The Polygon network is gearing up for a pivotal evolution in its ecosystem with the highly anticipated migration from its current token, $MATIC, to the new native token, **$POL. Scheduled to go live on September 4, 2025**, this strategic upgrade marks a major milestone in Polygon’s journey toward a unified, scalable, and community-driven multi-chain future.
This transition isn’t just a rebrand—it's a foundational shift designed to enhance network functionality, expand utility, and align more closely with Polygon’s long-term vision of interoperability across chains via the AggLayer. Let’s dive into what this means for users, developers, and the broader ecosystem.
Why the Shift from $MATIC to $POL?
At the heart of this change lies a series of community-driven Polygon Improvement Proposals (PIPs) that aim to redefine how value and governance function within the Polygon ecosystem. The introduction of $POL is central to this transformation.
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Starting with the initial phase of the rollout, $POL will become the primary token for two critical functions on the Polygon PoS network:
- Gas fee payments
- Staking and validator rewards
This move strengthens $POL’s role as the core utility and economic engine of Polygon’s flagship chain, laying the groundwork for broader adoption across other layers and protocols within the ecosystem.
Future phases will explore deeper integrations of $POL—particularly within **AggLayer**, Polygon’s ambitious aggregation layer designed to connect all chains into a single trust layer. This positions $POL not just as a transactional asset, but as a key enabler of cross-chain communication, security sharing, and coordinated economic activity.
What Does This Mean for $MATIC Holders?
One of the most pressing questions for users: What do I need to do?
The answer depends on where you’re holding your tokens.
✅ Automatic Migration (No Action Required)
If you hold $MATIC on the Polygon PoS mainnet**, your tokens will be **automatically converted to $POL at a 1:1 ratio. No action is needed—your balance will simply update to reflect $POL.
This also applies to users who have locked $MATIC** through staking or participation in governance. These positions will seamlessly transition to $POL, and rewards will continue without interruption**.
🔁 Manual Migration (Action Required)
For those holding $MATIC outside the Polygon PoS chain, some steps may be necessary:
- On Ethereum (ERC-20 MATIC): You can use the official migration smart contract or a decentralized exchange (DEX) aggregator to swap your ERC-20 $MATIC for $POL.
- On Polygon zkEVM: Users can bridge their $MATIC back to Ethereum first, then perform the migration—or use zkEVM-native DEXs that support the conversion.
- On Centralized Exchanges (CEXs): Major exchanges are expected to support the transition. However, users should follow their platform’s specific instructions when the time comes. It's recommended to monitor announcements from your exchange directly.
💡 Pro Tip: Always verify migration tools and contracts through official Polygon channels to avoid phishing scams or loss of funds.
Preparing the Network: Testnet Goes Live
To ensure a smooth and secure mainnet launch, Polygon launched a testnet migration on July 17, 2024. This allowed developers, validators, and infrastructure providers to simulate the upgrade process, identify edge cases, and resolve potential issues before the live event.
The testnet phase was critical for stress-testing:
- Token conversion logic
- Staking mechanics under the new model
- Wallet and explorer compatibility
- Oracle integration updates
Feedback from this phase has been incorporated into the final mainnet deployment plan, increasing confidence in a stable and efficient rollout.
Impact on Developers and Ecosystem Partners
The transition requires coordination across the entire ecosystem. Key participants must prepare accordingly:
For DeFi Protocols
- Update smart contracts to recognize $POL as the base asset
- Integrate with $POL price oracles for accurate valuation
- Adjust liquidity pools, vaults, and reward distributions
For Wallets & Infrastructure Providers
- Ensure wallet interfaces display $POL correctly post-migration
- Update APIs, block explorers, and node software
- Support both pre- and post-migration states during transition
For dApp Builders
Now is an ideal time to evaluate how your application can leverage $POL’s expanded utility—especially as future upgrades unlock use cases in governance, cross-chain messaging, and shared security models via AggLayer.
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Core Keywords Driving This Evolution
Understanding the strategic keywords behind this upgrade helps clarify its significance:
- $POL token
- Polygon upgrade 2025
- MATIC to POL migration
- Polygon PoS network
- AggLayer integration
- staking with POL
- gas fee token swap
- blockchain token transition
These terms reflect both technical changes and user-focused benefits, aligning with search intent around security, ease of use, and future-proofing investments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Will my $MATIC disappear after September 4?
No. Your $MATIC will not vanish. On-chain balances on Polygon PoS will automatically become $POL at a 1:1 ratio. Off-chain holdings may require manual action depending on location.
❓ Is there a risk of losing funds during migration?
As long as you follow official guidance and avoid unofficial third-party tools, the risk is minimal. Always double-check URLs and contract addresses.
❓ Can I still trade $MATIC after the upgrade?
Yes. Many exchanges will likely maintain MATIC trading pairs temporarily, but over time, $POL will become the standard. Check your exchange for details.
❓ What happens to staking rewards during transition?
Staking rewards continue uninterrupted. Locked $MATIC positions will convert directly to $POL, preserving all accrued benefits.
❓ Why introduce a new token instead of upgrading MATIC?
A new token allows for cleaner separation of legacy systems from new functionalities, enabling better scalability, clearer governance, and stronger alignment with AggLayer’s architecture.
❓ How does this affect gas fees?
Gas fees will now be paid in $POL on Polygon PoS. The fee structure remains similar; only the paying token changes.
Final Steps Before Launch
With the mainnet migration set for September 4, 2025, users and developers are encouraged to:
- Monitor official Polygon communications via polygon.technology and social channels
- Verify wallet and service compatibility
- Test migration paths on testnets if building applications
- Educate teams or communities about the change
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This upgrade represents more than a token swap—it's a leap forward in Polygon’s mission to create a seamlessly interconnected web of blockchains. By transitioning to $POL, Polygon reinforces its commitment to decentralization, scalability, and user empowerment in the evolving Web3 landscape.