This guide provides a clear, step-by-step walkthrough for transferring your tokens to the Arbitrum network, whether you're using a desktop or mobile device. We'll cover everything from preparation to execution, including key considerations and alternative options.
Before You Begin
To get started, you'll need a few things in place:
- A Web3 Wallet: This is essential for interacting with blockchain networks. Popular options include MetaMask for browsers and imToken for mobile devices.
- ETH for Gas Fees: You must have Ether (ETH) in your Ethereum wallet to pay for transaction (gas) fees when moving assets to Arbitrum.
Important Considerations
- First-Time Users: If this is your first time moving assets to Arbitrum, it is highly recommended to deposit ETH first. You will need ETH on Arbitrum to pay for subsequent transactions, such as token swaps or approving new tokens.
- Understanding Gas Fees: The process of depositing from Ethereum to Arbitrum requires a gas fee paid in ETH on the Ethereum network. This fee fluctuates based on network congestion.
- Withdrawing Assets: The process for moving assets from Arbitrum back to Ethereum is similar but in reverse, known as a withdrawal.
- Bridge Options: While the Arbitrum Official Bridge is a common choice, several third-party bridges offer different trade-offs between speed, cost, and supported networks.
| Bridge | Arbitrum Official Bridge | cBridge | Hop Exchange |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fees | Ethereum Gas Fee | Gas Fee + Service Fee | Gas Fee + Service Fee |
| Withdrawal Time | ~7 Days | 5-20 minutes | 5-20 minutes |
| Supported Networks | Ethereum | Avalanche, BNB Chain, Fantom, Optimism, Polygon, etc. | Ethereum, Gnosis, Optimism, Polygon |
How to Deposit Tokens: A Step-by-Step Guide
The following sections provide detailed instructions for both desktop and mobile users.
For Desktop Users (Using MetaMask & Arbitrum Bridge)
This method uses the official Arbitrum bridge for maximum security.
Step 1: Connect Your Wallet
Navigate to the Arbitrum Official Bridge website. Click the "Login" or "Connect Wallet" button in the center of the page and authorize the connection through your MetaMask wallet.
Step 2: View Your Balances
Once connected, the interface will display your asset balances on both Layer 1 (Ethereum Mainnet) and Layer 2 (Arbitrum).
Step 3: Select Token and Deposit
- Choose the token you wish to deposit. You can search by name or paste its contract address.
- Enter the amount you want to transfer to Arbitrum.
- Ensure you have enough ETH in your wallet to cover the gas fee for the transaction.
- Click the "Deposit" button. A MetaMask pop-up will appear; confirm the transaction to initiate the transfer. The process typically takes about 10 minutes to complete. You can monitor its progress on the bridge page.
Step 4: Confirm Receipt
After the transaction status shows "success," switch your wallet's network to Arbitrum. Your deposited tokens should now appear in your wallet's asset list. You are now ready to 👉 explore more strategies on the Arbitrum network.
For Mobile Users (Using imToken & Hop Exchange)
This method uses a third-party bridge for faster finality. Always ensure you download wallets from official sources.
Step 1: Switch Network
Open your imToken app. On the main assets screen, tap the network name (e.g., "Ethereum") at the top. From the network list, find and select "Arbitrum" to switch to it.
Step 2: Initiate Deposit
Return to your asset screen. Locate and tap the "Deposit" or "Bridge" button to begin the process.
Step 3: Connect to a Bridge
- From the list of available bridge services, select "Hop Exchange."
- On the Hop interface, tap "Connect a Wallet." You may need to tap "Show More" to find and select imToken from the list. Authorize the connection through your wallet.
Step 4: Complete the Transfer
- Select the token and enter the amount you wish to deposit.
- Follow the on-screen prompts, confirm the transaction in your wallet, and wait for the transfer to process.
- Once completed, return to your Arbitrum wallet view in imToken to see your newly arrived funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a deposit to Arbitrum take?
Deposit times vary by the bridge you use. The official Arbitrum bridge takes about 10 minutes to process but has a 7-day challenge period for withdrawals. Third-party bridges like Hop or cBridge typically complete deposits in 5 to 20 minutes.
Why do I need ETH on both Ethereum and Arbitrum?
You need ETH on Ethereum to pay the gas fee for the initial deposit transaction. You need ETH on Arbitrum to pay for gas for any transactions you perform there, such as trading tokens or providing liquidity.
What is the difference between the official bridge and third-party options?
The official bridge is native to Arbitrum and is generally considered the most secure option for large transfers, but it is slower for withdrawals. Third-party bridges are faster and support more networks but may involve slightly higher complexity and trust assumptions.
Can I deposit any Ethereum token to Arbitrum?
Most major ERC-20 tokens are supported. The official bridge has a curated list, but you can also add custom tokens by their contract address. Third-party bridges support a wide variety of tokens across multiple chains.
What happens if my deposit transaction fails?
If a transaction fails due to an error or insufficient gas, the assets will not leave your wallet. You will only lose the ETH paid for the attempted gas fee. The funds remain safe in your original address.
Is it safe to use third-party bridges?
Reputable third-party bridges like Hop and cBridge are widely used and considered safe. However, it is crucial to always verify you are on the correct website and be aware of the smart contract risks inherent in any blockchain interaction.