. Successful transfers reflect in the recipient’s wallet only after finality — defined differently per chain, ranging from one to over 64 confirmations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I cancel a crypto transaction after it's been broadcast? No. Once submitted to the mempool and included in a block, the transaction becomes immutable and cannot be reversed or canceled.

Q: What happens if I send tokens to an incompatible wallet address? If the address exists on another chain and holds no corresponding asset, those tokens become inaccessible unless the receiving wallet supports that chain and token standard.

Q: Why does my wallet show “insufficient balance” when I have enough funds? This occurs when available balance doesn’t cover both the transfer amount and required network fees — especially common during periods of elevated gas prices.

Q: Is it safe to reuse the same wallet address for multiple incoming transactions? Yes. Reusing public addresses does not compromise security, though privacy-focused users prefer generating new addresses per receipt to avoid on-chain linkage.