The Polygon network is undergoing a pivotal transformation as it transitions from its long-standing MATIC token to the new native token, POL. This migration, set to complete on September 4, marks a significant milestone in the evolution of one of Ethereum’s most widely used scaling solutions. As part of the broader Polygon 2.0 vision, this shift is not merely a rebrand but a foundational upgrade aimed at enhancing scalability, interoperability, and security across the ecosystem.
Whether you're a long-term MATIC holder, a developer building on Polygon, or simply tracking the future of Ethereum layer-2 solutions, understanding the implications of this migration is essential.
What Is the MATIC to POL Migration?
The MATIC to POL migration represents the official phase-out of MATIC as Polygon’s native token. Starting September 4, POL will take over as the primary gas and staking token for the Polygon proof-of-stake (PoS) chain.
This change was announced by Polygon Labs in a July blog post, emphasizing that POL is designed to support the next generation of decentralized applications and blockchain interoperability. While MATIC has served as the backbone of Polygon’s ecosystem since its inception, POL is engineered with advanced utility in mind—particularly for the upcoming AggLayer and zkEVM-based chains.
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Why Is Polygon Transitioning to POL?
The shift to POL is central to Polygon 2.0, a comprehensive roadmap that reimagines Polygon as a network of interconnected, zero-knowledge-powered blockchains. At the heart of this vision is the AggLayer—a protocol that aggregates zero-knowledge proofs from multiple chains to enable near-instant, secure, and atomic cross-chain transactions.
With POL, validators and stakers will be able to:
- Stake POL to secure the main Polygon PoS chain.
- Restake POL to protect additional application-specific chains within the Polygon supernet.
- Earn rewards through participation in decentralized security and cross-chain validation.
This multi-chain security model mirrors innovations seen in protocols like EigenLayer but is tailored specifically for Polygon’s zkEVM-centric architecture. By enabling restaking across chains, POL enhances capital efficiency and strengthens network-wide security—key components for supporting enterprise-grade dApps and high-throughput applications.
Moreover, POL is designed to serve as a unified economic layer across all Polygon-powered chains. As more chains integrate with the AggLayer, POL will act as the common denominator for transaction fees, staking, and governance incentives.
What Do Users Need to Do During the Migration?
One of the most frequently asked questions is whether users need to take action during the transition. The answer depends on where your MATIC is held.
For MATIC Holders on the Polygon PoS Chain
If your MATIC tokens are on the Polygon proof-of-stake chain, you don’t need to do anything. The migration will be automatic—your MATIC balance will be converted 1:1 to POL without any user intervention.
For MATIC Holders on Ethereum (ERC-20)
If you hold MATIC as an ERC-20 token on Ethereum, you’ll need to manually upgrade your tokens to POL. You can do this via the Polygon Portal Interface, which provides a secure and user-friendly way to complete the swap.
Alternatively, advanced users can interact directly with the migration contract deployed on Ethereum at address 0x29e7DF7b6A1B2b07b731457f499E1696c60E2C4e. However, Polygon cautions that this method is intended for experienced users familiar with smart contract interactions.
For Users on zkEVM or Centralized Exchanges
Holders of MATIC on Polygon zkEVM or those storing tokens on centralized exchanges (CEXs) should monitor announcements from their respective platforms. Most major exchanges are expected to handle the migration automatically, but some may require users to bridge tokens to Ethereum first.
For Hardware Wallet Users
If you store MATIC in a hardware wallet like Ledger, you may need to perform a manual conversion once wallet providers release updated support for POL. Polygon has not yet published detailed instructions for this process, so users are advised to wait for official guidance from both Polygon and their wallet provider.
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Is There a Deadline for Converting MATIC to POL?
As of now, there is no deadline for converting MATIC to POL for users on Ethereum or the zkEVM network. The migration portal will remain open indefinitely, allowing users to upgrade at their convenience.
However, Polygon has indicated that the community may vote in the future to set a deadline for the migration. This would likely be done through a governance proposal if deemed necessary for network efficiency or security.
Until such a decision is made, users are encouraged to migrate early—especially those holding large balances on Ethereum—to avoid potential congestion or delays later.
Key Benefits of POL Over MATIC
While both tokens share a 1:1 conversion ratio, POL introduces several strategic improvements:
- Enhanced Utility: POL will power staking, gas fees, and security across multiple chains in the Polygon ecosystem.
- Interoperability Focus: Designed for seamless integration with zkEVM chains and the AggLayer.
- Future-Proof Economics: Supports restaking and shared security models critical for decentralized networks.
- Scalability Foundation: Enables high-throughput applications and enterprise adoption through unified economic alignment.
These upgrades position POL not just as a replacement token, but as a core component of a more scalable and interconnected blockchain future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will MATIC still be usable after the migration?
No. Once fully migrated, MATIC will no longer function as a gas or staking token on the Polygon PoS chain. However, ERC-20 MATIC holders can still upgrade to POL at any time through the migration portal.
Is the POL token supply different from MATIC?
The initial supply of POL will match the circulating supply of MATIC at the time of migration. The 1:1 conversion ensures no dilution or inflationary impact during the transition.
Can I trade POL immediately after migration?
Yes. POL is expected to be listed on major cryptocurrency exchanges shortly after the migration date. Trading pairs will include POL/USDT, POL/ETH, and POL/USD.
Does this migration affect gas fees on Polygon?
Not immediately. Gas fee structures will remain similar post-migration, but future upgrades under Polygon 2.0 may introduce dynamic fee models optimized for multi-chain usage.
Is POL a new token or just a rebranded MATIC?
POL is technically a new token with expanded functionality. While it replaces MATIC, it’s built to support advanced features like restaking and AggLayer integration—going beyond what MATIC was designed for.
What happens if I don’t migrate my ERC-20 MATIC?
Your tokens will remain safe in your wallet, but they won’t benefit from POL’s enhanced utilities unless upgraded. There’s no expiration date yet, but future governance could impose one.
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Final Thoughts
The transition from MATIC to POL is more than a symbolic rebrand—it’s a strategic leap toward a more interconnected, secure, and scalable blockchain ecosystem. As Polygon evolves into a network of zero-knowledge-powered chains via the AggLayer, POL becomes the economic engine driving innovation across its supernet.
For users, developers, and investors alike, staying informed and proactive during this migration ensures continued access to one of Ethereum’s most dynamic layer-2 ecosystems.
By embracing this change early, you're not just upgrading a token—you're stepping into the next era of decentralized technology.
Core Keywords: Polygon migration, POL token, MATIC to POL, Polygon 2.0, AggLayer, zkEVM, token upgrade, Ethereum scaling