Introduction
After setting up your Ethereum wallet (as covered in our previous guide), this tutorial will walk you through sending transactions via MyEtherWallet.
👉 New to crypto wallets? Start here
Pro Tip: New wallet addresses can receive ETH or ERC20 tokens like CTXC, ELF, ZIL, and XRP. For first-time use, send a small test amount (e.g., 0.0001 ETH) to verify functionality.
Core Concepts Recap
Before proceeding, let’s revisit essential terms:
- Wallet Address: Like a bank account number—share this to receive funds.
- Private Key: Combines your withdrawal card and PIN. Anyone with this key can access your funds. Store it securely; lost keys mean irrecoverable wallets.
- Cross-Wallet Compatibility: Private keys work across ETH wallets (e.g., MetaMask, ImToken)—think of it as accessing one account from different bank branches.
Step-by-Step: Sending a Transaction
1. Unlock Your Wallet
Use either:
- Keystore file + password
- Private key
2. Enter Recipient Details
- Paste the destination address (e.g., exchange or peer wallet).
- Gas Limit: Leave unchanged (explained below).
3. Review & Confirm
- Double-check transaction details.
- Click "Send Transaction".
4. Verify Success
- A green confirmation banner will appear. Click "Verify Transaction" to view it on Etherscan.io.
- Status: "Success" = completed.
👉 Troubleshooting transaction delays?
Key FAQs
What Is Gas?
Gas fees pay Ethereum miners to process transactions. Higher Gas Price speeds up confirmation but has limits. Adjust based on urgency.
What Is Etherscan.io?
Etherscan is a blockchain explorer for Ethereum—like a "Google for crypto." It transparently tracks all on-chain activity.
Why Do Transactions Fail?
Common causes:
- Insufficient gas
- Incorrect recipient address
- Network congestion
Optimizing Your Workflow
- Bookmark Tools: Save MyEtherWallet and Etherscan for quick access.
- Security First: Never share private keys or store them digitally without encryption.
By mastering these steps, you’ll confidently manage ETH and ERC20 transactions. For advanced features like smart contracts, explore our next guide!