Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about wallets, seed phrases, private keys, networks, gas, transfers, transaction hashes, DApps, approvals, EVM, Layer 2, Ethereum, PoS and validators.
What is imtoken?
This site presents imtoken as a multi-chain wallet, blockchain network, Web3 and security knowledge hub. In self-custody use, users remain responsible for seed phrases and private keys.
How are a seed phrase and a private key different?
A seed phrase commonly derives and restores a set of wallet accounts, while a private key directly controls signing for a specific account. Both are highly sensitive.
Will official support ask for my seed phrase?
No. Seed phrases, private keys and verification codes should never be sent to anyone.
Why back up offline?
Offline backup reduces exposure to screenshots, messaging apps, cloud sync and malware, while still requiring careful physical storage.
Why check the network before sending?
The selected network determines where the transaction is recorded. Similar address formats do not make networks interchangeable.
Is gas fixed?
No. Gas costs can change with network rules, congestion, fee markets and transaction complexity.
What is a transaction hash for?
A transaction hash identifies a blockchain transaction and can be used in a block explorer to inspect status, blocks, addresses, amounts and fees.
What if a transaction remains pending?
Confirm the network and transaction hash, then inspect congestion and whether the transaction is still pending. Avoid blindly resubmitting a transaction you do not understand.
Does connecting to a DApp expose my seed phrase?
A normal wallet connection does not require giving a DApp the seed phrase or private key. Stop if a web page asks for either secret.
Is message signing the same as transaction signing?
Not exactly. Message signing may not submit an on-chain transaction, but it can still prove account control or express authorisation, so the content and source matter.
What is a token approval?
A token approval commonly allows a contract to spend up to a defined allowance on behalf of the account. Review both the target and allowance.
What should I do with approvals I no longer use?
Review permissions periodically and consider revoking approvals that are no longer needed to reduce long-lived exposure.
Why do EVM addresses look similar across networks?
Many EVM networks use the same account-address format, while remaining separate networks with different gas, contracts and asset state.
How does Layer 2 relate to a base network?
Layer 2 systems have defined relationships with a base network. Deposit, withdrawal, finality and waiting behaviour depend on the specific Layer 2 design.
Does Ethereum staking guarantee returns?
No. Rewards can change, validators can be penalised, exits can take time, and technical, third-party and price risks remain.
What does a PoS validator do?
A validator participates in protocol-defined consensus activities such as attestations, voting or block proposals and must operate within network requirements.
What should I do first if I suspect a scam?
Stop transfers, signatures and approvals, do not share more information, and independently verify the domain, transaction, contract and public on-chain records.
What information is useful for troubleshooting?
The network name, public address, transaction hash, error message and steps taken are usually useful. Never provide a seed phrase, private key or verification code.
imtoken will never ask for a seed phrase, private key or verification code. Review the address, network and request details before transferring, signing or approving.