This guide focuses on practical, reproducible steps when your crypto disappeared from MetaMask, crypto not showing in MetaMask, crypto sent to MetaMask not received yet, or crypto stuck in MetaMask. I use MetaMask daily and have rescued tokens by checking explorers, adding networks, and sending replacement transactions. I also once sent tokens on the wrong chain (my mistake) and will explain exactly how I fixed it.
Short and actionable. Need more context? Keep reading.
A transfer recorded as success on a blockchain explorer means the ledger state changed. If you still don't see coins in MetaMask, that usually means one of three things: your wallet is on the wrong network, the token is not added to the UI, or the transaction never completed. Which is it? That's the first diagnostic question.
MetaMask is a software wallet for EVM-compatible chains by default, and it only shows tokens for the network currently selected. So tokens on BSC, Polygon, or Avalanche will be invisible until you add that network and the token contract to MetaMask.
And yes, I once thought tokens had vanished only to find them on Polygon after adding the network and token contract.
Common mistake: selecting the wrong network at withdrawal time on an exchange or bridge. Example: you withdraw USDT using BSC but expect it on Ethereum. The address is the same, but the tokens live on BSC. What to do:
If the sender used an incompatible chain that MetaMask does not support (for example Solana), MetaMask will not show those tokens. See chains MetaMask does not support (/chains-metamask-does-not-support) and bridges advice (/bridges-cross-chain-security).
If the sender is an exchange and they routed funds to a wrong chain, contact their support with the tx hash. Exchanges sometimes recover deposits but may charge a fee and require proof.
First, find the tx hash in MetaMask Activity and open it on the correct block explorer. If the status is pending, it usually means your gas fee was too low for current network demand.
Options:
But be careful. Reset Account in settings will clear the local transaction history in MetaMask UI but does not cancel on-chain transactions. I have used Reset Account to clear a confusing queue, but the stuck tx remained possible on chain until I sent a replacement.
If a transaction failed on-chain, state did not change and your tokens should still be in the originating account (you only paid gas). If tokens were sent to a smart contract address that has no withdrawal mechanism, recovery may be impossible unless the contract owner provides a way to recover.
If the recipient is an exchange deposit address that requires a specific memo or tag and you omitted it, contact exchange support immediately with your tx hash and details. Many exchanges can credit deposits after manual review.
If you lose your phone or browser profile, restore using your seed phrase (recovery phrase) or import a private key into a fresh MetaMask install. Never enter your seed phrase into a website. Follow best practices in /seed-phrase-backup-recovery and /import-and-restore-wallet.
If you suspect a compromise, move remaining assets to a fresh wallet or use a hardware wallet integration. Learn more at /compromised-wallet-what-to-do and /hardware-wallets-with-metamask.
| Symptom | First check | Likely fix |
|---|---|---|
| Crypto not showing in MetaMask | Is MetaMask on the correct network? | Switch network and add token contract (/add-custom-token-to-metamask) |
| Crypto sent to MetaMask not received yet | Find tx hash on block explorer | If pending, Speed Up or Cancel; if on different chain, add that network (/add-polygon-to-metamask) |
| Crypto stuck in MetaMask (pending) | Check nonce and gas fee on explorer | Speed Up or replace tx with same nonce (enable customize nonce) |
| Tokens sent to a contract | Does contract allow withdrawals? | Contact contract owner or accept irrecoverable loss in many cases |
Q: Is it safe to keep crypto in a hot wallet?
A: Hot wallets are convenient for daily DeFi activity, but they carry more risk than hardware solutions. I split funds and use a hardware wallet for long-term holdings. For setup read /hardware-wallets-with-metamask.
Q: How do I revoke token approvals?
A: Use a token approvals tool or the manual revoke guide at /token-allowances-and-revoke. Revoke approvals when you stop using a dApp or after a suspicious prompt.
Q: What happens if I lose my phone?
A: Restore MetaMask with your seed phrase on another device. If you used cloud backups for your seed phrase, verify the security of that backup. See /seed-phrase-backup-recovery and /import-and-restore-wallet.
Q: How to recover lost tokens MetaMask?
A: Recover by finding the tx hash, confirming the chain, adding the correct network and token contract, or contacting the sender/exchange with proof. For detailed steps see the sending and receiving guide /transfer-from-exchanges-to-metamask.
Lost or stuck funds are often recoverable with a methodical approach: check the block explorer, confirm the chain, add tokens or networks, and use replacement transactions for pending items. I believe a calm, stepwise check usually reveals the cause. If you want hands-on walkthroughs, read the pending transaction troubleshooting guide (/pending-transaction-troubleshooting) or the full setup and recovery pages (/install-create-wallet, /seed-phrase-backup-recovery).
Next step: copy your tx hash and head to the explorer. Then follow the section above that matches your symptom. But if you need more help, check the related guides listed throughout this article and keep your seed phrase offline and secure.