From send to confirmed
Watch a payment get signed, checked, and recorded on a blockchain.
Demo network
Watch a transfer move
Ari’s wallet has signed a transfer of 3 demo credits to Bea. At this point it is ready to send.
Read all steps
- Start with a signed transfer
Ari’s wallet has signed a transfer of 3 demo credits to Bea. At this point it is ready to send.
- Broadcast to the network
Ari’s wallet sends the signed transfer to a peer. Peers can relay it to other computers, called nodes, so it spreads through the network.
- Validate and include the transfer
Nodes check the signature and spending rules. A valid transfer gets its first confirmation when it appears in a block accepted by the network.
- Count another confirmation
In this example, a new block extends the chain and raises the count to two confirmations. Confirmation and finality rules vary across networks.
Review and sign
Suppose Alex sends two practice credits to Sam. Alex reviews the destination and amount. Their wallet uses a private key to make a signature for those payment details, then sends the signed transaction out to the network.
Broadcast and check
Network computers receive the transaction and check it against their rules. For example, they check the signature and make sure the funds are available. A valid transaction can still be pending while it waits to be included in a block.
Record the payment
When the transaction goes into an accepted block, the ledger records the payment. On Bitcoin, inclusion is the first confirmation and additional blocks increase confidence in that history. Network fees, wait times, and confirmation rules vary.