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Crypto wrong network selected – What to do?
A common error when transferring cryptocurrencies is the “Crypto Wrong Network” problem. You accidentally choose the wrong blockchain, and your coins seem to disappear – or do they? In this article, we explain what this error means and how you can fix it.
Why is it important to choose the right crypto network?
Many blockchains, such as Ethereum (ETH), Binance Smart Chain (BSC), or Polygon, have their own networks. When transferring coins or tokens between wallets or exchanges, you must choose the correct network; if you choose the Crypto Wrong Network, your coins may end up on a different blockchain than you intended. Each blockchain operates independently, meaning assets sent to an incorrect network will not automatically appear where you expect them to be. Since different networks have different transaction mechanisms and wallet structures, failing to use the right network can lead to temporary or even permanent loss of access to your funds.
What happens if you choose the crypto wrong network?
For example, if you want to send USDT from an exchange with the ERC-20 standard but accidentally select BEP-20, your tokens may end up on the Binance Smart Chain instead of Ethereum. This means your coins won’t be visible in your Ethereum wallet because they are technically stored on another blockchain. While they are not lost, they are inaccessible through the intended wallet unless specific steps are taken.
This issue also arises when using different versions of the same token. For instance, a token like USDT exists as ERC-20 (Ethereum), BEP-20 (Binance Smart Chain), and TRC-20 (Tron). Each blockchain has its own unique addresses and transaction tracking, which is why selecting the Crypto Wrong Network can cause confusion.
How to Rectify the Crypto Wrong Network Error
If you have mistakenly transferred your assets to the Crypto Wrong Network, don’t panic. In many cases, you can recover them by following these steps:
- Check the destination address: Make sure that your coins have actually arrived on another blockchain. You can check this with a block explorer (e.g. BscScan for Binance Smart Chain or Etherscan for Ethereum).
- Import the correct blockchain into your wallet: If you use MetaMask or Trust Wallet, you can often make the lost balance visible again by adding the corresponding network.
- Use a cross-chain bridge: If your coins have ended up on another blockchain, you could use a bridge to bring them back to the desired network.
- Contact the exchange’s support team: If you have sent to a central exchange, their support team may be able to help – although this is not always guaranteed.
How Can You Avoid the Crypto Wrong Network Mistake?
Prevention is better than cure, and when dealing with crypto transactions, a little extra caution can save you a lot of headaches. Here are some best practices to avoid selecting the Crypto Wrong Network:
Double-Check the Sending and Receiving Network
- Before initiating a transaction, ensure that both the sender and recipient support the same blockchain.
- Many exchanges explicitly mention which network you should select—pay close attention to this information.
Perform a Small Test Transaction
- Before sending a large amount, try sending a small amount first.
- If the small transaction is successful, proceed with the full amount to avoid the Crypto Wrong Network error.
Set Up Your Wallets Correctly
- MetaMask, Trust Wallet, and other multi-chain wallets allow users to switch networks. Ensure that you have added all the relevant networks and tokens you regularly use.
- If using a hardware wallet, confirm that it supports multiple blockchains and has the necessary configurations to prevent Crypto Wrong Network issues.
Use Whitelists and Address Books
Some exchanges and wallets allow you to whitelist addresses and preset network choices. This reduces the chance of accidentally selecting the Crypto Wrong Network.
Conclusion
Choosing the Crypto Wrong Network during a transfer can be stressful, but in many cases, the coins can be recovered. With the right tools and a little patience, you can solve the problem and prevent future mistakes. By double-checking your transactions and properly configuring your wallet, you can significantly reduce the risk of losing funds due to an incorrect network selection.
If you need help with this, please contact me via the contact form on crypto-recovery.ch or by email at: mail@crypto-recovery.ch.
