The blockchain landscape is evolving rapidly, and Polygon is leading one of the most anticipated upgrades of 2025—Polygon 2.0. At the heart of this transformation is the migration from the well-known MATIC token to the new POL token, scheduled to go live on September 4, 2025. This isn’t just a rebranding; it’s a strategic shift designed to unify and scale Polygon’s growing ecosystem of interconnected chains.
Whether you're a long-term holder, a DeFi participant, or simply curious about the future of Polygon, understanding the MATIC to POL migration is essential. In this guide, we’ll break down what’s changing, who needs to act, and how you can ensure your assets remain secure and functional throughout the transition.
What Is Polygon 2.0?
Polygon 2.0 represents a bold vision: a unified, scalable, and interoperable network of blockchains powered by zero-knowledge (zk) technology. Instead of operating as isolated chains, Polygon’s future networks—including Polygon PoS, zkEVM, and upcoming zk-based chains—will be seamlessly connected through the AggLayer.
This aggregation layer allows all Polygon chains to inherit Ethereum’s security while maintaining high throughput and low fees. And at the center of this new architecture is the POL token, designed to be the native gas and staking token across the entire network.
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Why Replace MATIC with POL?
The shift from MATIC to POL is more than symbolic—it reflects a fundamental upgrade in functionality and utility. While MATIC served as the backbone of Polygon PoS, POL is engineered to be a hyperproductive token, capable of securing multiple chains, paying gas fees, and enabling cross-chain communication.
According to Polygon’s official blog, “POL is a hyperproductive token that can be used to provide valuable services to any chain in the Polygon network, including the AggLayer itself.” This means that instead of managing different tokens for different chains, users and developers will interact with a single, unified token economy.
This simplification reduces friction, enhances liquidity, and strengthens network effects—key ingredients for mass adoption.
Who Needs to Take Action?
Not all users will need to manually migrate their tokens. The requirements depend on where your MATIC is currently held.
✅ No Action Required: MATIC on Polygon PoS Chain
If your MATIC tokens are stored on the Polygon PoS mainnet (via wallets like MetaMask or Trust Wallet), you don’t need to do anything. Your tokens will be automatically converted to POL at a 1:1 ratio when the upgrade goes live. POL will then serve as the native gas and staking token on the chain.
⚠️ Action Required: MATIC on Ethereum (ERC-20)
Holders of ERC-20 MATIC on the Ethereum network will need to initiate the migration manually. A dedicated migration contract has been deployed to facilitate this process through the Polygon Portal Interface.
While there’s no immediate deadline, it’s advisable to complete the migration sooner rather than later. Future community proposals may set deadlines, and delayed action could result in temporary loss of access or functionality.
⚠️ Action Required: MATIC on Polygon zkEVM
Similar to Ethereum-held MATIC, tokens on Polygon zkEVM also require manual migration. Use the Polygon Portal to bridge your assets from zkEVM to the upgraded network. Developers and dApp users should test their integrations ahead of time to avoid disruptions.
🏦 Centralized Exchange (CEX) Holders
If your MATIC is stored on platforms like OKX, Binance, or Coinbase, you likely won’t need to take direct action. Most major exchanges have announced support for the POL transition and will handle the swap automatically for users.
However, always verify with your exchange before the migration date to confirm their process and timeline.
How to Migrate Your MATIC to POL
For self-custody users, here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the Polygon Portal Interface
Navigate to the official migration tool provided by Polygon Labs. - Connect Your Wallet
Use compatible wallets like MetaMask or WalletConnect. - Initiate the Swap
Select the amount of MATIC you want to convert and confirm the transaction. - Wait for Confirmation
Once processed, your wallet will reflect POL tokens instead of MATIC. - Update Wallet Settings (If Necessary)
Some wallets may still display “MATIC” due to cached token data. Manually update the token symbol, contract address, and decimals to reflect POL.
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Special Considerations for Ledger Users
If you store your MATIC in a Ledger hardware wallet, note that ERC-20 MATIC will not convert automatically. You must manually initiate the migration using your Ledger device through supported interfaces like MetaMask or Rabby.
Do not send your tokens to third-party services claiming to assist with migration—these are often scams. If you're unsure, consider transferring your MATIC to a supported CEX, allowing them to handle the conversion, then withdraw back to your Ledger as POL.
Testnet Upgrade: A Smooth Path to Mainnet
To ensure reliability, Polygon conducted a successful testnet upgrade on July 17, 2025. This trial run allowed developers, node operators, and infrastructure providers to validate smart contracts, test wallet integrations, and identify potential edge cases.
The testnet phase confirmed that:
- The automatic conversion mechanism works seamlessly.
- Gas fee calculations using POL are stable.
- Staking protocols are fully compatible post-migration.
This dry run significantly reduces risks for the mainnet launch, giving users confidence in the upgrade process.
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These terms reflect common user queries around token transitions, blockchain upgrades, and wallet management—ensuring relevance across search platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will I lose my tokens during the MATIC to POL migration?
No. The migration is designed to be safe and seamless. Tokens are converted at a 1:1 ratio, and no value is lost during the process. Always use official tools like the Polygon Portal to avoid scams.
Q: Do I need to pay gas fees to migrate my MATIC?
Yes. Migrating ERC-20 MATIC or tokens on zkEVM requires paying gas fees in ETH or native tokens respectively. Ensure you have sufficient funds in your wallet to cover transaction costs.
Q: Can I still use my MATIC after September 4, 2025?
On Polygon PoS, MATIC will be fully replaced by POL. However, legacy MATIC balances will be automatically upgraded. Off-chain (e.g., on Ethereum), unmigrated MATIC remains usable until you choose to convert.
Q: Is POL a new token or just a rebranded MATIC?
POL is technically a new token with expanded utility beyond Polygon PoS. While it replaces MATIC in function, it’s built for a multi-chain future under Polygon 2.0.
Q: What happens to staking rewards after migration?
Staking will continue uninterrupted using POL as the staking asset. Existing validators and delegators will see their stakes automatically transitioned.
Q: How can I verify I received POL instead of MATIC?
Check your wallet balance via a blockchain explorer like Polygonscan. Search your address and confirm the token symbol is now POL with an updated contract address if applicable.
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Final Thoughts
The transition from MATIC to POL marks a pivotal moment in Polygon’s evolution. As part of the broader Polygon 2.0 vision, this upgrade paves the way for a unified, scalable blockchain ecosystem powered by zk-technology and anchored by a single utility token.
For users, preparation is key—but panic isn’t necessary. Most holders on Polygon PoS can sit back while their tokens auto-convert. Others should plan their migration carefully using trusted tools and verified processes.
By embracing this change, you’re not just updating a token symbol—you’re stepping into the next era of decentralized networks.