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How to Select the Correct Network When Receiving Crypto

Why Does the Network Matter?​

Tokens with the same name or symbol can exist on different blockchain networks. USDT and USDC, for example, are issued on multiple networks, and each network is treated as a separate asset in Gem Wallet.

The sender's withdrawal network must match the network shown on your Gem Wallet receive screen. A compatible-looking address does not make a different network safe to use.

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Do not choose a network only because its fee is lower. Confirm that both the sending service and your Gem Wallet asset support the exact token on that network.

Select a Network on the Receive Screen​

When Gem Wallet knows that the selected asset is available on multiple supported networks for your wallet, the receive screen displays a network selector.

  1. Open Gem Wallet and select the asset you want to receive.
  2. Select Receive.
  3. Select the network shown on the receive screen.
  4. Choose the exact network the sender will use.
  5. Confirm that the asset name, network, address, and warning text have updated.
  6. Copy the address or share the updated QR code.

After you select another network, Gem Wallet loads the corresponding asset and wallet account. The receive address and QR code can change, so discard any address or QR code copied before the selection.

If only one supported version is available for the selected asset and wallet, Gem Wallet does not show the network selector.

Match an Exchange Withdrawal Network​

When withdrawing from an exchange or another wallet:

  1. In Gem Wallet, select the asset and intended receive network first.
  2. Copy the complete receive address.
  3. On the sending service, select the same asset and network.
  4. Paste the address and compare it with the address shown in Gem Wallet.
  5. Review any memo or destination-tag requirement shown by the sender.
  6. Send a small test amount first when practical.

Examples of network names that must match include:

Asset versionNetwork to select
USDT ERC-20Ethereum
USDT TRC-20TRON
USDT BEP-20BNB Chain
USDC on SolanaSolana
USDC on BaseBase

These examples do not guarantee that a particular exchange currently supports every listed network. Use the network names displayed by both services at the time of the transfer.

Verify the Updated Receive Screen​

Before sharing the address, check the warning on the receive screen. Gem Wallet identifies the selected asset and network and instructs you to send only that asset on that network.

Also verify:

  • The selected wallet is the intended wallet.
  • The asset symbol and network name match the sender.
  • The copied address is complete.
  • The QR code was generated after the final network selection.
  • The sending service supports deposits to a self-custody wallet on that network.

For supported memo-based networks, Gem Wallet also explains that your personal receive address does not require a memo or destination tag. An exchange may still require you to enter something in its withdrawal form; follow the sender's validation rules without changing the receive address.

Why Is a Network Missing?​

The selector lists associated asset versions that Gem Wallet supports for accounts present in the current wallet. A network may be absent when:

  • That asset version is not supported or has not been discovered.
  • The current wallet does not contain an account for that blockchain.
  • The token has not been associated with the versions shown on other networks.
  • Asset or network data has not finished loading.

Try the following:

  1. Confirm that Gem Wallet is updated to the latest available version.
  2. Return to the wallet screen and use Manage Tokens to search for the asset on the intended network.
  3. Enable the correct token, reopen it, and select Receive.
  4. Verify the token contract or token ID when adding an unfamiliar token.

See How to Add a Token or Custom Token if the supported token is not visible.

What If Funds Were Sent on Another Network?​

Do not submit another transfer until you identify the original transaction.

  1. Ask the sender for the transaction ID.
  2. Check it on the explorer for the network actually used.
  3. Compare the destination address with your Gem Wallet address for that network.
  4. Enable the matching token and network in Gem Wallet if they are supported.

Follow What to Do After Sending Crypto on the Wrong Network for the full recovery assessment. If the explorer shows success on the correct network but the funds are absent, use Crypto Transaction Confirmed but Not Received.

For the complete receiving workflow, see Receive Crypto in Gem Wallet.