Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers about wallets, networks, transfers, gas, Web3, security, Ethereum, proof of stake and validators.
What is a digital wallet?
A digital wallet manages blockchain accounts and signing. Assets are recorded on-chain; the wallet helps users manage keys, addresses and transaction requests.
How are a seed phrase and private key different?
A seed phrase commonly restores a set of wallet keys, while a private key controls a specific account. Both are sensitive recovery information and should never be shared.
Where should I back up a seed phrase?
Prefer an offline backup that accounts for loss, physical damage and unauthorized viewing. Screenshots, chats and ordinary cloud storage should not be the only copy.
How do I confirm the correct network?
Check the network name, the network supported by the destination service and the network where the asset exists. Similar address formats do not make networks interchangeable.
What should I check before sending?
Review the recipient address, network, asset, amount and expected gas. A small test can reduce uncertainty for a higher-value transfer.
Why does gas change?
Gas depends on network congestion, transaction complexity and fee settings. It is not a fixed wallet charge.
What is a transaction hash for?
A transaction hash identifies an on-chain transaction so you can inspect pending, successful or failed status, block height and confirmations in a block explorer.
Does connecting a DApp expose my private key?
A normal wallet connection should not give a web page access to your private key. It generally shares selected account information and lets the site request actions.
How are message and transaction signatures different?
Message signatures are often used for login or proof of address control. Transaction signatures can directly change on-chain state. Both require review.
What is a token approval?
A token approval allows a specified contract to use a token up to an allowance. Check the target, asset and amount, and remove permissions you no longer need.
What is an EVM network?
EVM networks use a similar account and smart-contract execution model, but each network has separate state, gas and assets.
How does Layer 2 relate to a base chain?
Layer 2 systems expand capacity and connect to a base chain through different settlement or data mechanisms. Moving across layers can involve bridges and waiting periods.
How can I spot a phishing site?
Check the full domain and how you reached it. Be cautious with lookalike spellings, unfamiliar ads and unsolicited links. Never enter a seed phrase or private key on a website.
What is Ethereum proof of stake?
Ethereum proof of stake uses validators for consensus duties such as attestations and block proposals, with rewards and penalties defined by protocol rules.
Does staking guarantee returns?
No. Rewards can change, validators can face penalties, exits can take time, and contract, service and market risks remain.
Why can a validator exit take time?
Protocol queues and network conditions can affect exit processing, so the waiting period is not fixed.
Will imtoken personnel ask for a verification code?
No. Never send seed phrases, private keys or verification codes to anyone, and do not expose recovery information through remote-control tools.
imtoken personnel will never ask for your seed phrase, private key or verification code.