Sending cryptocurrency is usually quick and reliable, but sometimes transactions can get stuck or remain unconfirmed for hours—or even days. When this happens, it can be frustrating and confusing, especially if you're waiting on funds or trying to complete an important trade.
In this guide, we’ll explain why crypto transactions sometimes don’t go through right away, how to check their status, and what actions you can take to speed things up or recover from the issue. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned user, understanding how the blockchain handles transactions will give you more control and peace of mind.
1. What Does “Transaction Not Confirming” Mean?
When you send cryptocurrency, your transaction is broadcast to the blockchain network. For the transfer to be completed and verified, miners (or validators, depending on the network) need to include it in a block. This is known as a confirmation.
If a transaction is stuck:
It hasn’t been included in any block.
It remains in the mempool (a waiting area for pending transactions).
The recipient won’t see or use the funds until it’s confirmed.
2. Common Reasons a Crypto Transaction Gets Stuck
Understanding the cause helps you choose the right fix. The most common reasons include:
Low Transaction Fee
The biggest reason for delays is a low network fee. If you set a fee that’s too low compared to the current network demand, miners may skip your transaction for others that offer higher fees.
Network Congestion
When many users are sending crypto at the same time (like during price surges), the network becomes clogged, and your transaction waits in line.
Wrong Nonce (Ethereum Transactions)
On Ethereum, the nonce (transaction number) must be in order. Sending multiple transactions too quickly can cause newer ones to fail until older ones are processed.
Wallet or Platform Delay
Sometimes, the delay is caused by the wallet app or exchange itself. For example, if you're using a platform like Crypto.com and experiencing ongoing issues, it might help to check their status page or even reach out to their team. If problems persist, contacting the crypto.com customer service phone number can help clarify whether the issue is on their end or the blockchain’s.
3. How to Check Transaction Status
You can monitor your transaction using a blockchain explorer. Just copy and paste your transaction hash (TXID) into a tool like:
Blockchain.com Explorer (for Bitcoin)
Etherscan.io (for Ethereum)
Solscan.io (for Solana)
These tools show:
How many confirmations your transaction has
Whether it’s still pending
If it was dropped or replaced
4. What to Do If Your Transaction Is Stuck
Here are the most common solutions:
Wait It Out
Sometimes, the network is just slow. If you’re not in a hurry and the fee is reasonable, your transaction might go through after some time.
Replace-by-Fee (RBF) — Bitcoin
If you enabled RBF when sending your BTC, you can resend the same transaction with a higher fee, which motivates miners to pick it up faster.
Speed Up or Cancel (Ethereum)
Some Ethereum wallets allow you to:
Speed up the transaction by resending it with a higher gas fee.
Cancel a pending transaction (before it's confirmed) by sending a 0 ETH transaction with the same nonce.
Tip: These features are available in MetaMask, Trust Wallet, and other major wallets.
5. What If the Transaction Fails or Disappears?
If your transaction eventually fails or gets dropped from the mempool:
Your crypto will stay in your wallet.
You can try resending the transaction with a higher fee.
Double-check the wallet balance and recent transactions before taking new action.
If you’re using an exchange or mobile app, and the funds were deducted but not received, reach out to their support team for help. You might need to share the TXID or screenshots for verification.
6. How to Avoid This Problem in the Future
Here are a few simple steps to prevent stuck transactions:
Use recommended network fees. Many wallets suggest optimal fees based on current traffic.
Send test transactions when transferring large amounts.
Avoid peak hours if possible—fees are often lower during quiet periods.
Always keep your wallet app updated to benefit from new features like fee estimation or transaction replacement.
Conclusion
Having a crypto transaction stuck and unconfirmed can be stressful, but most cases are fixable with patience or small adjustments. By understanding how transaction confirmations work and using the right tools to monitor or speed things up, you can stay in control of your funds.
And if you’re ever unsure whether the issue is on your end or the platform’s, don’t hesitate to contact the wallet or exchange support for guidance. The more informed you are, the smoother your crypto experience will be.
