Here’s how to recover cryptocurrency sent to the wrong network:
- Contact the receiving platform: If you send funds to a crypto exchange or wallet service, contact their support team immediately. Many exchanges can help recover funds sent on the wrong network if they control both networks.
- Access the same address on the correct network: If you control the receiving address, you may be able to access it on the network where the funds were sent. This works if the address exists on multiple networks.
- Use a bridge service: Some services can help bridge tokens between networks. This option works best for common networks like Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain.
- Recovery services: Some companies specialize in cryptocurrency recovery. Be careful, as this industry has many scammers.
Unfortunately, some situations have no solution:
- Funds sent to a smart contract not designed to receive that type of crypto
- Transactions sent to completely incompatible networks
- Funds sent to addresses no one controls
Remember that once a transaction is confirmed, it cannot be undone or reversed due to the decentralized nature of blockchain technology.
Always double-check network compatibility before sending. Most wallets and exchanges now display clear warnings when you attempt cross-network transactions.