FAQ
imtoken FAQ for wallets, networks, transfers, gas, DApps, approvals, Ethereum, PoS, and validators.
How are a wallet and an account address related?
A wallet manages key material and presents on-chain account information. An address is a public identifier used to receive assets; seed phrases and private keys must remain private.
Should I save my seed phrase as a screenshot?
It is not recommended. Screenshots can be synced to cloud services or accessed by other applications. Offline physical storage is generally safer.
What is the difference between a private key and a seed phrase?
A private key can control a specific account, while a seed phrase can derive multiple accounts. Both are highly sensitive recovery material.
Why verify the network before sending?
The same asset name can exist on different networks. A transfer on the wrong network may not be recognized or processed as expected by the recipient.
What is gas?
Gas represents the computational resources used by a network to process transactions or contract interactions. Fees vary with network demand and transaction complexity.
What is a transaction hash used for?
A transaction hash identifies a specific on-chain transaction and can be used in a block explorer to inspect broadcast, inclusion, and confirmation status.
Why can an exchange still show no deposit after an on-chain success?
Verify the hash, network, and destination address, then check the receiving service’s confirmation policy. On-chain completion and internal account crediting can happen at different times.
Does connecting to a DApp automatically move assets?
A connection alone usually does not equal a transfer, but later signature, approval, or transaction requests can affect assets and should be reviewed individually.
Are message signatures the same as transaction signatures?
Not exactly. A message signature may be used for authentication or authorization semantics without an on-chain transaction, while a transaction signature authorizes a specific on-chain action.
What is a token approval?
A token approval grants a contract permission to use tokens within an allowance. Review the target and amount, and consider revoking permissions that are no longer needed.
Why do EVM addresses look the same across networks?
Many EVM-compatible networks use the same address format, but they are separate networks and their assets and transaction states do not automatically merge.
How is Layer 2 related to mainnet?
Layer 2 systems process some activity outside the base chain and then settle or submit proofs according to their design. Moving assets across layers usually requires a dedicated process.
How can I spot a phishing site?
Verify the exact domain, source, request details, and redirect path. Similar visual design is not proof that a site is legitimate.
Does Ethereum staking guarantee returns?
No. Rewards can change and may be affected by validator status, protocol rules, exit waiting times, penalties, service fees, and market volatility.
What risks can PoS validators face?
Risks can include downtime, network penalties, exit queues, key management, service-provider exposure, and smart-contract risk.
Will official support ask for my seed phrase?
No. imtoken will never ask for a seed phrase, private key, or verification code, and support should not require them for account recovery.