How to find and verify a transaction number on the blockchain

What you need to know about the transaction number (TXID)

Every transaction on the blockchain network receives a unique identifier – the transaction number (TXID). This is a unique string of characters generated at the moment the transaction enters the network. The transaction number serves as a confirmation receipt – allowing the user to track, verify, and document the sent cryptocurrency.

The identifier is created by applying a hash function to the complete transaction data, which includes the sender's address, the recipient's address, and the amount of coins being transferred. In the Bitcoin network, the process of generating the transaction number is done using the SHA-256 (Secure Hash Algorithm 256-bit) algorithm, which converts the data into a 64-character hexadecimal number.

Where to practically find the transaction number

Access through blockchain explorers

All transaction numbers are available in public blockchain explorers, which means full transparency of the ecosystem. Any user can enter a transaction number in the blockchain browser and access all details – from the moment of sending to confirmation on the network. Although public addresses do not directly reveal the identities of participants, advanced methods may potentially bring such connections.

Transaction number location on exchange platforms

When you withdraw cryptocurrencies from a centralized exchange (CEX), the transaction history page displays the transaction number (TXID) of your withdrawal. By clicking on this number, you will be automatically redirected to the corresponding transaction in the block explorer of the appropriate network.

The situation becomes critical when you transfer funds to the wrong address or to the wrong blockchain network. In such a case, the transaction number from the withdrawal history serves as a starting point for the potential recovery of funds. Nevertheless, it is advisable to immediately contact the support team of the target platform, as recovery of funds is not guaranteed.

Examples of historical transaction numbers

The first transaction in the history of Bitcoin

Satoshi Nakamoto conducted the first Bitcoin transaction for Hal Finney with the following number:

F4184fc596403b9d638783cf57adfe4c75c605f6356fbc91338530e9831e9e16

Legendary pizza purchase

The famous transaction involving the purchase of pizza with Bitcoin has the number:

Cca7507897abc89628f450e8b1e0c6fca4ec3f7b34cccf55f3f531c659ff4d79

You can independently verify both transactions by pasting these numbers into any publicly available Bitcoin block explorer.

Practical application of transaction numbers

The transaction number is a fundamental verification tool in the world of cryptocurrencies. It allows for tracking the movement of funds, maintaining records for tax purposes, and diagnosing issues with failed transfers. The transparency of the blockchain network, provided by the transaction number, is also its strong point – every participant can confirm the authenticity of any transaction at any time using its number.