When I first started dealing with crypto in 2021, I thought sending Bitcoin would be as quick as sending money through an e-wallet. I typed in the wallet address, clicked “Send,” and felt that rush—like trying something new for the first time.
But then… nothing happened. I refreshed. Checked again. Still nothing.
Panic mode on. I even turned to my husband and said, “OMG, mali yata yung ginawa ko! Did I lose it? Is it gone forever?”
He just smiled and told me, “Wait ka lang kasi.”
That moment taught me an important lesson: in crypto, patience isn’t just a virtue, it’s part of the process.
So, What’s a Block and a Confirmation?
Think of a blockchain like a giant public notebook. Every few minutes, a new page (block) gets filled with the latest transactions. Before your transaction is fully accepted, it has to be written on that page and then verified.
Each time your transaction appears on a new page, it gets what’s called a confirmation. The more confirmations, the more secure your transaction is.
- 1 confirmation → your transaction is included in a block.
- 3–6 confirmations → usually considered safe and final for Bitcoin.
It’s like when you deposit money in a bank: you get a slip right away, but the money doesn’t officially “clear” until the bank processes it.
Why Waiting Matters
Confirmations protect you (and the network) from fraud and double spending. Imagine someone trying to spend the same coin twice, confirmations make that almost impossible.
The waiting time depends on the blockchain:
- Bitcoin: about 10 minutes per block.
- Ethereum: much faster, around 12 seconds per block.
- Newer blockchains (like Solana or Avalanche): even quicker, with confirmations that feel almost instant.
So yes, gone are the days when you had to wait nervously for what felt like forever. Technology is improving, and some blockchains now process transactions in the blink of an eye.
Takeaway
Waiting for confirmations isn’t a bug, it’s a feature. It’s what keeps the system safe, secure, and fair for everyone.
Back in 2021, I didn’t understand why I had to wait. But now I know: those few minutes of holding my breath were actually the system doing its job.
Next time you send crypto and find yourself refreshing the screen, remember, your transaction is on its way, being checked and re-checked across the blockchain world.
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