How to Bridge to Merlin Chain After the Mainnet Upgrade

Merlin Chain, a powerful Bitcoin Layer 2 network, successfully completed its major mainnet upgrade on November 26, 2025. This upgrade significantly improved speed, security, and cost-efficiency for users. 

Whether you want to bridge BTC, USDT, or ETH to Merlin Chain, the post-upgrade process is now faster and more reliable. This complete guide explains how to use the Merlin Chain bridge safely and efficiently.

Want to trade crypto while reading our latest news? Head over to Bitrue and explore your options today!

What is Merlin Chain and Why It Matters

Merlin Chain is an EVM-compatible Bitcoin Layer 2 that brings DeFi, NFTs, and gaming to Bitcoin holders. 

It uses zero-knowledge rollups to achieve high throughput while keeping transactions secure and decentralized. The native token MERL powers gas fees and governance within the ecosystem.

Benefits of the November 2025 Mainnet Upgrade

The recent Fork 12 upgrade fixed previous performance bottlenecks and introduced optimized zkEVM features. Key improvements include:

• Lower transaction fees by up to 40%

• Faster block times and finality

• Enhanced decentralization through upgraded node infrastructure

• Better compatibility with major wallets and bridges

These changes make MERL post-upgrade bridging smoother than ever.

Read Also: Merlin Chain (MERL) Price Prediction 2025-2030: A Full Analysis

How to Prepare Your Wallet for Merlin Chain Bridge

Use MetaMask, OKX Wallet, or Trust Wallet for the best experience. After installation, manually add Merlin Chain network with these details:

• Network Name: Merlin Mainnet

• RPC URL: rpc.merlinchain.io

• Chain ID: 4200

• Currency Symbol: MERL

Where to Buy MERL Token Before Bridging

You need MERL for gas fees on the Merlin Chain. Top exchanges offering MERL/USDT pairs include Bitrue. 

As of December 2025, MERL trades around $0.34–$0.37 with daily volume exceeding $75 million, reflecting strong market interest after the upgrade.

Complete Step-by-Step Merlin Chain Bridge Guide

Method 1: Using the Official Merlin Chain Bridge

• Visit the official Merlin bridge portal

• Connect your EVM or Bitcoin wallet

• Select source chain (Bitcoin, Ethereum, BNB Chain, etc.)

• Choose asset (BTC → M-BTC, USDT, ETH)

• Enter amount and confirm transaction

• Wait 3–15 minutes for cross-chain completion

Post-upgrade, most transfers finalize within 10 minutes.

Method 2: Cross-Chain Bridging via Symbiosis or LayerSwap

Alternative bridges like Symbiosis and LayerSwap offer one-click transfers to Merlin Chain from 20+ networks. 

These tools automatically handle token swaps during bridging, reducing steps and slippage. Ideal for users moving assets directly to MerlinSwap liquidity pools.

Bridging Native Bitcoin to Merlin Chain (BTC → M-BTC)

Native BTC bridging remains the most popular option. The process creates M-BTC, a 1:1 wrapped version usable in DeFi protocols. 

Current bridge fee is approximately $20–$30, with final confirmation taking 2–72 hours depending on Bitcoin network congestion. Always double-check the receiver address.

Read Also: MERL Token Surges 121%: Mainnet Upgrade Impact Analyzed

Getting Started with MerlinSwap After Bridging

MerlinSwap is the leading DEX on Merlin Chain with over $150 million TVL as of December 2025. After bridging, you can:

• Swap M-BTC for MERL instantly

• Provide liquidity in high-yield pools

• Participate in farming and staking programs

• Access advanced trading features with minimal slippage

The upgraded sequencer reduced average swap fees by 25%.

Safety Tips When Using Merlin Chain Bridge

Security remains the top priority when bridging assets. Follow these essential practices:

• Verify you are on the official merlinchain.io domain

• Never share your private keys or seed phrase

• Start with small test transactions

• Use hardware wallets for large amounts

• Check community announcements for any bridge pauses

MERL Token Performance and Trading Options

MERL has shown impressive resilience, gaining over 35% since the mainnet upgrade announcement. 

Major exchanges like Bitrue continue to offer deep liquidity and fast deposits/withdrawals. Trading MERL post-upgrade has become more attractive due to increased ecosystem activity and upcoming protocol launches.

Read Also: Is the Merlin Chain Still Active? Here's The Update!

Conclusion

The 2025 mainnet upgrade has transformed Merlin Chain into one of the most efficient Bitcoin Layer 2 solutions available. Bridging assets is now faster, cheaper, and more secure than ever before. 

Whether you’re bringing BTC to earn yield or trading MERL for profit, the ecosystem is ready. Start bridging today on trusted platforms like Bitrue and join the growing Merlin Chain community.

FAQ

How long does it take to bridge assets to Merlin Chain after the mainnet upgrade?

Post-upgrade, most cross-chain transfers settle in 3–15 minutes, thanks to faster finality and optimized zkEVM performance.

Do I need MERL tokens before bridging to the Merlin Chain?

Yes. MERL is required for gas fees once your assets arrive on Merlin Chain, so make sure to buy some beforehand on trusted exchanges like Bitrue.

What wallets work best with the Merlin Chain bridge?

MetaMask, OKX Wallet, and Trust Wallet offer the smoothest setup. Just add the Merlin Mainnet manually using the RPC and Chain ID 4200.

Is bridging native BTC different from bridging USDT or ETH?

Native BTC creates M-BTC, a wrapped 1:1 version usable in Merlin DeFi. BTC transfers cost around $20–$30 and can take longer due to Bitcoin network confirmations.

Can I use third-party bridges instead of the official Merlin portal?

Yes. Platforms like Symbiosis and LayerSwap support one-click transfers from 20+ networks and auto-handle swaps, making them great for jumping straight into MerlinSwap liquidity pools.

Bitrue Official Website: 

Website: https://www.bitrue.com/

Sign Up: https://www.bitrue.com/user/register

Disclaimer: The views expressed belong exclusively to the author and do not reflect the views of this platform. This platform and its affiliates disclaim any responsibility for the accuracy or suitability of the information provided. It is for informational purposes only and not intended as financial or investment advice.