Check the transfer before attempting recovery
Find the transaction ID, network and destination address in the sending service. Open the explorer for that network. A pending or failed transfer needs a different diagnosis from a confirmed transfer.
Do not repeat the transfer to try to fix it. A confirmed transaction has no general undo button, as the Ethereum support documentation explains.
Your next step depends on the destination
- Your own wallet: check whether it supports the network used for the transfer. On some compatible networks, selecting that network and displaying the correct token contract may be enough. Do not assume this works for every wallet, especially contract-based accounts.
- An exchange or custodial service: check its supported deposit networks and contact official support. Only that service can assess whether it can credit or recover the deposit. Recovery may be impossible or carry a fee.
- Another person: confirm the address and network with them. Do not assume they control the equivalent address on another chain.
- An address or contract you do not control: there is no universal recovery process. Avoid services promising to return funds in exchange for a recovery phrase or upfront payments.
MetaMask's wrong-destination guide distinguishes network and destination problems. It does not guarantee that a particular transfer is recoverable.
Check which token arrived
The name USDT alone does not identify the contract or network. Compare the information with Tether's published protocols and contracts. Do not assume every token using that symbol is issued directly by the same provider.
Changing the network displayed in your wallet does not move assets between chains. Moving them requires a separate compatible operation, with its own costs and risks. It is not an automatic recovery step.
Keep the relevant details
Save the sending network, destination address, token contract, transaction ID and status. Share relevant details only with the appropriate official support channel, never private keys or your recovery phrase.
To prevent another mistake, read how to check the network and contract. If the problem is an operation that will not complete, use the swap troubleshooting guide.