Polkadot.js Apps

Polkadot.js Apps exposes details that ordinary portfolio screens usually hide. You can query chain storage and constants, inspect account state, or prepare a network operation. The connected chain and node determine which data and functions are available.

Inspect an account

Choose the intended network before opening Developer > Chain state. Under selected state query, choose system and then account(AccountId32). Select the account under Option and press the plus button to display the result.

The response includes a transaction nonce, reference counters and account data. A field called free does not necessarily equal the transferable balance: frozen amounts and the chain's minimum balance rules can restrict what is usable. Read the fields in the context of that chain instead of copying a single number into a balance report.

Constants are available in the same Chain state area. For example, the balances module's existential-deposit constant describes the minimum-balance rule. Values may be shown in the chain's smallest unit, so check the unit before interpreting them as whole tokens.

Queries and signing are separate

Public chain inspection needs no hosted-service registration. Submitting a transaction requires an appropriate signing account and can incur network fees or deposits. The Developer Signer extension handles account keys and signatures; it is separate from the Apps interface.

The desktop build is available for Windows, Mac and Linux, but the official guide says it does not support Ledger accounts. Chain developers can also configure local network types and endpoints. That flexibility comes with a more technical interface and responsibility for selecting the correct network, operation and signer.