Sent crypto on the wrong network? What to do first
Sent USDT on TRC20 to a BEP20 address, or to an exchange that doesn’t support that network? In many cases the funds are not lost. Here is how to check, calmly, before you trust anyone.
1. Don’t panic, don’t send more
The worst move is sending a “test” transfer the same way, or paying someone who promises a quick fix. Stop, and keep everything: the transaction hash, screenshots and any support replies.
2. Check the transaction
Copy the transaction hash (TxID) from your wallet or exchange history and paste it into the block explorer of the network you sent on: Tronscan for TRC20, BscScan for BEP20, Etherscan for ERC20. Confirm it is successful and note the receiving address.
3. Work out where the funds landed
- Your own wallet (MetaMask, Trust Wallet, a hardware wallet): usually recoverable by you.
- An exchange deposit address: the exchange controls it. Recovery depends on their policy.
- A contract or token address: hardest case, often not recoverable.
4. If you sent to your own wallet
Addresses on Ethereum, BNB Chain, Polygon and other EVM networks look the same. If the receiving address is yours, add the correct network to your wallet using the same seed phrase or device, and the balance appears. You may need a little of that network’s coin for fees to move it.
5. If you sent to an exchange
Open a ticket with the TxID, the coin, the network used and screenshots. Many exchanges can credit unsupported deposits manually, sometimes for a fee and after a few weeks. Keep it short and complete, and follow up on the same ticket.
6. Beware of “recovery” scammers
The moment you post about a lost transfer, fake “recovery experts” will message you. They ask for your seed phrase or an upfront fee. Never share your seed phrase. I never message first, and my only Telegram is @samlbn.