Using Etherscan to Check an ERC20 Address
Etherscan (etherscan.io) is the primary blockchain explorer for Ethereum. Go to etherscan.io, paste the 42-character address into the search bar, and press Enter. You'll see the current ETH balance, all token holdings, full transaction history, and more.
What to Look for When Verifying an Address
When verifying an address before sending, confirm: (1) the full address matches character-for-character; (2) the address has prior transaction history if expected to be active; (3) the address starts with 0x (confirming it is Ethereum/ERC20).
Checking Token Balances
On Etherscan, click the "Token" dropdown on an address page to see all ERC20 tokens held at that address. This is useful for confirming a deposit arrived or auditing a wallet.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Be cautious of "address poisoning" attacks where scammers create addresses that look similar to yours. Always copy addresses from official sources — never type them manually. Double-check the full address before confirming any transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check an ERC20 address without a wallet?
Yes. Etherscan is publicly accessible. Any ERC20 address can be looked up without logging in or owning a wallet — blockchain data is public.
How do I confirm a transaction was received?
Paste the receiving address into Etherscan. Under "ERC20 Token Txns," you'll see the incoming transaction with its status (Success, Pending, or Failed).