Deposit ETH to Layer 2 EVM Chains

Layer 2 blockchains, such as Arbitrum, Optimism, Unichain, and Base, require ETH for transactions. This tutorial walks you through how to deposit ETH into a layer 2 blockchain wallet.

There are two main ways to deposit ETH into your layer 2 wallet:

• Through a centralized exchange - recommended for beginners
• Directly using a layer 2 native bridge - recommended for Ethereum native users

Using a centralized exchange to transfer is a simple, straightforward method.

1. Create an account on a centralized exchange platform, such as Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, or KuCoin.
2. Then, perform one of the following:
   • Use your preferred payment method to buy ETH.
   • Transfer other assets from your on-chain wallet to your chosen exchange platform and swap them for ETH.

1. Go to the withdraw feature on your chosen exchange platform.
2. Select a layer 2 network such as Arbitrum, Optimism, Unichain, or Base as the network when withdrawing your ETH to your wallet.

If you already have ETH in your EVM wallet, such MetaMask, Trust Wallet, or Coinbase Wallet, but it's on the Ethereum mainnet, you can use a native bridge to transfer your ETH directly from Ethereum to a layer 2.

Visit one of the following bridges, depending on the layer 2 you wish to bridge to. Then, connect your EVM wallet to the bridge.

• Arbitrum Bridge
• Optimism Bridge
• Unichain Bridge
• Base Bridge

• Ensure you have enough ETH in your wallet to cover gas fees on the Ethereum network.

• Set the destination and initiate the transfer.