How to Cancel Pending Transaction on MetaMask in 2023

MetaMask is a software cryptocurrency wallet used to interact with the Ethereum blockchain. It allows users to access their Ethereum wallet through a browser extension or mobile app, which can then be used to interact with decentralized applications (dapps). MetaMask is developed by ConsenSys Software Inc., a blockchain software company focusing on Ethereum-based tools and infrastructure.

MetaMask is a non-custodial wallet, which means that users have full control over their private keys. This is in contrast to custodial wallets, where users entrust their private keys to a third party.

MetaMask is one of the most popular cryptocurrency wallets in the world, with over 20 million active users. It is used by a wide range of people, including cryptocurrency investors, traders, and dapp users.

Here are some of the things you can do with MetaMask:

• Store, send, and receive Ethereum and other Ethereum-based tokens
• Connect to and interact with dapps
• Buy and sell Ethereum and other Ethereum-based tokens
• Sign transactions securely

MetaMask is a powerful tool for interacting with the Ethereum ecosystem. It is easy to use and provides a secure way to store and manage your crypto assets.  

If you ever sent a transaction on MetaMask and it's been stuck pending for hours, or even days, It's a frustrating experience, but there is a way to cancel pending transactions.

In this blog post, I'll walk you through the steps on how to cancel pending transactions on MetaMask in 2023

Why Do Transactions Get Stuck Pending?

There are a few reasons why a transaction might get stuck pending on MetaMask. The most common reason is that the gas fee is too low. When you send a transaction on Ethereum, you need to pay a gas fee to the miners who process the transaction. The higher the gas fee, the faster your transaction will be processed.

Another reason why a transaction might get stuck pending is that the network is congested. When there are a lot of transactions happening at the same time, the network can get overloaded and transactions can take longer to process.

Finally, a transaction might also get stuck pending if there is a problem with the smart contract you're interacting with. For example, if the smart contract is not properly deployed or if there is a bug in the code, it can cause transactions to get stuck.

How to Cancel Pending Transaction on MetaMask in 2023

If you have a pending transaction that you want to cancel, you can do so using one of the following methods:

Method 1: In-app cancellation

If the transaction is still pending, you can cancel it directly from MetaMask. To do this:

• Open MetaMask and click on the Activity tab.
• Find the pending transaction that you want to cancel and click on the Cancel button.
• Review the transaction details and click on Cancel again to confirm.

Method 2: Customize transaction nonce

If the in-app cancellation method does not work, you can try canceling the transaction by sending a new transaction with the same nonce. This is called a replacement transaction.

• To send a replacement transaction:
• Open MetaMask and click on the Settings tab.
• Click on the Advanced tab.
• Enable the Customize transaction nonce option.
• Click on the Send tab.
• Enter the recipient's address and the amount you want to send.
• Set the nonce to the same nonce as the pending transaction.
• Increase the gas price and gas limit.
• Click on Send to send the replacement transaction.

How to Prevent Transactions from Getting Stuck Pending

There are a few things you can do to prevent transactions from getting stuck pending on MetaMask:

• Use a gas fee calculator: A gas fee calculator can help you estimate the recommended gas fee for your transaction. This will help ensure that your transaction is processed quickly.
• Avoid sending transactions during peak network congestion: The Ethereum network is busiest during peak hours, such as in the evening and on weekends. If possible, try to avoid sending transactions during these times.
• Be careful when interacting with smart contracts: Only interact with smart contracts that have a good reputation and that have been audited.
• Keep your MetaMask up to date: MetaMask regularly releases updates that include security improvements and bug fixes. Make sure to keep your MetaMask updated to the latest version.
• If you are sending a large transaction, consider breaking it up into smaller transactions: This can help to increase the chances of your transaction being processed quickly.
• If you are sending a transaction to a new address, consider sending a small test transaction first: This will help to ensure that the address is correct and that the transaction is processed successfully.

FAQS

How do I cancel a pending transaction on MetaMask?

There are two ways to cancel a pending transaction on MetaMask:

• In-app cancellation: If the transaction is still pending, you can cancel it directly from MetaMask. To do this, open MetaMask and click on the Activity tab. Find the pending transaction that you want to cancel and click on the Cancel button.
• Customize transaction nonce: If the in-app cancellation method does not work, you can try canceling the transaction by sending a new transaction with the same nonce. This is called a replacement transaction. To do this, open MetaMask and click on the Settings tab. Click on the Advanced tab and enable the Customize transaction nonce option. Then, click on the Send tab and enter the recipient's address and the amount you want to send. Set the nonce to the same nonce as the pending transaction and increase the gas price and gas limit. Finally, click on Send to send the replacement transaction.

Why is my transaction stuck pending?

There are a few reasons why your transaction might be stuck pending:

• Low gas fee
• Network congestion
• Smart contract problems

If your transaction is stuck pending for a long time, you can try increasing the gas price or sending a replacement transaction.

Where can I get help if I am having trouble canceling a pending transaction?

If you are having trouble canceling a pending transaction, you can contact MetaMask support.

Conclusion

If you have a pending transaction on MetaMask that you want to cancel, you can do so by following the steps above. If you're still having trouble, please contact MetaMask support.