Last Updated: March 2026
A blockchain explorer is like Google for the blockchain—it lets you search and view every transaction, wallet, and smart contract on a public blockchain. This guide explains how to use explorers for tracking transactions, researching tokens, and verifying information.
What Can You Do with a Blockchain Explorer?
- Track transactions: Look up any transaction by its TXID to see status, confirmations, and details. See transaction ID guide
- View wallet balances: Check any wallet’s holdings and transaction history
- Verify smart contracts: Read contract code, check if it’s verified and audited
- Check token info: Total supply, holder distribution, and top holders. See tokenomics guide
- Monitor gas prices: See current network fees. See gas guide
Major Blockchain Explorers
- Etherscan (etherscan.io): Ethereum mainnet. The most-used explorer
- Arbiscan (arbiscan.io): Arbitrum. See L2 guide
- Basescan (basescan.org): Base
- Solscan (solscan.io): Solana
- Blockchain.com: Bitcoin
- Mempool.space: Bitcoin (with excellent mempool visualization)
How to Use Etherscan
Look Up a Transaction
- Go to etherscan.io
- Paste a transaction hash (TXID) in the search bar
- View: status (success/fail), from/to addresses, value, gas used, timestamp
Check a Wallet
- Paste a wallet address (0x…) in the search bar
- View: ETH balance, token holdings, transaction history, NFTs
- Useful for checking whale wallets. See whale guide
Research a Token
- Search or paste the token contract address
- View: total supply, holders count, top holders, transfers, contract code
- Check if contract is verified (green checkmark = source code is public)
- Essential for detecting scam tokens. See rug pull guide
Practical Uses
- Missing deposit: Exchange deposit not showing? Look up the TXID to see if it’s confirmed. See sending guide
- Token due diligence: Before buying a new token, check holder distribution on the explorer. See research tools
- Verify approvals: See which contracts have approval to spend your tokens
- Tax records: Full transaction history for tax reporting. See tax guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my wallet address public?
Yes—all transactions on public blockchains are visible to anyone. Wallet addresses are pseudonymous (not tied to your real name), but sophisticated analysis can sometimes link addresses to identities. See KYC guide.
Can I see who owns a wallet?
Not directly—addresses don’t display owner names. However, some known addresses are labeled (exchange wallets, project treasuries). Nansen and similar tools label additional wallets.
Is using a blockchain explorer free?
Yes — all major explorers (Etherscan, Solscan, Mempool.space) are free to use for anyone.
