A wallet address is the "bank account number" of the cryptocurrency world — receiving tokens, checking balances, and tracking transactions all require a wallet address. This article provides a detailed guide on viewing wallet addresses across various wallets and platforms, as well as tips for querying address information through blockchain explorers.
What Is a Wallet Address?
A wallet address is a string of letters and numbers used to receive cryptocurrency. Different blockchains have different address formats:
- Ethereum/BSC/Polygon and other EVM chains: Starts with 0x, 42 characters, e.g.,
0x71C7656EC7ab88b098defB751B7401B5f6d8976F - Bitcoin: Starts with 1, 3, or bc1, 26–62 characters
- Solana: Composed of numbers and letters, 32–44 characters
- TRON: Starts with T, 34 characters
The same EVM wallet uses the same address across Ethereum, BSC, Polygon, and similar chains, but on non-EVM chains like Bitcoin and Solana, the addresses are completely different.
How to View Your Wallet Address in MetaMask?
PC Browser Version
- Click the MetaMask fox icon on the Chrome toolbar
- On the wallet main interface, a shortened version of the address is displayed below the account name (e.g., 0x71C7...976F)
- Click the address to copy the full address to the clipboard
- You can also click the three-dot menu and select "Account Details" to see the full address and QR code
Mobile App Version
- Open the MetaMask App
- The abbreviated address is displayed at the top of the main interface
- Tap the address to copy
- Tap "Receive" to view the full address and QR code
How to View Your Wallet Address in Trust Wallet?
- Open Trust Wallet
- Tap the token you want to view (e.g., ETH, BNB, etc.)
- Tap the "Receive" button
- The system displays the wallet address and QR code for that network
- Tap the address to copy
Note: Trust Wallet supports multiple chains, and addresses may differ across chains. Make sure to select the correct token/network when viewing the address.
How to View Your Deposit Address on an Exchange?
Using Binance as an example:
- Log in to your Binance account
- Go to "Wallet" then "Deposit"
- Select the token to deposit (e.g., USDT)
- Select the deposit network (e.g., ERC20, BEP20, TRC20, etc.)
- The system displays the deposit address and QR code
Each exchange assigns a unique deposit address to each user. Deposit addresses for different networks are usually different — selecting the wrong network may result in permanent asset loss.
How to Query Address Information Using a Blockchain Explorer?
A blockchain explorer is a tool for querying on-chain data. Entering a wallet address allows you to view detailed information.
Commonly Used Blockchain Explorers
- Ethereum: etherscan.io
- BSC: bscscan.com
- Polygon: polygonscan.com
- Arbitrum: arbiscan.io
- Bitcoin: blockchain.com/explorer
- Solana: solscan.io
Information You Can View
- Balance: Native token and all ERC-20/BEP-20 token balances held by the address
- Transaction History: All incoming and outgoing transaction records
- Token Holdings: A list of all tokens held and their quantities
- Contract Interactions: Records of interactions with smart contracts
- NFTs: A list of NFTs held
Query Steps
- Open the blockchain explorer for the corresponding chain
- Paste the wallet address in the search bar
- Press Enter to view all information for that address
How to Verify That a Wallet Address Is Correct?
When copying and using wallet addresses, confirming correctness is crucial. A single wrong character could result in permanent asset loss.
Verification Methods:
- Check the first and last characters: Compare the first 4 and last 4 characters with the source address
- Use QR codes: Scanning a QR code is less error-prone than manual copying
- Small test transfer: Send a small amount first when transferring to a new address for the first time
- Check the address format: Confirm the address format matches the target chain (e.g., EVM addresses start with 0x)
- Use an address book: Save frequently used addresses in your wallet's address book
Security Reminder
When viewing and using wallet addresses, be sure to note the following security precautions:
- Beware of clipboard hijacking: Malware can alter the wallet address you copied — always verify after pasting
- Do not publicly share your full address: Exposing your wallet address on social media could make you a target for attacks
- Distinguish addresses across different chains: The same address is independent on different chains — make sure to select the correct network
- Do not forget MEMO/TAG: Some chains (like XRP, EOS) require a MEMO or TAG for transfers — omitting it may cause assets to be undeliverable
- Do not scan unknown QR codes: QR codes from unknown sources may lead to phishing websites
- Regularly check address balances: Use a blockchain explorer to periodically check for unusual transactions on your addresses
How Many Addresses Can a Single Wallet Have?
In wallets like MetaMask, a single seed phrase can derive an unlimited number of addresses. Each new account created generates a new address. All addresses can be recovered using the same seed phrase.
Can a Wallet Address Be Reused?
Yes. Similar to a bank account number, a wallet address can be used repeatedly to receive cryptocurrency. However, from a privacy perspective, Bitcoin recommends using a new address for each receipt. Ethereum users typically reuse the same address.
Are Deposit Addresses the Same Across Different Exchanges?
No. Each exchange assigns you a unique deposit address. The deposit address on Binance App (Apple users refer to the iOS installation guide) and on OKX are completely different — do not mix them up.
Can a Wallet Address Be Traced to a Personal Identity?
Blockchain addresses are anonymous by themselves and do not directly link to personal identity. However, if you have completed KYC verification on an exchange and transferred assets to a specific address, it is theoretically possible to link your identity through on-chain analysis. Professional blockchain analytics companies can trace fund flows.
How to Check Someone Else's Wallet Address Balance?
You can enter any wallet address in a blockchain explorer to view its balance and transaction history. Data on the blockchain is publicly transparent, and anyone can query information for any address.