Sent crypto to the wrong network?
Sometimes it can be recovered. Here's how to tell, and what to do first.
If you sent crypto on the wrong network but to an address you or an exchange control, it can often be recovered, sometimes by contacting the exchange. If you sent it to a wrong address that belongs to someone else, or to an address nobody controls, it usually can't be undone.
What to do right now
- Don't panic and don't send more.
- Find the transaction ID in your wallet or exchange history and look it up on the block explorer for the network you actually used.
- Work out which case you're in using the table below.
- Only contact official support, through the company's own website or app, never through someone who messages you first.
Can it be recovered?
| What happened | Usually recoverable? | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Sent to your own self-custody wallet on another network that uses the same address format (e.g. Ethereum vs. Base, Polygon, Arbitrum) | Often yes | Add that network in your wallet; the funds are at the same address. You'll need that network's coin for fees to move them. |
| Sent to an exchange deposit address on a network the exchange doesn't support for that coin | Sometimes | Contact the exchange's official support with the TXID. Some recover it for a fee; some can't. |
| Sent to a wrong but valid address owned by someone else | Rarely | Only the owner can send it back. If you know who it is, ask. |
| Sent to a token's contract address or a mistyped address nobody controls | Almost never | The funds are usually permanently stuck. |
People who've lost crypto are targeted by fake recovery services, fake lawyers and fake government agents who promise to get the money back for an upfront fee. Legitimate exchanges recover funds through their own support, never through someone who contacts you on social media. Report fraud to the FBI at ic3.gov.
How to avoid it next time
- On the withdrawal screen, choose the network the receiver says they support, not the cheapest one.
- Check the deposit page of the receiving exchange: it lists exactly which networks it accepts for each coin.
- Send a small test amount first.
Frequently asked questions
I sent USDT on the wrong network. Is it gone?
Not necessarily. If it went to an address you control, add that network to your wallet. If it went to an exchange, contact their official support with the transaction ID.
Can the blockchain reverse my mistake?
No. There's no central party that can reverse a confirmed transaction.
Someone online says they can recover my crypto. Should I trust them?
Almost certainly not. Upfront-fee recovery offers are one of the most common scams aimed at people who've already lost money.
Where to next
Sources
Written for beginners and checked against the sources listed. Last reviewed October 26, 2026. This page is educational and is not financial, tax or legal advice. How we write and check pages.