Sending cryptocurrency can feel like second nature once you get the hang of it—but one small mistake, like selecting the wrong network, can lead to panic. You're not alone if you've ever asked: “I sent ETH to my wallet, but it’s not showing up. Why can’t I use it on OpenSea?”
The issue? You likely transferred your ETH to the wrong blockchain network—most commonly, sending ERC-20 ETH to a BEP-20 address, or vice versa. While the ticker symbol is the same (ETH), these are technically different versions of the asset living on separate blockchains. And no, they’re not directly interchangeable.
But don’t hit the panic button just yet. If you sent your ETH to the correct wallet address but via the wrong network, there’s a good chance you can recover it. However, if you sent it to a wrong or invalid address, recovery becomes nearly impossible unless it's an address you control.
Let’s walk through how this happens, how to fix it, and most importantly—how to avoid it in the future.
Understanding ERC-20 vs BEP-20: Why Networks Matter
Before diving into recovery steps, it’s crucial to understand the difference between ERC-20 and BEP-20 networks:
- ERC-20: The standard for tokens on the Ethereum blockchain. This is what platforms like OpenSea, Uniswap, and most DeFi apps expect.
- BEP-20: A token standard on Binance Smart Chain (BSC), now known as BNB Chain. It supports lower transaction fees but isn't compatible with Ethereum-native applications.
👉 Learn how blockchain networks work and protect your assets today.
Even though both networks support “ETH,” they function independently. Sending BEP-20 ETH to a wallet expecting ERC-20 ETH means your funds are stuck on the wrong chain—visible only if you add the BSC network to your wallet.
Common Mistake: Sending ETH via Binance Using BEP-20
Many users withdraw ETH from Binance and automatically choose the cheapest withdrawal option—often BEP-20 (BSC) due to lower gas fees. But here’s the catch:
If your receiving wallet (like MetaMask) is set to the Ethereum network, it won’t display BEP-20 assets by default.
So when you check your wallet and don’t see the ETH, it doesn’t mean it’s lost—it’s just on a different network.
Can You Still Access It?
Yes—if you know how to switch networks. Here’s what to do:
Add the BSC (BEP-20) network to MetaMask
- Open MetaMask
- Click “Networks” → “Add Network”
Enter BSC Mainnet details:
- Network Name: Binance Smart Chain
- RPC URL:
https://bsc-dataseed.binance.org/ - Chain ID: 56
- Symbol: BNB
- Block Explorer:
https://bscscan.com
Import BEP-20 ETH into MetaMask
- Once BSC is added, go to “Import Tokens”
- Search for ETH or paste the BEP-20 ETH contract address:
0x2170ed0880ac9a755fd29b2688956bd959f933f8 - Your BEP-20 ETH should now appear
How to Move BEP-20 ETH Back to ERC-20 (Ethereum Network)
Now that you’ve located your ETH, it’s time to bring it back to the Ethereum network where it can be used for NFTs, DeFi, or trading. Here’s a step-by-step guide using Binance as an intermediary:
Step 1: Send BEP-20 ETH Back to Binance
You’ll need BNB in your MetaMask wallet to pay gas fees on the BSC network.
- Transfer at least 0.01 BNB to your MetaMask wallet (sent via BEP-20)
- Switch MetaMask to the BSC network
- Send your BEP-20 ETH back to your Binance deposit address (make sure Binance accepts BEP-20 ETH)
👉 Find low-fee ways to acquire BNB for gas and transactions.
Step 2: Withdraw ETH from Binance via ERC-20
Once Binance receives your BEP-20 ETH:
- Go to Binance → Withdraw → Select ETH
- Choose ERC-20 as the network (critical!)
- Paste your MetaMask Ethereum (ERC-20) address
- Confirm withdrawal
Within minutes, your ETH should appear in your wallet—now fully usable on OpenSea and other Ethereum-based platforms.
What If You Sent ETH to an Unsupported Exchange?
Suppose you sent BEP-20 ETH to an exchange like MaiCoin Max, which doesn’t support BSC deposits. In that case:
- The funds may not credit automatically
- Contact customer support immediately
- Provide transaction hash, amount, and network used
- Some exchanges may manually recover funds for a fee
However, success isn’t guaranteed—always double-check deposit networks before sending!
Three Golden Rules for Safe Crypto Transfers
To avoid costly mistakes, follow these best practices every time:
- ✅ Verify the Receiving Address
Always copy-paste addresses; never type manually. Use QR codes when possible. - ✅ Confirm the Correct Network
Ensure the withdrawal network matches the recipient’s supported network (e.g., ERC-20 for Ethereum wallets). - ✅ Keep Enough Native Gas Token
For BSC: Hold BNB for gas
For Ethereum: Hold ETH for gas
Without it, you can’t move assets—even if they’re in your wallet!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Can I recover crypto sent to the wrong address?
Unfortunately, no—blockchain transactions are irreversible. If you send funds to an incorrect or unknown address, recovery is almost impossible unless it’s a wallet you control. Always test with a small amount first.
❓ Is BEP-20 ETH the same as ERC-20 ETH?
No. While both represent ETH value, they exist on different blockchains (BSC vs Ethereum). They are not natively compatible without a bridge or exchange.
❓ Why didn’t my ETH show up in MetaMask?
It likely arrived on a different network (e.g., BEP-20 instead of ERC-20). Add the correct network (like BSC) to MetaMask and import the token manually.
❓ How do I prevent sending crypto to the wrong network?
Always triple-check the network option during withdrawal. Save trusted addresses with network labels. Use wallets that warn about network mismatches.
❓ Can I use BEP-20 ETH on OpenSea?
No. OpenSea operates on the Ethereum blockchain and only supports ERC-20 tokens. You must convert or transfer your ETH to the Ethereum network first.
❓ Do all exchanges support both ERC-20 and BEP-20?
Most major exchanges like Binance, OKX, and Coinbase support both networks for ETH—but always confirm before depositing. Smaller regional exchanges may have limited support.
Final Thoughts: Stay Calm, Stay Informed
Mistakes happen—even experienced users occasionally select the wrong network. The key is acting quickly and knowing where your funds are. As long as you sent ETH to a wallet you control (just via BEP-20), you can recover it using the steps above.
But remember: address errors are final. There’s no undo button in crypto. Always verify, verify, and verify again before hitting “send.”
👉 Secure your crypto journey with tools that help prevent transfer errors.
By understanding blockchain networks and practicing safe transfer habits, you’ll protect your investments and enjoy seamless access to NFTs, DeFi, and more—all without losing sleep over a simple typo.