What Happens to Unconfirmed Bitcoin Transactions

If you’re curious about what happens with an unconfirmed Bitcoin transaction, you’ve come to the right spot. In this guide, we’ll outline the main reasons why some BTC transactions stay unconfirmed. We’ll also provide several ways you can use to reverse unconfirmed transactions. Here’s everything you need to know about unconfirmed transactions on the blockchain.

Why Is My Bitcoin Transaction Unconfirmed?

An unconfirmed transaction, or a zero-confirmation transaction, is a term that refers to all transactions that are not recorded on the blockchain. BTC confirmation time usually takes about one hour. However, if the transaction is not confirmed within that period, one of the following issues has probably occurred:

Traffic Congestion

Traffic congestion occurs when the number of transactions on the network surpasses its capacity. That said, BTC is a public blockchain whose block size is 1 MB, which is why this network can handle a maximum of seven transactions per second.

The greater the network congestion, the slower the transactions will be. Blockchain network congestion can be caused by high transaction volumes, the release of new tokens and protocols, and scalability limitations. For example, when BTC Ordinals were launched, they caused network congestion.

Low Transaction Fees

BTC transactions can stay unconfirmed if their fees are low. This happens because BTC miners focus on transactions with higher gas fees. If you select a low fee, you may have to wait quite a while for your transaction to be processed. In this case, you can resubmit your transaction with a higher fee. Most top BTC wallets will let you change the fees manually.

Slow or No Internet Connection

A good internet connection is important for BTC transactions. If the data doesn’t reach the miners due to interruptions, the transaction won’t be processed — it will remain pending. Firewalls can also block the BTC application. With that in mind, before conducting a transaction, check your Internet speed. You should also ensure your anti-virus software doesn’t block your data transmission.

Incorrect Details

The BTC network will only be able to confirm transactions if correct data is sent. Moreover, the transaction will only succeed if you send your information to the right wallet address. This is why checking all details before hitting the send button is vital. If you send your BTC to the incorrect address, you could lose your funds because BTC transactions are hard to follow.

Larger Than Block Transaction

If the transaction is larger than the block size limit, there is a high possibility that it will remain unconfirmed. These transactions won’t be included in blocks, so miners won’t be able to confirm them. This can happen when a crypto wallet puts a large number of inputs into a single transaction. If this happens, you’ll have to consolidate your transaction.

User Is Not Active

Inactive users are another reason why BTC transactions remain unconfirmed. This can happen if crypto wallets are not synchronized with the BTC network. To avoid this, reconfirm the wallet address with the person you’re sending BTC to. Moreover, make sure your wallet is active. To do this, find the “Activity” tab in your wallet and check the transaction details.

Older Protocols

The use of older protocols that don’t support new features, such as SegWit, can lead to failed transactions. These protocols may also be incompatible with software used to run a full node. 

For example, if you use older BTC protocols, whose block size is limited to 1 MB, your transactions may take several days. To avoid this, make sure that you and your recipient use the same protocol. If one of you uses an older protocol, the transaction won’t be confirmed.

How to Reverse the Unconfirmed Bitcoin Transaction?

Wondering how to stop/reverse a Bitcoin transaction with one or less confirmations? You can’t. Once you send a BTC transaction to the blockchain, you won’t be able to reverse it if it’s confirmed. However, if no one has confirmed the transaction, you’ll be able to use one of the following methods:

Replace-By-Fee Method

The Replace-By-Fee method includes resending the same amount and increasing your transaction fee. This will prompt miners to confirm your second transaction by replacing your original, unconfirmed transaction. Keep in mind that not every BTC wallet will support this method — in some cases, you’ll have to mark your original transaction as replaceable manually. Moreover, many BTC wallets use special software to prevent double-spending, which means that you’ll have to create a second wallet.

Child Pays for Parent Method

Another method you can try is Child Pays for Parent or CPFP. This method allows you to create a new transaction with higher fees. However, you’ll use funds from the original transaction. In short, the CPFP method serves as leverage since miners must first confirm your original transaction to validate your second transaction with higher fees.

Miners will calculate the fee for both transactions. If the second transaction has a lucrative fee, they’ll confirm the pending transaction so that they can reach it. This method can only be used if your transaction is unconfirmed for more than four hours.

How Long Can a Bitcoin Transaction Stay Unconfirmed?

BTC transactions can remain unconfirmed for days and even months when the network is busy, which usually happens during bull markets. Under normal conditions, transaction times vary from 10 minutes to 24 hours. However, the average Bitcoin transaction time is about one hour.

If the transaction remains unconfirmed for 72 hours, it will be canceled. The fees will be returned to the sender’s wallet in this case. This process can take between two days and two weeks, depending on network conditions.

What if My Bitcoin Transaction Is Confirmed but Not Received?

If your BTC transaction is confirmed but not received, there is a chance that you sent your coins to the wrong wallet address or that your recipient is having technical issues. Moreover, if you send BTC to an expired or non-existing address, the transaction will be confirmed but not received. Other reasons may include insufficient fees and network congestion.

To avoid this, you need to:

Conclusion

BTC transactions usually get confirmed within one hour. However, this process can be prolonged if there is network congestion. Moreover, a successful transaction usually includes six confirmations, especially if it involves large amounts. But what happens to unconfirmed Bitcoin transactions? If the transaction remains unconfirmed for 72 hours, it will be canceled.

To avoid this, you can increase your transaction fee so that miners can prioritize your transaction. You can also use the Replace-By-Fee Method and the Child Pays for Parent Method. Keep in mind that you can only do this with unconfirmed transactions. Confirmed transactions cannot be canceled.

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