How to check tokens on your wallet: all the ways to do it

In the world of cryptocurrencies, it's crucial to know how to check tokens in your wallet to ensure the presence and security of your digital assets. While wallets usually display all available tokens automatically, users sometimes encounter situations where assets are not visible, or malicious actors have added fake tokens that mimic real ones.

This can happen for various reasons, such as an unsupported network, incorrect settings, or even fraudulent schemes. Let's explore how to check token balances, why they might not be displayed, and what precautions can help avoid issues.

The most convenient way to see all assets linked to your address is to use the built-in features of your wallet. Modern wallets like Trust Wallet and MetaMask automatically display popular tokens.

However, not all cryptocurrency assets are automatically added to the interface. In such cases, blockchain explorers can be useful. These tools allow you to check an address’s status and view all tokens stored on it. For example, Etherscan, BscScan, and similar services let you enter a public address and obtain complete information about its holdings. There are also specialized services for tracking and monitoring activity on your address, which can be helpful in identifying recent transactions.

Many users face situations where tokens received via a transaction do not appear in their wallet. The most common reason is that the wallet does not support the automatic addition of all tokens.

Another frequent issue is sending funds through the wrong network. For example, attempting to transfer ERC-20 tokens via Binance Smart Chain will result in them not being visible in a wallet configured only for Ethereum.

Sometimes, network congestion can cause delays in updating balances. Additionally, if your token is new or not widely recognized, it may not appear in the wallet’s asset list but still be linked to your address.

It’s also important to be aware that scammers can create fake tokens that look identical to real ones. If such a token is sent to an exchange or another wallet, it will not be recognized, as it has a different smart contract with no actual value. This is why checking official token data before purchasing or receiving it is crucial.

If a token does not appear automatically, it can be added manually. The process is straightforward and requires just a few steps. First, you need to find the exact smart contract address of the token. This information is usually available on the project’s official website or via a blockchain explorer. You can also check large cryptocurrency information portals like CoinMarketCap:

After obtaining the contract address, go to your wallet interface, select the option to “Add Custom Token,” enter the contract address, token symbol, and decimal precision, and the asset will then appear in your list of available funds.

The cryptocurrency market is full of risks, especially when dealing with new tokens. The most common threat is phishing attacks, where scammers create fake websites resembling official wallet platforms. If a user enters their details on such a site, they may lose access to their assets.

Fraudulent tokens are another major concern—some projects create fake assets that appear in a wallet but have no real value or functionality. Always verify the recipient when sending funds and examine a token's smart contract if you are unsure about its legitimacy.

Additionally, scammers use various tactics, such as "honeypot tokens" and "dusting attacks." If unexpected tokens appear in your wallet, it’s best not to interact with them.