The crypto landscape is evolving rapidly, and Polygon is leading one of the most anticipated transformations in 2025. After months of speculation and community anticipation, Polygon Labs has officially announced the mainnet migration date for the MATIC to POL token upgrade: September 4, 2025. This marks the first phase of a broader vision to transition Polygon into a scalable, multichain ecosystem powered by a new native token — POL.
This migration isn’t just a ticker change. It’s a foundational shift that will reshape how users interact with the Polygon network, paving the way for infinite scalability, cross-chain staking, and a unified economic layer across multiple chains. Here’s everything you need to know about what’s changing, how it impacts you, and what steps you might need to take.
Understanding the MATIC to POL Migration
The upcoming MATIC to POL migration is the first major milestone in Polygon’s evolution toward its AggLayer architecture — a system designed to horizontally connect countless blockchains while maintaining Ethereum-level security. At the heart of this transformation is the introduction of POL, a new inflationary token set to replace MATIC as the native asset on the Polygon Proof-of-Stake (PoS) network.
SAVE THE DATE: MATIC → POL
After community consensus, the long-awaited upgrade is set for September 4th
• Initial phase: POL replaces MATIC as the native gas and staking token for Polygon PoS
• Subsequent phases: POL will serve a crucial role in the AggLayer
In this first phase, POL will function as the gas and staking token exclusively on the Polygon PoS chain. While the ticker symbol changes and tokenomics shift, the core utility remains similar — but with future capabilities in mind.
The key difference lies in supply mechanics. Unlike MATIC, which has a fixed maximum supply of 10 billion tokens, POL introduces a 2% annual inflation rate. This design choice ensures the token supply can scale dynamically to support an ever-growing number of chains within Polygon’s aggregated ecosystem.
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How the Migration Affects You: A Guide by Wallet Type
Your next steps depend entirely on where you currently hold your MATIC tokens. Here’s a breakdown based on different holding environments:
If You Hold MATIC on Polygon PoS
Good news: no action is required to upgrade your tokens. If your MATIC is stored directly on the Polygon PoS network — whether in a non-custodial wallet like MetaMask or Trust Wallet — your balance will be automatically converted to POL at a 1:1 ratio.
However, you may need to manually update your wallet settings to reflect the new ticker. For example, in MetaMask, navigate to:
- Settings > Networks > Polygon Mainnet
- Change the "Currency Symbol" from MATIC to POL
This ensures your wallet correctly displays the updated token symbol.
If You Hold MATIC on Ethereum (ERC-20)
Tokens held as ERC-20 MATIC on the Ethereum mainnet won’t be upgraded automatically. To migrate, you have two options:
- Use the official migration contract via Etherscan — ideal for experienced users comfortable interacting with smart contracts.
- Swap MATIC for POL using a decentralized exchange (DEX) aggregator like 1inch or Matcha — a simpler, user-friendly alternative.
This swap approach avoids direct contract interaction while achieving the same result.
If You Hold MATIC on Polygon zkEVM
For users on Polygon zkEVM, migration requires an extra step since zkEVM operates as a separate Layer 2 network. You can:
- Bridge your MATIC from zkEVM to Ethereum mainnet, then use the migration contract.
- Or swap directly using a zkEVM-native DEX such as Quickswap or Ambient Finance.
Keep an eye on official announcements from Polygon Labs for supported tools and verified contracts.
If You Hold MATIC on a Centralized Exchange (CEX)
Most major exchanges — including Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken — are expected to handle the migration seamlessly. In most cases, you won’t need to do anything. Your MATIC balances will be automatically replaced with POL, and trading pairs will be updated accordingly.
That said, it’s wise to check your exchange’s official blog or support page closer to September 4 for any specific instructions or temporary deposit/withdrawal restrictions.
What Comes After Phase One?
While the September 4 migration marks a significant milestone, it’s only the beginning. The full potential of POL will be unlocked in later phases, particularly when Polygon’s multichain staking layer goes live — expected in late 2025.
At that stage, POL holders will be able to:
- Stake across multiple chains within the Polygon ecosystem
- Earn rewards from various networks through unified staking
- Participate in securing the AggLayer through decentralized validation
This positions POL not just as a gas token, but as a hyperproductive asset — a concept central to Polygon’s vision of becoming Ethereum’s premier scaling solution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need to send my MATIC anywhere to get POL?
A: No — if your MATIC is on Polygon PoS, the upgrade is automatic. For tokens on Ethereum or other chains, you’ll need to use a migration tool or swap manually.
Q: Will there be a deadline to migrate my MATIC?
A: There is no hard deadline. Unmigrated MATIC tokens can be upgraded at any time via official channels, though early migration ensures access to future features.
Q: Is POL replacing MATIC completely?
A: Yes, over time. MATIC will be phased out as POL becomes the standard across all Polygon chains. However, existing MATIC balances will retain value during the transition.
Q: Why is POL inflationary while MATIC isn’t?
A: The 2% annual inflation supports long-term scalability, allowing POL to reward validators across an unlimited number of chains — critical for Polygon’s multichain future.
Q: Can I still stake POL after the migration?
A: Absolutely. POL will remain fully stakable on Polygon PoS, with enhanced staking capabilities rolling out in future phases.
Q: Will this affect gas fees on Polygon?
A: Not immediately. Gas fees will still be paid in POL (formerly MATIC), and pricing dynamics are expected to remain stable post-migration.
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Why This Migration Matters
The MATIC to POL transition is more than a technical upgrade — it’s a strategic move toward true interoperability and infinite scale. As Ethereum continues to grow, demand for efficient Layer 2 solutions intensifies. Polygon’s AggLayer aims to meet that demand by creating a seamless network of chains secured under one economic model — powered by POL.
For users, this means:
- Simpler cross-chain experiences
- Greater earning potential through multichain staking
- Stronger network security and decentralization
As development progresses, expect deeper integration between Polygon’s various chains — including zkEVM, Supernets, and upcoming innovations — all unified under the POL token economy.
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Final Thoughts
The MATIC to POL migration on September 4, 2025, represents a pivotal moment for Polygon and its community. While immediate changes are focused on the PoS chain, they lay the groundwork for a far more ambitious future — one where a single token powers an entire multichain universe.
Whether you’re a long-term holder, active validator, or DeFi user, staying informed and prepared ensures you can make the most of this transition. With automatic upgrades for most users and clear pathways for others, Polygon Labs has prioritized accessibility and security throughout this process.
As always, verify information through official channels and avoid clicking on unsolicited links claiming to assist with migration. Your security comes first — but so does being ready for what's next.
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