Metamask: Cancel pending transaction in smart contracts due to low balance
As an active user of Ethereum, you are not alone in the frustration of waiting for transactions to be processed despite having a low balance. This problem is common when it comes to the interaction of smart contracts with Metamask, a popular browser extension used by both developers and users.
In this article, we will look at the causes of the pending transaction problem and provide a step-by-step guide to canceling or resolving it.
Problem: Pending transaction older than 24 hours
When you post a smart contract transaction using Metamask, the extension sends the request to the Ethereum network. However, if the sender does not have enough ether (ETH) in his account, he will not be able to continue the transaction.
In your case, you have almost no ETH left, and you tried to send a small gas payment to a smart contract, which resulted in a pending transaction that hangs for more than 24 hours. This can be inconvenient, especially when it comes to using your own funds without a sufficient balance.
Why is my transaction on hold?
There are several reasons why your transaction may be pending:
- Low ETH Balance: Your account balance may not have enough Ether to cover your gas bill or any other requirements specified by the smart contract.
- Insufficient gas charge: The transaction itself may require too little gas, which may cause processing delays.
- Network Congestion: High network congestion can slow down transactions, resulting in longer processing times.
How to cancel or resolve my pending transaction?
To resolve a pending transaction, follow these steps:
Option 1: Check your balance
First, make sure you have enough ETH in your account. You can do this by checking your MetaMask dashboard or using Ethereum Explorer ( to see if your account balance is low.
console.log(MetaMask.selectedAddress);
console.log(MetaMask.ethBalance());
Option 2: Check the smart contract requirements
If you’ve added a gas charge, make sure it’s enough for the transaction. If not, you will need to increase it before continuing.
Option 3: Contact the developer or support team
For more complex issues, such as network congestion or smart contract dependencies, you can contact your smart contract developer or ask MetaMask support for help.
Conclusion
Canceling a pending transaction using Metamask requires some basic troubleshooting. By following these steps and checking your account balance, you can quickly resolve the issue. Remember to always check the requirements of the smart contract and ask for help if necessary to avoid further delays.