How to Track Bitcoin Transactions on the Blockchain – Using Block Explorers

Sent or received Bitcoin and want to track your transaction status?

Thanks to the transparency of the Bitcoin blockchain, every payment is recorded on a public ledger you can check at any time. By using a Bitcoin block explorer, you can easily confirm Bitcoin payments, see how many BTC confirmations they’ve received, and monitor network activity in real time. Whether you’re just getting started or already an active trader, knowing how to check Bitcoin transactions is a simple but powerful skill that keeps you in control of your funds.

What you’ll need:

• Bitcoin in your current account (where you’re withdrawing from)
  
• An account on the exchange you’re sending to (e.g. Binance, Kraken)
  
• Access to both accounts and any 2FA security settings enabled

Step-by-step: How to move Bitcoin to another exchange

1. Log into the exchange you’re sending to (Binance, Kraken, etc.)
   Go to the Deposit or Funding section.
   
   • Choose Bitcoin (BTC) as the asset.
     
   • Copy the BTC deposit address shown.
     
   • Double-check that it’s for Bitcoin only—not another asset like Ethereum.
     
2. Log into the exchange or platform you’re withdrawing from
   Find the Withdraw or Send Bitcoin option.
   
   • Paste the deposit address you copied from the other exchange.
     
   • Enter the amount of Bitcoin you want to transfer.
     
   • Review the transaction fee—it’s usually displayed before you confirm.
     
3. Verify everything
   Before sending:
   
   • Make sure the address is correct (mistakes can’t be reversed)
     
   • Confirm the network is set to Bitcoin (BTC), not wrapped BTC or Lightning
     
   • Check that the amount and fees make sense
     
4. Complete the withdrawal
   Some platforms may ask for two-factor authentication or email confirmation before the withdrawal is processed. Complete these steps to finalize the transaction.
   
5. Wait for blockchain confirmations
   Once sent, your transaction will show as “pending” or “processing” until it receives enough confirmations on the Bitcoin network. This can take anywhere from 10 minutes to over an hour depending on congestion.
6. Check your balance on the new exchange
   Once confirmed, the Bitcoin will show up in your new exchange account’s BTC wallet.

Tips for safe transfers

• Send a small test amount first if you’re moving a large balance.
  
• Always use copy-paste or QR code scanning—never type addresses manually.
  
• Double-check you’re using the right network (Bitcoin mainnet, not Lightning or BNB chain).

Why this matters

Learning how to track Bitcoin transactions directly on the blockchain gives you both confidence and independence. Instead of waiting for your wallet or exchange to update, you can use a block explorer to check BTC confirmations yourself and instantly verify the status of any payment. This reduces uncertainty and ensures you always know exactly where your funds stand.

For everyday users, this skill makes it easy to confirm Bitcoin deposits, monitor withdrawals, and check if a payment has fully cleared. For more advanced users, block explorers provide real-time insights into Bitcoin network fees, congestion levels, and wallet activity—helpful if you want to time your transfers, save on costs, or analyze market behavior.

Ultimately, learning how to track transactions is more than just a technical skill—it’s about taking control. By mastering this process, you build trust in the system, reduce uncertainty when sending or receiving Bitcoin, and gain a clearer picture of how the Bitcoin network operates. It’s one of the simplest yet most powerful tools in your Bitcoin toolkit.