Cryptocurrency is gaining increasing popularity: year after year, the number of people deciding to invest their funds in this digital asset is growing. In 2024, the number of cryptocurrency owners exceeded 560 million — an impressive figure!
The rapid growth in the number of users is due to the dynamic development of the cryptocurrency market. New convenient services are emerging, making it easier to work with cryptocurrency.
Despite the development of crypto platforms, difficulties sometimes arise due to the nature of the technology. One common problem is sending cryptocurrency to the wrong network. But there's no need to despair, as there are ways to recover the funds.
How does the blockchain work?
The functioning of blockchain is based on distributed ledger technology — a database without centralized management. Information is stored on the devices of all network participants. A consensus mechanism based on an algorithm is used to ensure data relevance. Participants regularly update the information and maintain the current version.
The architecture of the blockchain consists of chains of blocks, each containing information about transactions. Validators are responsible for adding new blocks, confirming operations. Data is added to the structure sequentially and chronologically. This system ensures data security and prevents alteration or deletion after being added to the network. Because of this, there is no possibility of getting money back after a transfer in the blockchain, even if it was made by mistake.
Each blockchain has its unique protocols, wallet address structure, and coin standards. Popular networks in the cryptocurrency market in 2025 include Tron, Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, Polygon, Bitcoin, Solana, and others.
Why do errors occur during crypto transfers?
Blockchains are standalone systems that almost do not interact with other networks. However, cryptocurrencies can be compatible with multiple blockchains, creating conditions for technical errors during transfers. An additional factor contributing to errors is the similarity of address structures in some networks. A user may accidentally send funds to the wrong blockchain, and the system (wallet, exchange) does not recognize the errors.
Examples of such networks include:
- Ethereum — one of the largest blockchains and DeFi platforms;
- Ethereum Classic — a network with the characteristics of the original Ethereum;
- Binance Smart Chain — a blockchain from the Binance exchange, compatible with Ethereum;
- Polygon — a scalable sidechain of Ethereum.
Signs of sending funds to the wrong network
There are several signs indicating that an error occurred during the transfer:
- Funds did not arrive in the account. This happens if the recipient's wallet does not exist on the network to which the transfer was made, and the funds are 'stuck' in the blockchain.
- Funds not displayed in the wallet. This problem may occur when using a wallet that works with multiple blockchains. You need to switch the wallet to the network where the funds were sent to see them in your account.
- To rule out other errors, you can check the transaction:
- Track the transfer through a blockchain explorer. There are several services (for example, Etherscan and Blockchair) that allow you to find a crypto transaction and see its characteristics — including the network and current status.
- Check the sending/receiving address. One of the important steps in solving the problem is to ensure that the funds were not sent to another user.
Ways to recover funds
The choice of the recovery method depends on the conditions of the transfer. Let's examine them in more detail.
Custodial services
A custodial wallet is different in that its owner does not have access to their private keys: the key is stored by the provider. This allows representatives of the platform to assist in retrieving funds. Contacting support does not always lead to the desired result and may incur additional costs, but it is the only option for users of custodial services.
Non-custodial services
The second option is working with a non-custodial wallet that does not support the network to which the funds were sent. In this case, to recover the funds, you will need to import the recipient wallet's private key into one of the services that works with multiple blockchains, including the required one (MetaMask, Trust Wallet). Once the import is complete, the funds will appear in the account.
Wallets that support multiple networks
The simplest situation is sending funds to a wallet that supports multiple blockchains. If the service works with the network to which the funds were sent, you just need to switch to this network. Guides provided by the wallet will help you understand how to do this. How to protect yourself from mistakes when conducting cryptocurrency transactions
To avoid losing your money and making mistakes during the cryptocurrency transaction process, it is important to follow simple precautions:
- Check the transaction details. Before confirming the deal, carefully verify the accuracy of the address and network selection. This will help avoid many problems.
- Test transactions. Before making a large transfer, it is recommended to send a small amount to the desired address to verify the accuracy of the entered data.
- Using wallets that support multiple networks. Such a wallet will allow quick recovery of access to coins in case of an error during the transfer.
Choosing the wrong network is a common problem that can lead to loss of funds. Unfortunately, due to the nature of blockchain technology, reversing a transfer is impossible. However, there are ways to solve this problem and get your money back: import the private key into another wallet, contact the support service, or switch to the correct blockchain. Even if there's no guarantee of a successful outcome, the chance of getting the funds back still remains.
Attention and caution when making transfers will help you completely avoid this problem.
How often do you conduct cryptocurrency transactions? Have you encountered difficulties when choosing a network? I await your comments.