How to Set Up Private and Public Tags in Blockscout and Add Addresses to Your Watchlist
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Blockchain explorers like Blockscout provide users with an efficient way to navigate blockchain data, track transactions, and manage assets. One of its standout features is the ability to personalize your experience using private tags, public tags, and the watchlist. In this blog, we’ll guide you through how to set up these features and optimize your Blockscout usage.
What Are Private and Public Tags?
Private Tags
Private tags are customizable labels that allow you to organize and track specific addresses (EOAs or smart contracts) and transactions. These tags are private to your Blockscout instance and visible only when you are logged in. Use private tags to:
Highlight important wallets or multisig accounts.
Tag specific transaction types, tokens, or NFTs.
Add emojis 😎 for easier identification.
Public Tags
Public tags, on the other hand, are labels assigned to EOAs or contract addresses that are visible to all users on a public Blockscout instance. They improve address identification and enhance brand visibility for projects. Adding a public tag involves a review and approval process by the Blockscout team.
What Is the Watchlist?
The watchlist feature in Blockscout lets you monitor the activity of specific addresses, whether they are EOAs or smart contracts. Key features include:
Tracking incoming and outgoing transactions for native tokens, ERC-20 tokens, and NFTs (ERC-721 & ERC-1155).
Receiving email notifications for address activities.
This feature is ideal for staying updated on important accounts or projects.
Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up Tags and Watchlists
1. Log In to Blockscout
Start by visiting your desired Blockscout instance (e.g., the ETH Sepolia Blockscout Explorer). Log in by connecting your wallet, such as MetaMask, and signing the authentication transaction. After logging in, you’ll be ready to manage your tags and watchlist.
2. Search for an Address
Copy the address you want to track or tag, and paste it into the Blockscout search bar. The results page will display all relevant details about the address, including:
Balance
Tokens held
Transactions
Gas usage
Sponsored gas details
3. Add the Address to Your Watchlist
Next to the address details, you’ll find the option to Add to Watchlist. Click it, assign a name to your watchlist entry (e.g., “Project 1”), and save it. The address is now part of your watchlist, and you can track its activities easily.
4. Set Up a Private Tag
To create a private tag, select the “Private Tag” option next to the address. Assign a meaningful label (e.g., “Private Tag Example”) and save the changes. The private tag will now appear next to the address, visible only to you.
5. Request a Public Tag
To create a public tag, submit a request through the Blockscout interface. Fill out the required form with the address and proposed tag details. Once approved by the Blockscout team, the public tag will be visible to all users on the platform.
Why Use These Features?
Efficiency: Quickly identify and organize critical addresses and transactions.
Personalization: Customize Blockscout to fit your workflow.
Visibility: Public tags improve your project's reach and make it easier for users to find your addresses.
Monitoring: The watchlist ensures you never miss important activities.
Conclusion
Blockscout’s private tags, public tags, and watchlist features are powerful tools for blockchain users. Whether you’re tracking personal wallets or managing a project, these features help you stay organized and informed.
Start leveraging these features today to enhance your blockchain exploration experience. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Happy exploring with Blockscout!