How to view a transaction on Etherscan from MetaMask?

What Is Etherscan and Why Use It with MetaMask?

Etherscan is a blockchain explorer specifically designed for the Ethereum network. It allows users to search, verify, and analyze transactions, smart contracts, and wallet addresses on the Ethereum blockchain. MetaMask, on the other hand, is a popular Ethereum wallet that enables users to interact with decentralized applications (dApps) and manage their digital assets seamlessly.

When you send or receive Ethereum or ERC-20 tokens through MetaMask, it's crucial to confirm the transaction using a blockchain explorer like Etherscan. This ensures transparency and helps in verifying whether a transaction has been successfully processed or is stuck due to gas issues.

How to Access Transaction Details from MetaMask

After completing a transaction via MetaMask—whether it’s sending ETH, interacting with a dApp, or approving a token—you can directly view the transaction on Etherscan. Here's how:

• Open your MetaMask extension
• Navigate to the Activity tab
• Locate the specific transaction you want to investigate
• Click on the three dots icon (•••) next to the transaction
• Select 'View on Etherscan'

This action will open a new browser tab directing you to the Etherscan page of that particular transaction. From there, you can explore detailed information about the sender, receiver, value transferred, gas fees, and the current status of the transaction.

Understanding the Transaction Page on Etherscan

Once you're on the Etherscan page for your transaction, you’ll see several sections filled with technical data. Let’s break down what each part means:

• Transaction Hash (Txn Hash): A unique identifier for your transaction, represented as a hexadecimal string. You can use this hash to look up the transaction anytime.
• Status: Displays whether the transaction was successful (Success) or failed (Fail).
• Timestamp: Indicates when the transaction was mined and confirmed on the Ethereum blockchain.
• From & To: Shows the sender and receiver wallet addresses involved in the transaction.
• Value: The amount of ETH or tokens transferred.
• Transaction Fee (Gas Used × Gas Price): The total fee paid in ETH to execute the transaction.

These details help users verify if funds were sent correctly or if any adjustments are needed, such as increasing gas fees for pending transactions.

Checking Token Transfers via Etherscan

If your MetaMask transaction involves an ERC-20 token transfer, Etherscan provides additional insights into the movement of these tokens. On the transaction page, scroll down to the 'Token Transfer' section. Here, you'll find:

• The name and symbol of the token
• The amount transferred
• The contract address of the token
• Whether the token was sent or received

Clicking on the token name will redirect you to its dedicated Etherscan page, where you can view all transactions associated with that token. This feature is especially useful for tracking token approvals and contract interactions, which are common when using DeFi platforms.

Troubleshooting Transactions Using Etherscan

Sometimes, a transaction might not appear as expected in your MetaMask wallet. In such cases, Etherscan becomes a critical tool for troubleshooting. Here’s what you should check:

• If the transaction status is still 'Pending,' it may be due to low gas prices. You can speed it up by resubmitting with higher gas via MetaMask.
• If the transaction shows a 'Reverted' status, it likely failed due to an error in the smart contract execution. Review the 'Logs' section on Etherscan to understand why.
• Check the nonce value if you suspect transaction replacement or duplication. Nonce represents the number of transactions sent from a specific address.

By cross-referencing MetaMask activity with Etherscan data, users gain full visibility into their Ethereum-based operations and can resolve discrepancies effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I view internal transactions on Etherscan from MetaMask?

Yes, you can. While MetaMask only displays standard external transactions, Etherscan reveals internal transfers initiated by smart contracts. These appear under the 'Internal Txns' tab on the transaction page.

How do I track a token approval from MetaMask on Etherscan?

After approving a token in MetaMask (e.g., for a DeFi app), go to the transaction in your activity log and click 'View on Etherscan.' Under the 'Logs' section, you’ll see the approval event, including the spender address and the approved amount.

Does Etherscan support viewing transactions from MetaMask mobile?

Absolutely. Whether you're using MetaMask on desktop or mobile, every transaction includes a 'View on Etherscan' button. Tapping or clicking it opens the corresponding Etherscan page in your default browser.

Can I verify contract interactions from MetaMask on Etherscan?

Yes. When interacting with a smart contract—such as providing liquidity or staking—you can review the interaction details on Etherscan. Look for the 'Contract Interaction' label under the transaction overview to see the function called and parameters used.