Blockstream Explorer (blockstream.info) is a tool that displays public information about bitcoin transaction activity. You can use Blockstream Explorer to view the details of any transaction made on the Bitcoin network, including transactions that are not yours!
Tip: Imagine Blockstream Explorer is like a search engine for bitcoin transactions. Blockstream does not control the bitcoin you see on the Explorer, just like a search engine does not have control over particular websites.
This is possible because the Bitcoin blockchain is simply a public ledger with information about every time someone sent and received bitcoin. Obviously this is much different than traditional banking services, where your financial activity is kept private between you and your bank.
If you were directed to Blockstream Explorer from another service, it is important to remember that Blockstream does not have control over the funds you see on the site. Bitcoin is a decentralized network, which means there is no single party in charge. In fact, there are actually thousands of computers all around the world that are processing and validating bitcoin transactions.
Understanding Blockstream Explorer
Due to the unique, decentralized nature of Bitcoin, it is easy to misunderstand how the network functions... and what the role of Blockstream Explorer actually is. Please review the points below to understand why Blockstream cannot assist in these common scenarios.
#1. Blockstream cannot speed up the confirmation of your transaction.
- Bitcoin transactions are confirmed when they are included in a block by Bitcoin miners.
- When the bitcoin network is experiencing high amounts of traffic, it takes a longer time for transactions to be included in a block, which means a longer confirmation time.
- Blockstream does not have the ability to speed up the confirmation of your transaction. If your wallet platform offers RBF (replace-by-fee), you may reach out to them to see if you can increase the fee of your transaction to increase the odds of it being confirmed quickly.
#2. Blockstream cannot assist if your account from another platform was hacked or involved in a scam.
- Remember no single party controls bitcoin, which means there is no one to contact if you were involved in a scam or your funds were stolen. Also, bitcoin addresses are pseudonymous, so the only information Blockstream has about a theft is the same data that the rest of the Bitcoin network has. Unfortunately, we are not able to assist any further in these events.
- If you were involved a scam or theft, you will need to contact the platform where your funds have been compromised and make sure to protect your account. Keep in mind, bitcoin transactions cannot be reversed.
#3. Blockstream cannot reverse or "refund" bitcoin transactions.
- After understanding the role of Blockstream Explorer, it makes more sense as to why Blockstream cannot reverse bitcoin transactions. Since the Blockstream Explorer is simply displaying information it collects from the Bitcoin network, clearly it does not have the funds or ability to reverse or "refund" a transaction.
- In fact, due to the decentralized nature of bitcoin, it isn't possible for anyone to reverse a bitcoin transaction. This is why you should always be careful when sending funds and double-check you have entered the correct amount and address.
#4. Funds shown on Blockstream Explorer are not processed and/or controlled by Blockstream.
- This idea stems from our experience with the traditional banking system. When you view transactions from your bank account on a website or mobile app, the payments and deposits actually were processed by your bank. The bank does control your money, so it easy to assume the same when visiting Blockstream Explorer.
- Blockstream Explorer is only collecting and displaying publicly available information about bitcoin transactions broadcast to the network. Blockstream is not "processing" the transactions you see on the site, which also means that we cannot help speed up the confirmation of any transactions.
- To make this point clear, understand that there are other block explorers available that display similar information that Blockstream Explorer does.
#5. Bitcoin shown on Blockstream Explorer is not inside a Blockstream wallet.
- Do not worry that you have mistakenly sent your bitcoin to Blockstream if you see your transaction on Blockstream Explorer. You can only see this on our website because all bitcoin transactions are publicly broadcast to the whole network. Blockstream Explorer displays the status and information about transactions so network participants can view them.
- If you need help finding your funds, you will need to contact the platform that you used to send and/or receive your bitcoin.