Articles on: For Wallet Users

Etherlink: Your Gateway to Fast Web3

Welcome! If you're using a compatible external wallet (like MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, etc.) to access an application running on Etherlink, this guide will help you understand the network and how to manage your basic transactions.



Etherlink is a Layer 2 network built on Tezos (an EVM-compatible Smart Rollup). Think of the main blockchain (Layer 1) as a major, often congested highway.

  • Etherlink is a high-speed express lane built specifically for EVM applications. It offers the same familiar experience as using Ethereum (EVM-compatible) but with significantly improved performance:** **
  1. It’s Affordable: Network fees, known as gas, are extremely low compared to many Layer 1 chains.
  2. It’s Fast: Transactions are confirmed and finalized almost instantly (often in seconds).


In short: Etherlink provides a familiar, fast, and low-cost environment for interacting with Web3 applications.


2. Connect your External Wallet


To interact with Etherlink, your wallet must be configured with the network's details. Since Etherlink is an EVM-compatible chain, you can add it to any wallet that supports custom networks (like MetaMask, Rabby, or Trust Wallet).


3. Conducting Basic Transactions


Every action you take on Etherlink—sending a token, trading an NFT, or making a purchase—is a transaction that requires a small fee called gas.


A. Acquiring the Gas Token (XTZ)


Unlike on Ethereum where you use ETH for gas, on Etherlink, the network's native currency used to pay transaction fees is XTZ (Tezos).

  1. Requirement: You must have a small amount of XTZ in your wallet on the Etherlink network to cover gas fees for all transactions.
  2. Acquisition: You can get XTZ on Etherlink primarily by using a bridge to transfer XTZ from the Tezos Layer 1 to the Etherlink Layer 2, or by acquiring it through an exchange that directly supports withdrawals to the Etherlink network.


B. Making a Purchase (Minting or Buying an Asset)


  1. Connect: Navigate to your chosen Web3 application and click the "Connect Wallet" button. Select your wallet type and approve the connection to Etherlink.
  2. Initiate: Select the item you wish to purchase (e.g., a digital collectible) and click "Buy" or "Mint."
  3. Confirm: Your wallet will prompt you to review and sign the transaction. This pop-up will show:
    • The total amount being spent (e.g., USDC on Etherlink).
    • The estimated gas fee in XTZ.
  1. Execute: After reviewing, click "Confirm." The transaction will be sent to the Etherlink network and processed quickly due to its high speed.


C. Sending Tokens or NFTs


To transfer an asset to another wallet address:

  1. Initiate: Use your wallet interface or the application's interface to send the specific token or NFT.
  2. Input: Enter the recipient's wallet address and the amount (if sending a token).
  3. Confirm Gas: Your wallet will show the required XTZ gas fee.
  4. Send: Confirm the transaction.



Updated on: 16/10/2025

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