imtoken · Support
FAQ
Answers to common questions about wallets, networks, gas, DApps, security, Ethereum, PoS, and validators.
No troubleshooting step requires your seed phrase or private key.
Wallet · Networks · Web3 · Security · PoS
Frequently asked questions
Use these answers as a starting point, then verify network-specific details before acting.
Does a wallet store the assets themselves?
A wallet manages keys and account views used to control blockchain accounts. Asset records remain on their respective networks.
What is the difference between a seed phrase and a private key?
Both relate to wallet control. A seed phrase can derive or recover multiple accounts, while a private key controls a specific account. Neither should be shared.
Should I send my seed phrase to support for troubleshooting?
No. imtoken staff will never ask for a seed phrase, private key, or verification code, and you should not paste them into a verification page.
Why can the same address show different assets on different networks?
Networks maintain separate state. A similar address format does not make balances automatically shared across chains.
What is gas?
Gas measures the computation and block-space resources used by an on-chain action. The final fee depends on network rules and current demand.
What is a transaction hash used for?
It is a lookup identifier for an on-chain transaction and can be used in a block explorer to check status, block placement, and fees.
Why has a transfer not arrived yet?
It may still be awaiting confirmation, or the sender and receiver may be looking at different networks. Check the hash, network, and address before sending again.
Does connecting to a DApp automatically move assets?
A connection usually establishes an account session, but later signatures, approvals, or transactions can grant permissions or change assets and must be reviewed separately.
Are message signatures and transaction signatures the same?
No. Message signatures can express identity or authorization, while transaction signatures submit on-chain state changes. Effects depend on the exact request.
What is a token approval?
It allows a specified contract to operate on a token within a defined allowance. Review the target and scope, and remove permissions you no longer need.
Do balances automatically synchronize between EVM networks?
No. EVM compatibility means similar execution and development models, not shared balances, contracts, or transaction state.
How does Layer 2 relate to mainnet?
Layer 2 systems process activity outside the base layer while relying on it for settlement or security in different ways. Cross-layer moves can involve bridges and waiting periods.
How can I reduce phishing risk?
Use known entry points, verify the domain, reject urgent or unexpected signature prompts, and never share a seed phrase, private key, or verification code.
Does Ethereum staking guarantee returns?
No. Rewards can change, exits can involve waiting periods, validators can face protocol penalties, and technical, service, and market risks remain.
What is proof of stake?
Proof of stake is a consensus model in which validators commit stake and perform network duties according to protocol rules.
Why can validators be penalized?
Validators are expected to follow protocol duties and availability requirements. Certain failures, downtime, or prohibited behavior can result in penalties.
What should I do after finding a suspicious approval?
Stop further actions, verify the contract and network, use a trusted entry point to consider revoking unneeded permissions, and review recent transactions.
Can a wallet unilaterally reverse an on-chain transaction?
Generally no. Once confirmed, blockchain transactions are not normally reversible by the wallet alone, which is why pre-transfer checks matter.