To check your ERC-20 tokens, particularly if they are not automatically visible in your crypto wallet, you generally need to add them as custom tokens. This process allows your wallet to display your token balance and transaction history.
Viewing Your ERC-20 Tokens in MetaMask
If you're using a popular wallet like MetaMask, the most common way to "check" your ERC-20 tokens that aren't showing up by default is to manually add them. This makes them visible within your wallet interface.
Here's a step-by-step guide to adding and confirming your ERC-20 token in MetaMask:
- Access Your MetaMask Wallet: Open your MetaMask browser extension or mobile app and unlock it with your password. Ensure you are connected to the correct network (e.g., Ethereum Mainnet for most ERC-20 tokens).
- Locate the Token Contract Address: This is a crucial step. Every ERC-20 token has a unique contract address on the blockchain. You can find this address from reliable sources such as:
- Official Project Website: The project's official site often lists their token's contract address.
- Reputable Crypto Data Sites: Websites like CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko provide contract addresses for thousands of tokens.
- Blockchain Explorers: For example, search for the token by name on Etherscan.io (for Ethereum-based tokens) or other chain-specific explorers like PolygonScan or BSCScan. Always double-check that you have the correct address, as using a fake contract address can lead to loss of funds.
- Add Custom Token:
- Within MetaMask, scroll to the bottom of your asset list.
- Click on the "Import tokens" or "Add Token" button.
- Select the "Custom Token" tab.
- Paste the token contract address you copied in Step 2 into the "Token Contract Address" field. MetaMask should automatically populate the "Token Symbol" (e.g., WEMIX) and "Token Decimal" fields. If it doesn't, verify your contract address.
- Confirm Custom Token:
- Click "Add Custom Token" to proceed.
- Review the details on the next screen and click "Import Tokens".
Once these steps are completed, your ERC-20 token and its balance should now be visible in your MetaMask wallet, allowing you to effectively "check" your holdings.
Why Your Token Might Not Be Visible
Tokens might not appear in your wallet automatically for several reasons:
- Not Auto-Detected: Wallets like MetaMask only automatically display a few popular tokens. Most ERC-20 tokens need to be added manually.
- Wrong Network: You might be on the wrong blockchain network in your wallet (e.g., connected to Polygon instead of Ethereum).
- New Token: If it's a newly launched or less common token, it's highly unlikely to be auto-detected.
Alternative Ways to Check ERC-20 Holdings
Beyond your wallet, you can also check your ERC-20 holdings directly on the blockchain using a block explorer.
Using Blockchain Explorers
Blockchain explorers are powerful tools that allow you to view any address or transaction on a blockchain.
- Go to a Block Explorer: For Ethereum-based tokens, visit Etherscan.io. For other chains, use their respective explorers (e.g., PolygonScan for Polygon, BscScan for BNB Chain).
- Enter Your Wallet Address: In the search bar, paste your public wallet address (the one that holds your ERC-20 tokens).
- View Token Holdings: The explorer will display all the tokens associated with your address, along with their quantities. This method is a reliable way to verify your holdings directly from the blockchain, regardless of whether they appear in your wallet.
Checking your ERC-20 tokens is primarily about ensuring they are visible in your chosen wallet or confirming their presence on the blockchain via an explorer.
