Tools

Ultimate Guide On How To Use Polygon Bridge

bePAY

30 June 2022

For those who like to bring assets from the Ethereum network to the Polygon network, this enables users to rapidly transfer NFTs and ERC tokens to the Polygon sidechain and vice versa.

The goal of developing the Polygon Bridge was to improve the interoperability of the Ethereum blockchain with the Polygon blockchain. Users are able to simply move tokens back and forth across wallets as long as the wallets are compatible with one another.

In this post, bePAY is going to go into the Polygon network and investigate the principles of what is the Polygon Bridge protocols. In addition, we will discuss the Plasma Bridge and the Proof-of-Stake (PoS) Bridge, as well as the distinctions and connections between the two. In the last part of this series, we will talk about the many kinds of tokens that are compatible with the Polygon bridge. In addition, after the confirmation of the transaction, we will investigate ways to monitor and track it.

What Is The Polygon Bridge?

Polygon is a framework for developing blockchain networks and scaling solutions compatible with Ethereum. It intends to enhance the Ethereum ecosystem by offering tools for developing scalable decentralized apps (DApps) and increasing Ethereum’s transaction throughput with reduced transaction costs. Popular Decentralized Finance (DeFi) services, including Aave, Curve, and SushiSwap, have already been implemented on Polygon.

To engage with DApps and tools on the Polygon network, you must move your assets to its network. Here comes the Polygon Bridge into play. The Polygon Bridge is an untrusted route for transacting between the Polygon and Ethereum blockchains. Using smart contracts enables users to move ERC tokens and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to the Polygon sidechain.

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What is the Polygon Bridge?

>> Make deep information about Sidechain

How Does Polygon Bridge Work?

All sidechains must connect to the Ethereum network; hence, the Polygon bridge is required. Users of Ethereum may transfer their assets and non-fungible tokens to the Polygon network via the Polygon bridge. This is required to access DApps and other tools on the Polygon bridge.

Cheap gas fees are one of the primary advantages of the Polygon bridge. Additionally, transactions are processed far more rapidly. It is entirely decentralized and there are no third-party protocols involved. Users will pay Polygon bridge costs, but they are far lower than mainnet rates.

Almost everything may be transferred to Polygon. The majority will use it to secure their ETH. Some NFTs will be transferred. Even unique in-game tokens, such as Tower tokens, are able to cross the bridge.

Transferring to the Polygon bridge has no effect on the supply of Ethereum. The ETH you are transmitting becomes disconnected from the mainnet. On the Polygon bridge, the same amount will be mined and issued to your wallet. Upon retrieval, any remaining coins will be burnt and the equivalent amount will be released to the mainnet.

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Polygon Bridge working mechanism

On Polygon, there are two types of bridges for transferring assets: the Proof of Stake (PoS) Bridge and the Plasma Bridge. As its name indicates, the PoS Bridge uses the Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus process to protect its network. On the PoS Bridge, deposits are processed fairly immediately, but withdrawals may take some time to confirm. The PoS Bridge facilitates the transfer of ether (ETH) and the vast majority of ERC tokens.

The Plasma Bridge, on the other hand, facilitates the transfer of Polygon’s native token MATIC and some Ethereum tokens (ETH, ERC-20, and ERC-721). Utilizing the Ethereum Plasma scaling approach improves security. Please see the official documentation for further technical information.

PoS Vs. Plasma Bridge

Let’s see the differences between the PoS Bridge and the Plasma Bridge in the table below.

Compared Traits PoS Bridge Plasma Bridge
Short description DApp Developers interested in adaptability and quicker withdrawals with POS system security Plasma’s departure mechanism offers enhanced security assurances to DApp developers.
Structure Highly flexible Rigid, less flexible.
Deposit (Ethereum → Polygon) 3-5 mins 3-5 mins
Withdrawal (Polygon → Ethereum)

1 checkpoint = ~ 20 mins to 3 hours

Call to the process-exit procedure on Ethereum’s contract.
Security A Proof-of-Stake system protected by a dependable collection of external validators Polygon’s Plasma contracts piggyback on Ethereum’s security.
Support Standards ETH, ERC20, ERC721, ERC1155 and others Only ETH, ERC20, ERC721

How To Use A Polygon Bridge?

This example will concentrate on the Proof-of-Stake (PoS) bridge in detail. We will also take you through a glance at a short guide on how to use Plasma Bridge in the paragraph below.

Before using the bridge, you must acquire a crypto wallet that is compatible. This is shown by the widespread Metamask wallet. It is necessary to download and install the wallet. In addition, you need the Metamask browser add-on.

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Using Polygon Bridge PoS and Plasma Bridge

>> Learn more ideas on how to create and use the Metamask wallet

How To Bridge ETH To Polygon Network (PoS)?

The Steps in Extensive Detail

The first step is to sign in to the Polygon web wallet. This may be accomplished by clicking on the “Polygon Bridge” symbol.

connecting-to-polygon-bridge

Selecting Metamask Wallet to connect

Connect your installed Metamask Wallet next.

To link the wallet, a request must be signed. The technique is uncomplicated and cost-free. Additionally, it is essential to double-check the URL to ensure you are on the proper page.

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Sign a request on Polygon Bridge

After this step, the Polygon Bridge website will load.

Next, click the “Deposit” button and choose the token you want to transfer along with the token bridge. Enter the necessary amount and then click the Transfer button.

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Deposit display on Polygon Bridge

The transaction will include gas fees. Proceed by clicking “Continue”

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Continue to process transactions on Polygon Bridge

The next step is to check the transaction details, followed by transaction confirmation.

Transaction review and approval: You will be prompted to sign and confirm the transfer in your MetaMask wallet. Review the transaction information and then click the confirm button.

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Confirm the transaction on Polygon Bridge

Wait for the tokens to be deposited into your Polygon wallet.

How To Withdraw Asset From Polygon To ETH Bridge (PoS)?

Polygon Bridge may transfer tokens to Ethereum or a compatible crypto wallet. Polygon’s network has two bridges: Plasma and PoS. Polygon Bridge pullout times vary. PoS Bridge withdrawals take 45 minutes to 3 hours, whereas Plasma Bridge withdrawals might take 7 days.

Let’s convert Polygon to Ethereum using the PoS Bridge.

On Bridge, click “Withdraw”. Choose Ethereum tokens to send.

how-to-withdraw-polygon-to-ethereum

Withdraws protocol Polygon to ETH bridge (PoS)

Next to [Transfer Mode], you’ll see “SWITCH BRIDGE” Based on the token you pick, the platform will choose the most suitable bridge.

The PoS Bridge transfers Polygon tokens to Ethereum. It supports Ether (ETH) and other Ethereum tokens, including ERC-20, ERC-721, and ERC-1155.

choose-pos-bridge

Choosing PoS Bridge on Polygon Bridge

Enter the token amount and click “Transfer”.

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Transfer between Polygon and Ethereum

Read the notes, then click “Continue”.

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Processing transaction

The “Transfer Overview” pop-up will show the projected gas charge. If the petrol prices are OK, click “Continue”.

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Confirm and continue withdrawal transaction

Before clicking “Continue”, examine your transaction information, including the token amount, bridge, and gas fee.

processing-the-withdrawal-transaction

Keep processing the withdrawal transaction

Sign and authorize the transfer in MetaMask. Select “Confirm” if everything is accurate.

Once verified, wait for the tokens in your Polygon wallet. Etherscan allows you to see the status of a transaction.

The transfer process appears. The PoS validators will authenticate your withdrawal on the network. It may take 3 hours, yet you do nothing.

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Waiting for a checkpoint on Polygon Bridge

After your transaction is verified, claim the tokens in MetaMask. When the withdrawal is complete, click “Continue”.

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Continue to finish the transactions

How To Bridge ETH To Polygon And Withdraw Polygon To Eth Bridge Of Plasma?

You may also use the Plasma Bridge if you purchase MATIC and desire to convert it to ETH, ERC20, or ERC721 tokens.

Here is how it functions:

Click “Switch to Polygon” after your Metamask wallet has been linked to the Polygon wallet. The Metamask extension’s pop-up will provide information about the Polygon network. You may move from Ethereum’s mainnet to the Polygon Network after approval. In addition, you will see your MATIC tokens.

You may now return to Polygon Bridge and click the Withdraw button. Perform the same processes as before.

There are three transactions that need to be verified on the Plasma Bridge. The first step is to withdraw funds from your Polygon Wallet. The second step is to initiate a 7-day challenge period during which anyone may contest the transaction on Matic. This challenging period is intended to increase security. After this is complete, you may transfer MATIC to the Metamask wallet.

The PoS Bridge is a much quicker method of processing transactions, but the Plasma Bridge provides superior security. Why should Polygon Network users use this conversion technique to mint NFTs?

how-plasma-bridge-functions

Bridge ETH to Polygon and withdraws Polygon to ETH Bridge of Plasma

>> Recommend: How to add Polygon to Metamask via this post.

FAQs About Polygon Bridge

What Is The Length Of A Polygon Bridge?

On the Polygon network, there are two bridges: the Plasma Bridge and the PoS Bridge. The pullout time varies according to which Polygon Bridge is used. Withdrawal from the PoS Bridge typically takes 45 minutes to three hours, whereas the Plasma Bridge may take up to seven days.

Why Does Polygon Bridge Indicate Inadequate Funds?

This indicates that you do not have enough of your network’s native token to pay the gas cost. Each transaction (including token and contract transactions) costs gas on EVM-compatible networks. This may be thought of as a transaction charge.

What Polygon Bridge Currency Fees Are Used For Connecting ETH To Polygon?

These “Bridge gas fees” when bridging the Ethereum Network to the Polygon Network by using Polygon Bridge are Ethereum, not Polygon.

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Polygon Bridge about FAQs

>> Learn more tips on how to avoid high ETH gas fees in this post.

Closing Thoughts

New users and natives alike don’t mind spending an arm and a leg on inexpensive gas fees, and as more and more Dapps are launched on Polygon, individuals may conduct most of their web3 activities in this ecosystem. Polygon’s Proof of Stake network is more environmentally-friendly than Ethererum’s existing Proof of Work chain (soon to change) and enables Ethereum activity to expand in an efficient fashion. Once your assets are linked, you may opt to trade and stake tokens, play games, acquire NFTs or plunge further into Web3 with ease.