How to recover cryptocurrency: what you can try
Crypto recovery depends on how it was lost and who holds the keys. Try wallet backups, contact the exchange, and report scams to the FTC and IC3.
Vahe HakobyanEditor-in-chief
Updated Oct 5, 20263 min readFact-checked
On this page
- Most confirmed blockchain transfers cannot be undone.
- Exchange support may freeze funds if you act quickly.
- Paid recovery services that guarantee results are usually scams.
How to recover cryptocurrency depends on who holds the keys and how the loss happened. A thief can usually keep a confirmed transfer, while an exchange may help if you ask fast.
What to know before you start
Recovery depends on how the crypto was lost and who holds the keys. If you keep your own wallet, a seed phrase or password backup may restore access. If an exchange holds the keys, only that company can help. If a thief has your keys, a confirmed transfer is usually final.
Step-by-step recovery options
If you lost wallet access, try your seed phrase, password backups, and wallet recovery tools. If you sent crypto to a wrong address, contact the service quickly. For an exchange lockout, hack, or scam, contact support and report to US regulators.
- 1Contact the exchange or ATM operator right awayIf a scammer took your payment, call or message the exchange or ATM operator immediately and say it was fraudulent.
- 2Ask them to freeze or undo the transferRequest that they undo the transaction and return your money.
- 3Report to the FTC and FBI IC3File a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and a complaint with IC3 at ic3.gov.
- 4Change your password and turn on 2FAIf you can still sign in, set a new strong password and turn on two-factor authentication.
- 5Run a security scanScan your device and remove whatever the scan flags as a problem.
After the attempt: records and security
After you try the main options, lock down what remains. Change passwords, turn on two-factor authentication, and revoke token approvals you do not recognize. Keep records for the IRS because the IRS treats cryptocurrency as property.
Frequently asked questions
Usually no. Most cryptocurrency payments cannot be undone, so the recipient must send the money back.
Collect wallet addresses, transaction IDs, dates, amounts, screenshots, and messages for exchange support, the FTC, and IC3.
Not always. Reports and exchange support may be enough for small losses, but a legitimate service cannot promise recovery.
Usually no, because whoever has the seed phrase controls the wallet. Move any remaining funds to a new wallet and report the scam.
