Gas Fees

All on-chain transactions require gas fees for settlements, and each network has a native token for this purpose. Hemi Network uses ETH as its native gas token, a model adopted by most Layer-2 solutions. To Bridge to Hemi Network from Ethereum or Bitcoin, users must have ETH to cover gas fees.

Adding Wallet Support

Hemi Network does not currently have an official wallet, so users must rely on third-party wallets like MetaMask for transactions. To interact with Hemi Network using MetaMask, you’ll need to add the network manually to establish a connection and access its ecosystem.

For BTC wallets, there’s no need to manually add support, but it’s important to switch the address type to Native SegWit, as recommended in the Hemi Network documentation.

Add Hemi Network to MetaMask

How to Bridge to Hemi Network?

Setting up your wallet is a crucial step that must be completed beforehand. With that done, we can now move on to using the Hemi Native Tunnel for bridging assets. The tunnel supports both Ethereum and Bitcoin networks, so let’s go through each process separately.

Bridge ERC-20 Tokens to Hemi Network

ERC-20 tokens are smart contracts issued on the Ethereum network. To bridge them to Hemi Network, we will use MetaMask throughout the process. For testing, we will be using the Hemi Testnet.

Step 1: Open a new browser and head over to the Hemi Dashboard, where you can access the Hemi Native Tunnel.

Step 2: On the Hemi Dashboard, click on the “Tunnel” tab located on the left pane.

Step 3: Navigate to the Hemi Tunnel and click on the “Connect your EVM Wallet” button to connect your Web3 wallet.

Step 4: Once your wallet is connected, click on the “From” field and select “Ethereum” as the network to bridge assets from Ethereum to Hemi Network.

Step 5: Click on the “Asset” dropdown menu and select the token you want to bridge from Ethereum to Hemi Network.

Step 6: With the asset selected for bridging, enter the amount you wish to send in the “Send” field to bridge it to Hemi Network.

Step 7: To confirm your transaction, click on the “Deposit” button and approve the transaction in your wallet to bridge ERC-20 tokens to Hemi Network.

With these steps completed, your ERC-20 tokens will be successfully bridged to Hemi Network using the Hemi Tunnel. To transfer ERC-20 tokens back to Ethereum, simply switch the networks in the “From” and “To” fields and bridge assets between Hemi Network and Ethereum.

Bridge BTC to Hemi Network Using the Hemi Tunnel

To bridge BTC using the Hemi Tunnel, you will need both MetaMask and UniSat wallets. Follow these steps:

Step 1: In the Hemi Tunnel, switch the network in the “From” field from “Ethereum” to “Bitcoin”.

Step 2: Once the network is switched to Bitcoin, you will be prompted to connect your Bitcoin wallet. Click on the “Connect Your BTC Wallet” button to proceed.

Step 3: With both wallets now connected, enter the amount of BTC you wish to bridge to Hemi Network using the Hemi Tunnel.

Step 4: Click on the “Deposit” button to bridge BTC from the Bitcoin network to your Hemi wallet.

Hemi Network Bridging Fees

While using the Hemi Tunnel, fees are involved, and it’s important to account for them when performing transactions.

When bridging assets from Ethereum to Hemi Network, you will be required to pay a minimal fee. For example, while transferring 0.1 ETH to Hemi Network, a fee of 0.027 ETH was incurred. However, these fees can vary based on Ethereum network congestion.

For the BTC Tunnel, when transferring BTC to Hemi Network, a transaction of 0.0001 BTC incurred a fee of 5 SATS.

About Hemi

Hemi Network is a modular Layer-2 solution designed to bridge Bitcoin and Ethereum within a unified ecosystem. It features the Hemi Virtual Machine (hVM), integrating a full Bitcoin node inside the Ethereum environment, and the Hemi Bitcoin Kit (hBK) for advanced Bitcoin programmability. With ETH as the native gas token, transactions remain efficient and cost-effective.

Hemi’s Proof-of-Proof (PoP) consensus ensures Bitcoin-level security within hours, while its trustless “Tunnels” enable seamless cross-chain asset transfers. This architecture simplifies development, enhances scalability, and strengthens interoperability, positioning Hemi as a key player in blockchain infrastructure.

Bottom Line

Hemi Network’s native tunnel simplifies bridging between Ethereum, Bitcoin, and Hemi Network. Users can transfer ERC-20 tokens and BTC seamlessly using Web3 wallets like MetaMask and UniSat. While the process involves minimal fees, it’s crucial to ensure you have the required gas tokens. Since the network is still in the testnet phase, users can explore bridging without real risk before the mainnet launch.

FAQs

1. Is Hemi Network a Layer-2 for Bitcoin or Ethereum?

Hemi Network is a modular Layer-2 solution that supports both Ethereum and Bitcoin. It enhances Ethereum’s scalability while enabling Bitcoin interoperability, allowing BTC to be used in smart contracts and DeFi applications.

2. Can I bridge stablecoins like USDT or USDC to Hemi Network?

Yes, ERC-20 stablecoins like USDT and USDC can be bridged to Hemi Network using the native tunnel. However, availability may vary depending on testnet support.

3. What is the Proof-of-Proof (PoP) consensus mechanism in Hemi Network?

The Proof-of-Proof (PoP) consensus mechanism is an innovative approach employed by the Hemi Network to inherit Bitcoin’s robust security in a decentralized manner. This mechanism enhances the network’s security and efficiency.

4. How can I participate in the Hemi Network testnet and earn rewards?

To participate in the Hemi Network testnet, you can request test tokens from faucets, bridge these tokens to the Hemi Network, perform swaps, create a Hemi Safe Wallet, and complete tasks on platforms like Galxe and Zealy. Engaging in these activities can earn you points, which may lead to potential rewards.

5. What wallets are recommended for interacting with the Hemi Network?

For bridging ERC-20 tokens, an EVM-compatible wallet like MetaMask is recommended. For BTC transactions, the UniSat wallet is suggested.