Block explorer
Block explorer: A block explorer is a website or app that lets you search a blockchain's public record. You can look up a transaction ID, a wallet address or a block and see amounts, fees, confirmations and timestamps. Etherscan for Ethereum and mempool.space for Bitcoin are common examples.
How a block explorer works
The explorer runs or connects to nodes on the network, reads every new block and indexes the data in a searchable database. Because public blockchains are transparent, anyone can view the same records without an account.
What you can check
- Whether a transaction is pending or confirmed, and how many confirmations it has.
- The fee paid and the addresses involved.
- The balance and history of any public address.
- Token contracts and holder lists on smart contract networks.
Frequently asked questions
Can a block explorer show who owns an address?
Not directly. Addresses are pseudonymous, although activity can sometimes be linked to people or exchanges.
Is it safe to paste my address into a block explorer?
Yes, your address is public. Never enter a private key or seed phrase.