How to Cancel Pending Transaction on MetaMask in 2024

MetaMask has become a popular choice for managing Ethereum-based assets and interacting with decentralized applications (dApps). Despite its convenience, users often encounter the frustrating issue of pending transactions, causing delays in fund transfers. This guide will explore the reasons behind stuck transactions on MetaMask and provide a step-by-step walkthrough on how to cancel pending transactions effectively in 2024.

Network Congestion and Gas Fees:

• High network congestion can lead to longer confirmation times as miners struggle to process transactions promptly.
• Gas fees, representing compensation for miners, play a pivotal role. Higher gas fees incentivize miners, expediting transaction confirmation.

Identifying Pending Transactions:

To cancel a pending transaction, users must first identify it within MetaMask’s Activity Log:

1. Launch the MetaMask extension.
2. Navigate to the “Activity” tab.
3. Locate the “Pending” section to find a list of transactions awaiting confirmation or rejection.

Methods to Cancel Pending Transactions:

Canceling from Activity Log:

• Step 1: Accessing the Activity Log:
  • Open the MetaMask extension.
  • Click on the “Activity” tab.
• Step 2: Locating the Pending Transaction:
  • Scroll through the list to identify the pending transaction.
• Step 3: Initiating the Cancellation Process:
  • Click on the “Cancel” button.
  • Confirm the cancellation to proceed.

Transaction Replacement:

• Step 1: Gathering Transaction Details:
  • Access the pending transaction details.
  • Note down recipient address, amount, and gas limit.
• Step 2: Crafting the Replacement Transaction:
  • Initiate a new transaction in MetaMask.
  • Enter the same details as the pending transaction.
  • Set a higher gas limit for prioritization.
• Step 3: Initiating the Replacement Transaction:
  • Review and confirm to send the replacement transaction.

Resolving Stuck Transactions:

For transactions that remain stuck due to network congestion or insufficient gas fees, follow these steps:

1. Monitor the Activity Log:
   • Keep an eye on transactions pending for an unusually long time.
2. Speeding Up Stuck Transactions:
   • Click on the “Speed Up” button.
   • Increase the gas fee to incentivize miners.
3. Resetting the Nonce:
   • Access MetaMask’s advanced settings.
   • Enable “Customize transaction nonce.”
   • Send a new transaction to reset the nonce and potentially resolve the stuck transaction.

Preventing Pending Transactions from Getting Stuck:

To minimize the occurrence of stuck transactions, consider these preventive measures:

1. Check Network Congestion:
   • Before initiating transactions, check network congestion levels.
   • Avoid transacting during peak congestion periods.
2. Set Appropriate Gas Fees:
   • Set gas fees based on current network conditions.
   • Higher gas fees prioritize transactions.
3. Utilize Advanced Gas Fee Options:
   • MetaMask offers options like “Max Priority Fee” and “Max Fee” to automatically adjust gas fees based on network conditions.

Alternative Approaches to Dealing with Pending Transactions

Instead of canceling a pending transaction, users can consider alternative approaches:

1. Waiting for Confirmation:
   • If the transaction isn’t urgent, waiting for confirmation may resolve the issue.
2. Contacting the dApp:
   • If the transaction is related to a specific dApp, contacting the support team for assistance is an option.

F.A.Q

How do I cancel a pending transaction on MetaMask?

To cancel a pending transaction on MetaMask, follow these steps:

1. Open the MetaMask extension.
2. Locate the pending transaction, visible if accessed from the same Ledger ETH account in Ledger Live.
3. Click on the “Cancel” button.

This simple process allows you to cancel the pending transaction and manage your transactions effectively.

How do I delete a pending transaction?

If you wish to delete a pending transaction:

1. Contact the merchant or retailer promptly.
2. Request them to reverse the charge, cancel the sale, or release the hold.
3. Acting swiftly increases the chances of canceling the pending transaction. If fraud is suspected, contact your bank or card issuer directly.

This proactive approach can help resolve pending transactions effectively.

How much does MetaMask charge to cancel a pending transaction?

MetaMask does not charge a cancellation fee. The cost associated with canceling a transaction is the gas fee required to submit the cancellation transaction. The only fee MetaMask charges for its Swaps service is the 0.875% transaction fee disclosed before submitting the swap.

What to do if MetaMask transaction is stuck?

If your MetaMask transaction is stuck:

1. Cancel it using the nonce feature in MetaMask.
2. Enable custom nonces, create a new transaction with the same nonce.
3. Set a high gas limit and confirm the transaction.

Does resetting MetaMask clear pending transactions?

Yes, resetting MetaMask clears pending transactions by essentially clearing your transaction history. When you reset your wallet, MetaMask returns to its initial state, erasing transaction data and providing a fresh start.

Can MetaMask transactions be reversed?

No, MetaMask transactions cannot be reversed, and missing funds cannot be restored. As a self-custodial wallet, MetaMask operates on the principle that users have full control over their accounts. MetaMask cannot intervene, control access, or rescue funds on behalf of users, emphasizing the importance of responsible account management.

How long does a pending transaction take to cancel?

Pending transactions, typically card transactions not fully processed by merchants, will usually drop back into the account after 7 days if the merchant does not deduct the funds. This waiting period allows for transaction processing, and after 7 days, any unclaimed funds should be returned to the account.

Can I cancel a pending ETH transaction?

Yes, if a pending Ethereum (ETH) transaction seems to be stuck indefinitely, users can attempt to cancel it by replacing it with a new transaction. Sending a 0 ETH transaction to the same address with the same nonce and a higher gas price can effectively cancel the initial transaction. This provides users with a practical solution for dealing with prolonged pending transactions on MetaMask.

Why do my MetaMask transactions keep failing?

MetaMask transactions may fail primarily due to insufficient gas. When a transaction fails, it often indicates running out of gas – the transaction’s gas cost, multiplied by the gas price, exceeds the available balance. Ensuring an adequate gas balance is crucial to avoid transaction failures, emphasizing the importance of monitoring gas levels when initiating transactions on MetaMask.

Conclusion

In 2024, MetaMask users can rely on the provided methods to effectively cancel pending transactions, ensuring smoother interactions with the Ethereum blockchain. By understanding the reasons behind stuck transactions and following the step-by-step guide, users can navigate through transaction-related challenges with confidence.