TL;DR

If you've used the Ethereum network before, you've likely experienced transactions that take longer than usual to confirm. This is due to the way miners prioritize transactions – users who offer higher fees will get priority.

If Ethereum transactions are stuck due to low gas fees, you need to wait until the fees drop and the miners finally process your transaction. However, you also have the option to replace pending transactions with new transactions that have higher gas prices. Does it sound complicated? Actually this action is easier than you think. Additionally, this action can be performed with ether (ETH) and all ERC20 tokens.

Introduction

First, remember that you cannot replace, refund, or cancel a confirmed transaction. However, during times of network congestion, some cryptocurrency transactions may be hampered. When transaction volume is too high, you may experience transactions being delayed for several hours or even days.

Sometimes, the bottleneck will resolve itself – because the pending transaction failed or because gas fees decreased. While you can't completely reverse an Ethereum transaction, there are steps you can take to speed up the process. In fact, the move includes replacing pending transactions with new transactions that pay higher fees.

In this guide, we'll show you how to speed up transactions using MetaMask or Trust Wallet. You can also use other cryptocurrency wallets that support the Ethereum blockchain, but the process may be slightly different.

Condition

• MetaMask or Trust Wallet installed.

• Private key (seed phrase) to enter the Ethereum wallet.

• Internet access.

Why is my Ethereum transaction stuck?

Ethereum works with a system of bargaining for your transaction fees. Your fees will depend on the complexity of the transaction (i.e., how much computational work is required). In this context, there are three important terms you should know: gas fees, gas prices, and gas limits.

The computational task of a transaction is measured by the gas fee, while the price paid for each unit of gas is called the gas price. You can think of gas costs as the amount of work required and gas prices as the price paid for each “hour worked.” Lastly, the gas limit is the maximum amount you are willing to pay for a transaction.

Although gas fees are determined by the complexity of the transaction, you are free to set your own gas prices and gas limits. Then, the total fees paid will function as an incentive for miners. However, if gas prices are low, you may be outbid by other users resulting in your transaction being delayed. If a transaction stalls, Ethereum will not confirm a new transaction you made from the same wallet address until the miner confirms the first transaction.

How to speed up transactions on MetaMask

1. Log in to the MetaMask wallet that has pending transactions. If the wallet is an external wallet, you will need to import the address using the appropriate seed phrase or private key.

2. Find the pending transaction under the [Activity] tab then click [Speed ​​Up].

3. This process will allow you to broadcast the transaction again. Make sure you use the higher gas price by clicking [Fast] then [Save].

4. If the previous steps don't work, you can also go to the [Advanced] tab to set the gas price manually. You can check the latest gas prices and average confirmation times on Etherscan or EthGasStation.

How to change transactions in MetaMask

1. Log in to the MetaMask wallet that has pending transactions. Again, if the wallet is an external wallet, you will need to import the address using the appropriate seed phrase or private key.

2. Find pending transactions under the [Activity] tab. Click to check the details then note the [Nonce] value.

Note: If you have multiple pending transactions, you need to start with the oldest one first (lowest nonce value).

3. Next, open MetaMask's [Settings] then click [Advanced].

4. Scroll down and turn on [Customize transaction nonce].

5. Go back and click the wallet address to copy to the clipboard.

6. Click [Send] to create a new transaction and then copy your wallet address in the [Add Recipient] field.

7. You need to send 0 ETH to your own wallet using the pending transaction nonce (noted in step 2). Click [Confirm] when you are ready.

Note: If gas prices are too low, this transaction may crash as well. Make sure you set reasonable gas prices.

8. Wait until the new transaction is confirmed so that the pending transaction is replaced.

Note: To avoid accidents, make sure you switch the [Customize transaction nonce] option back to the OFF position.

How to cancel a transaction with Trust Wallet

1. Click a pending transaction in the Trust Wallet application then look for the [Nonce] field. Note the numbers you see.

2. Create a new transaction and add your wallet address in the [Recipient Address] field. Make sure the address is the same as the pending transaction. Set [Amount ETH] to 0 then click [Next].

3. Tap settings in the top right corner.

4. Replace the [Nonce] field with the value you noted earlier. Make sure you set a competitive [Gas Price], so that transactions don't get stuck again.

5. Wait until the new transaction is confirmed so that the pending transaction is replaced.

Closing

Sending an Ethereum transaction and then finding out that you outbid the gas price can be frustrating. The situation becomes worse when you realize that you cannot use your Ethereum wallet until the pending transaction fails or is confirmed.

Sometimes, stalled transactions will complete automatically when network fees drop. But unfortunately, this can take quite a long time. Luckily, you can cancel a stuck transaction by moving it forward using a simple zero token transfer. Remember that you must pay sufficient gas fees to successfully pass aborted transactions.