The rebranding of Polygon from MATIC to POL marks a pivotal evolution in the ecosystem, reflecting its broader vision beyond a single token. Whether you're holding MATIC on Ethereum, Polygon PoS, or zkEVM, understanding how to transition smoothly to POL is essential for maintaining accurate balances and staying aligned with the network’s future.
This comprehensive guide walks you through each migration path, ensures your wallet displays the correct token symbol, and answers common questions users face during the upgrade process.
Understanding the MATIC to POL Transition
Polygon's upgrade to POL isn't just a name change—it's part of a strategic shift toward a modular blockchain architecture. The native token of the Polygon ecosystem is now POL, replacing MATIC across all chains. However, the migration process varies depending on where your tokens are stored.
Importantly:
- On Polygon PoS: No manual action is required for token conversion—your MATIC automatically becomes POL at a 1:1 ratio.
- On Ethereum or zkEVM: You must actively migrate or bridge your tokens using official tools.
Let’s explore each scenario in detail.
Migrating MATIC on Ethereum to POL
If your MATIC tokens are held on the Ethereum network, they remain ERC-20 tokens and require an active migration step to become POL.
👉 Learn how to securely migrate your Ethereum-based MATIC to POL using trusted tools.
Follow these steps:
- Access the Polygon Portal
Visit the official migration interface: https://portal.polygon.technology/pol-upgrade - Connect Your Wallet
Ensure your wallet (e.g., MetaMask) is set to the Ethereum network. Then connect it to the Polygon Portal. - Approve the Upgrade Contract
You’ll need to approve the transaction that allows the Upgrade Contract to access your MATIC tokens. This is a standard permission step—always verify contract addresses if possible. - Complete the Migration
Once approved, execute the migration. Your MATIC will be swapped for an equivalent amount of POL, which will appear in your wallet.
⚠️ Note: This process involves gas fees paid in ETH. Make sure you have enough ETH in your wallet to cover transaction costs.
After completion, your tokens will be upgraded and usable across the new Polygon ecosystem as POL.
Automatic Conversion for MATIC on Polygon PoS
Users who hold MATIC on the Polygon PoS chain don’t need to manually migrate their tokens—the network handles everything automatically.
Your MATIC balance converts to POL at a 1:1 ratio without any action required. However, there’s one crucial step many overlook: updating the token symbol in your wallet.
Why does this matter? Because even though your tokens are technically POL, your wallet might still display them as MATIC due to outdated network settings.
How to Update the Token Symbol in MetaMask
Here’s how to ensure your wallet reflects the correct name:
- Open MetaMask in your browser and click Expand View (top-right menu).
- Click the three-dot menu again and select Settings.
- Go to the Networks tab on the left sidebar.
- Select Polygon Mainnet from the list.
- Find the Currency Symbol field and change “MATIC” to “POL”.
- Click Save—you can safely ignore any yellow warning messages.
✅ Done! Your wallet will now correctly display POL instead of MATIC.
💡 Other wallets may have different interfaces, but most allow manual editing of network symbols. Always refer to your wallet’s documentation for specific instructions.
Handling MATIC on Polygon zkEVM
The zkEVM chain operates independently and requires a two-step process since direct migration isn't supported yet.
You’ll first need to bridge your MATIC from zkEVM to Ethereum, then migrate them to POL via the Polygon Portal.
👉 Discover seamless cross-chain bridging options for zkEVM users.
Here’s how:
Bridge MATIC from zkEVM to Ethereum
- Go to https://portal.polygon.technology/bridge
- Connect your wallet and ensure you’re on the zkEVM network.
- Select MATIC as the token and choose Ethereum as the destination.
- Confirm the transaction and wait for completion (this may take several minutes).
Migrate Bridged MATIC on Ethereum to POL
Once your tokens arrive on Ethereum, follow the steps outlined in the earlier section:
- Use https://portal.polygon.technology/pol-upgrade
- Approve and complete the migration
This method ensures full compatibility with the new POL standard while maintaining control over your assets throughout the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need to migrate my MATIC if it's already on Polygon PoS?
A: No—tokens on Polygon PoS are automatically converted 1:1 to POL. However, you should update your wallet’s token symbol from MATIC to POL for accurate display.
Q: Is there a deadline for migrating MATIC to POL?
A: As of 2025, there is no official deadline announced. However, it's recommended to complete migration early to avoid last-minute congestion or potential deprecation of legacy systems.
Q: Will the value of my tokens change after migration?
A: No. The migration is a rebranding with a 1:1 conversion rate. The economic value remains unchanged unless influenced by market dynamics.
Q: Can I reverse the migration once I upgrade to POL?
A: No—the migration is irreversible. Once you upgrade MATIC to POL, you cannot revert back.
Q: Are there any risks involved in migrating?
A: The primary risks include paying high gas fees on Ethereum and interacting with phishing websites. Always use official links and double-check URLs before connecting your wallet.
Q: What happens if I don’t update my wallet symbol?
A: Nothing changes technically—your funds are safe and already converted. But displaying "MATIC" instead of "POL" can cause confusion, especially when tracking portfolio values or sending funds.
Final Tips for a Smooth Transition
- Always use official Polygon domains like
polygon.technologyorportal.polygon.technology. - Never share your private keys or seed phrases during migration.
- Keep a small amount of ETH in your wallet for gas when performing transactions on Ethereum.
- Consider using a hardware wallet for added security during upgrades.
👉 Stay ahead with real-time tracking of your POL balance after migration.
Conclusion
Migrating from MATIC to POL is a straightforward process designed to support Polygon’s next phase of growth. Whether you're on Ethereum, PoS, or zkEVM, clear pathways exist to ensure every user can upgrade seamlessly.
By following this guide, you maintain full control of your assets, avoid common pitfalls, and align yourself with the future of the Polygon ecosystem—all while keeping security and accuracy at the forefront.
Now that you know exactly what to do, take action today and make sure your digital assets reflect the latest standards of the blockchain world.