The long-anticipated Ethereum Merge is finally approaching, marking a pivotal moment in blockchain history. As the network transitions from Proof of Work (PoW) to Proof of Stake (PoS), users and platforms alike must prepare for temporary service adjustments. In alignment with the official Ethereum Foundation timeline, Steaker will implement precautionary measures to ensure system stability during this critical upgrade phase.
This transition isn't just a technical overhaul—it's a transformation that promises greater energy efficiency, enhanced scalability, and a more sustainable future for decentralized applications. However, with major network upgrades come temporary disruptions. To safeguard user assets and maintain platform integrity, certain services will be paused at key stages of the Merge process.
Understanding the Two-Phase Ethereum Merge
The Merge isn’t a single event but a coordinated two-stage upgrade designed to seamlessly integrate Ethereum’s existing execution layer with the new consensus layer—the Beacon Chain.
Phase 1: Bellatrix Upgrade – Consensus Layer Activation
Scheduled for September 6, 2022, at approximately 19:30 (UTC+8), the Bellatrix upgrade will activate on the Beacon Chain at epoch 144,896. This marks the beginning of the synchronization between the current Ethereum mainnet and the PoS-based Beacon Chain. While no immediate changes are visible to end users at this stage, it sets the foundation for the final cutover.
Phase 2: Paris Upgrade – Execution Layer Transition
The second and final phase, known as Paris, will trigger once the Terminal Total Difficulty (TTD) threshold is reached on the Ethereum mainnet. This shift officially ends mining and transitions validation to staking. The expected window for this transition falls between September 10 and September 20, 2022, with activation occurring at block height 15,540,293.
👉 Learn how blockchain upgrades impact asset security and what you can do to stay protected.
Note: All times referenced are in UTC+8 (Taiwan Time). Actual timing may vary slightly due to network block production speed.
Service Adjustments on Steaker
To ensure a smooth transition and prevent potential transaction failures or asset loss during network instability, Steaker will temporarily suspend specific services related to Ethereum-based assets.
Temporary Suspension of ETH and ERC20 Transactions
Steaker will pause deposit and withdrawal functions for ETH and all ERC20 tokens (including popular stablecoins such as USDT, USDC, BUSD, and DAI) starting 30 minutes before the official Merge initiation.
Key dates to remember:
- September 6, 2022: Bellatrix upgrade on the Beacon Chain (Epoch 144,896)
- Approximately September 15, 2022: Paris upgrade on Ethereum mainnet (Block 15,540,293)
Users are strongly advised to complete any pending deposits or withdrawals ahead of these timelines. Real-time updates regarding service suspension and resumption will be published on the Steaker official website, so regular monitoring is recommended.
Features Unaffected by the Merge
While core transactional services will be paused, most other functionalities on Steaker will remain fully operational:
- Staking and yield-generating investment plans
- Instant swaps (flash exchange)
- Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) investment strategies
These services do not require immediate blockchain interaction during the Merge window, allowing users to continue managing their portfolios with minimal disruption.
Handling Potential Hard Forks
One of the risks associated with major protocol upgrades is the possibility of a hard fork, where a portion of the network continues operating under the old rules, creating a parallel chain.
In the event of a successful hard fork resulting in a new chain that maintains Proof of Work (e.g., potential "ETHW" or similar variants), Steaker has made its position clear:
Steaker will not support deposit or withdrawal services for any forked tokens arising from the Ethereum Merge.
This decision aligns with industry best practices aimed at reducing user confusion, minimizing technical risk, and focusing support on the primary, community-backed PoS chain endorsed by the Ethereum Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why is Steaker pausing ETH and ERC20 withdrawals?
A: The temporary pause ensures system stability during the network transition. Transactions initiated during high-volatility periods like the Merge could face delays, failures, or unexpected behavior due to chain reorganizations or node syncing issues.
Q: Will my staked assets or investments be affected?
A: No. Your existing staking positions, DCA plans, and yield-earning activities will continue unaffected. The suspension only applies to deposit and withdrawal functions.
Q: When will ETH and ERC20 services resume?
A: Services will resume once the network stabilizes post-Merge and full node synchronization is confirmed. Official announcements will be made via Steaker’s website and verified communication channels.
Q: What happens if I send ETH during the suspension period?
A: Any deposits sent during the downtime will be processed after services are restored. However, initiating transactions during this period is not recommended due to unpredictable network conditions.
Q: Is my wallet safe during the Ethereum Merge?
A: Yes. The Merge is a backend protocol upgrade. Your private keys remain valid, and your funds are secure. No action is required to "convert" your ETH to PoS.
Q: Could there be a new token after the fork? Will I receive it?
A: While some miners may launch a PoW version of Ethereum, Steaker will not recognize or distribute any forked tokens. Users should not expect to receive additional assets as a result of the upgrade.
Core Keywords Integration
Throughout this update, essential keywords have been naturally integrated to reflect user search intent and improve discoverability:
- Ethereum Merge
- ETH deposit withdrawal pause
- ERC20 token upgrade
- Proof of Stake transition
- Beacon Chain integration
- Ethereum hard fork
- Blockchain network upgrade
- Staking platform service notice
These terms reflect common queries users might enter when seeking information about service disruptions, asset safety, and technical timelines related to one of the most significant events in crypto history.
As the Ethereum ecosystem evolves, platforms like Steaker play a crucial role in guiding users through complex transitions. By proactively communicating changes and prioritizing asset security, trusted services help maintain confidence in decentralized finance—even during periods of profound technological change.
👉 Discover how leading platforms manage network upgrades while protecting user assets.
Remember: Always rely on official sources for updates, avoid rushing transactions during volatile events, and keep your digital assets in reputable, transparent environments. The future of Ethereum is being built now—and preparation today ensures peace of mind tomorrow.