ZIL Migration September 22: Zilliqa Hard Fork and EVM Move Explained

Zilliqa is preparing for another important stage in its move from legacy infrastructure to Zilliqa EVM.

On September 22, the network is scheduled to activate its second exchange migration hard fork at block height 36,383,378, with an expected time of about 07:21 UTC.

The upgrade will move participating exchange balances from legacy wallets to verified Zilliqa EVM addresses. The ZKP migration tool is also targeted for release around the same time.

Key Takeaways

• The September 22 ZIL hard fork will migrate participating exchange balances to verified Zilliqa EVM addresses.
• The Zilliqa migration tool is targeted for release after its audit, with internal testing already underway.
• Exchange deposit and withdrawal schedules will vary, so users should follow their exchange’s official updates.

What Is the Zilliqa September 22 Hard Fork?

Source: Zilliqa on X

The September 22 upgrade is the second hard fork focused on migrating centralized exchange balances from Zilliqa’s legacy infrastructure to Zilliqa EVM.

Zilliqa has set block height 36,383,378 as the target, with activation expected at approximately 07:21 UTC.

The hard fork is part of a wider migration process rather than a simple software update.

Zilliqa has been moving away from its legacy transaction infrastructure after pausing legacy transactions and beginning a phased migration.

What happens during the fork?

Participating exchanges will have their eligible ZIL balances moved from legacy Schnorr based wallets to verified Zilliqa EVM wallet addresses supplied by those exchanges.

The second batch includes several major platforms, including CoinEx, HTX, Bitkub, GOPAX, Coinone, OKX, LBank, Crypto.com, Gate, Paribu, CEX.IO, Bitget, and Bybit.

Users do not need to perform the exchange balance migration themselves. However, they should monitor their exchange for updates about when ZIL deposits and withdrawals become available again.

How to Buy Zilliqa (ZIL) Safely in 2026

How Does the Zilliqa EVM Migration Work?

The Zilliqa EVM migration is designed to move assets from the older Zilliqa environment into the network’s EVM environment.

EVM stands for Ethereum Virtual Machine, the execution environment used by Ethereum and many compatible blockchain networks.

For exchange users, the process is handled at the platform level. Zilliqa’s first exchange migration hard fork on September 2 moved balances for an initial group of exchanges without requiring direct user action.

The September 22 hard fork continues that process with another group. The practical difference for users is important.

Once an exchange completes its migration and restores services, users will generally need to select the Zilliqa EVM network when making supported deposits or withdrawals.

Why the timing can differ

The hard fork provides the network level migration, but exchanges still need to complete their own checks and testing.

This means:

• The hard fork does not guarantee that every exchange restores services immediately.
• Deposit and withdrawal reopening times can vary.
• Users should check official exchange announcements before transferring ZIL.

What Is the Zilliqa Migration Tool?

The Zilliqa migration tool is intended for users who hold legacy ZIL in self custody rather than on participating exchanges.

Zilliqa says the tool uses zero knowledge proofs to help eligible holders migrate their funds to Zilliqa EVM without exposing their seed phrase or private key.

The latest announcement says the ZKP migration tool has completed its audit and is undergoing internal testing.

Its rollout is targeted for September 22, when the second hard fork activates the escrow contract required by the tool.

This is an important distinction because exchange migration and self custody migration are separate processes.

Who may need the tool?

Users holding legacy ZIL in their own wallets are the main group expected to use the self guided migration process.

Exchange users whose platforms are included in the exchange migration process generally do not need to perform that migration themselves.

Once the tool becomes available, users should rely on official Zilliqa instructions and carefully verify the website and transaction details before moving funds.

What Should ZIL Holders Watch on September 22?

September 22 has two connected developments worth watching. First, the second exchange migration hard fork is scheduled to move participating exchange balances to verified Zilliqa EVM addresses.

Second, Zilliqa is targeting the rollout of its ZKP migration tool once the required escrow contract is activated. For exchange users, the main issue is service availability.

Zilliqa states that participating exchanges will gradually restore ZIL deposits and withdrawals after the migration, but each platform will determine its own schedule.

For self custody holders, the migration tool is the more relevant development.

A simple checklist

• Check whether your exchange is included in the September 22 batch.
• Follow the exchange’s official announcement for service restoration.
• If you hold legacy ZIL in self custody, wait for the official ZKP migration tool release.
• Never share your seed phrase or private key with anyone claiming to assist with migration.

If you are also looking for a convenient platform to manage your crypto trading activity, Bitrue offers access to Bitcoin, ZIL, and other digital assets.

You can register with Bitrue and explore its trading services while keeping your migration activity separate from your trading decisions.

What Could the ZIL Migration Mean for Users?

The main goal of the Zilliqa migration is to transition users and exchange infrastructure away from the legacy environment and toward Zilliqa EVM.

Zilliqa has described this as part of its broader move to retire the older transaction infrastructure and operate on a more modern execution environment.

For users, the transition may initially require more attention because network support can change during the migration period.

A familiar ZIL deposit option may not remain available on the legacy network after an exchange completes its migration.

The September 22 event therefore matters less as a trading event and more as an infrastructure milestone.

What users should remember

The migration itself does not automatically indicate what the ZIL price will do. Market prices depend on many factors beyond a network upgrade.

Users should also avoid assuming that every exchange will restore deposits and withdrawals at exactly the same time.

The safest approach is to verify network details before making a transfer and use only official announcements when checking migration instructions.

Read Also: Understanding the Ethereum Blockchain: A Comprehensive Guide

Conclusion

The September 22 Zilliqa hard fork is another step in the network’s transition from its legacy infrastructure to Zilliqa EVM.

The second exchange migration will move eligible balances for participating platforms, while the ZKP migration tool is targeted for release after its audit and internal testing.

Exchange service restoration will happen according to each platform’s schedule, so users should check official updates before transferring ZIL.

For those who want a straightforward place to trade crypto, Bitrue provides access to ZIL and other digital assets with tools designed for easier and safer crypto trading.

FAQ

What is the ZIL migration?

The ZIL migration is the process of moving eligible balances from Zilliqa’s legacy infrastructure to Zilliqa EVM. It includes separate processes for exchange users and people holding ZIL in self custody.

When is the Zilliqa hard fork?

The second exchange migration hard fork is scheduled for September 22, 2026, at approximately 07:21 UTC and block height 36,383,378.

Do I need to migrate ZIL held on an exchange?

If your exchange is participating in the exchange migration, the platform handles the balance migration at the protocol level. You should still follow the exchange’s instructions about deposits and withdrawals.

What is the Zilliqa migration tool?

The Zilliqa migration tool is a self guided tool designed to help eligible legacy wallet holders move ZIL to Zilliqa EVM. It uses zero knowledge proof technology and is targeted for rollout on September 22.

Can I trade ZIL during the migration?

Trading and transfer availability depends on the exchange you use. Deposit and withdrawal services may remain unavailable until an exchange completes its checks and restores support for Zilliqa EVM.

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.