How to Speed Up a Stuck Ethereum Transaction

Quick answer: To speed up a stuck Ethereum transaction, you can use the ‘Speed Up’ feature in your wallet or manually adjust the gas price to incentivize miners.

Key takeaways

A stuck transaction can be accelerated by increasing the gas price.
Most wallets offer a ‘Speed Up’ feature for convenience.
Always double-check the transaction details before proceeding.
Be aware of current network congestion and gas prices.
Testing with a small amount first can prevent costly errors.

Before you start

Ensure you have access to your wallet and private keys.
Check the current Ethereum network status and gas prices.
Have your transaction hash ready for reference.
Understand the basics of gas and transaction fees.
Ensure your wallet is funded with enough ETH to cover the new fees.

How to Speed Up a Stuck Ethereum Transaction: step by step

1. Access your wallet

Open your Ethereum wallet (e.g., MetaMask, MyEtherWallet) and navigate to the section that displays your recent transactions. Look for the stuck transaction you want to speed up.

2. Locate the stuck transaction

Find the specific transaction in your transaction history. It will likely show as ‘Pending’ or ‘Stuck’. Click on the transaction to view its details.

3. Use the ‘Speed Up’ feature

If your wallet offers a ‘Speed Up’ button (common in MetaMask), click it. This will allow you to replace the transaction with a new one at a higher gas price.

4. Adjust the gas price manually

If your wallet does not have a ‘Speed Up’ feature, you can manually increase the gas price. Use a gas tracker tool to find the current recommended gas price and set it higher than the original transaction.

5. Confirm the new transaction

Review the new transaction details, including the increased gas price. Confirm the transaction to broadcast it to the network. Be aware that you will pay the new, higher fee.

6. Wait for confirmation

Once confirmed, the new transaction should be processed faster due to the higher gas price. The original stuck transaction will be replaced and eventually dropped by the network.

7. Check the transaction status

Return to your transaction history to verify that the new transaction has been confirmed. The original transaction should no longer be pending.

Fees and how long it takes

Transaction fees, or ‘gas fees’, on the Ethereum network depend on network congestion and the gas price you set. During periods of high congestion, fees can be significantly higher. Speeding up a transaction typically involves increasing the gas price, which can result in higher fees.

The time it takes for a transaction to be confirmed can vary widely, from a few seconds to several hours, depending on the gas price and network conditions. Higher gas prices generally lead to faster confirmations.

Tips to avoid mistakes

Use a gas tracker tool to monitor current gas prices and set an appropriate fee.
Avoid sending multiple transactions for the same action, as this can complicate the process and increase costs.
Consider using a wallet that supports ‘Speed Up’ or ‘Cancel’ features for easier transaction management.
Always double-check the transaction details before confirming, especially when adjusting gas prices.
Test with a small amount first if you are unsure about the process.

Stay safe

Never share your private keys or seed phrase with anyone.
Be cautious of phishing sites and ensure you are on the correct wallet website.
Double-check the transaction details, including the recipient address and the network.
Keep your wallet software updated to protect against vulnerabilities.
Understand that on-chain transactions are irreversible, so ensure accuracy before confirming.

If something goes wrong

Transaction remains stuck after speeding up — Try increasing the gas price further or use a different wallet to cancel the transaction if possible.

Insufficient funds for the new gas price — Add more ETH to your wallet to cover the increased gas fees.

Wallet does not support ‘Speed Up’ feature — Use a different wallet that offers this feature or manually adjust the gas price.

Doing this as part of trading, income, or a disposal? See how it may be taxed in Tax by country and the taxable-events section — information, not advice.

Frequently asked questions

Can I cancel a stuck Ethereum transaction?

Yes, you can cancel a stuck transaction by sending a new transaction with the same nonce but a higher gas price and a zero value to your own address.

What is a nonce in Ethereum?

The nonce is a unique number associated with each transaction from your account. It ensures transactions are processed in the correct order.

How can I check the current Ethereum gas price?

Use a gas tracker tool like Etherscan or a wallet-integrated gas tracker to monitor real-time gas prices.

Will speeding up a transaction always work?

Speeding up a transaction increases the likelihood of faster confirmation but does not guarantee it, especially in periods of extreme network congestion.

Can I speed up a transaction without paying more?

No, speeding up a transaction typically involves increasing the gas price, which results in higher fees.

Information, not advice. This page explains how the rules are generally understood and is not tax, legal, or financial advice. Rules change and depend on your circumstances — always check the cited source and consult a qualified professional in your jurisdiction before you act.