Phantom wallet’s in-app swapper makes it simple to convert tokens between different networks such as Solana, Ethereum, Base, Polygon, and Sui—all from within your wallet. However, cross-chain swaps can sometimes take time or encounter issues. This guide will help you understand how cross-chain swaps work and how to troubleshoot common challenges.
What is a cross-chain swap?
Tip: New to swapping? Start with our How to swap tokens in Phantom guide to learn the basics.
A cross-chain swap is the process of converting tokens from one blockchain to another. Unlike standard swaps, these transactions involve bridging tokens across two separate networks. For example:
- Swapping ETH on Ethereum to USDC on Polygon.
- Swapping SOL on Solana to ETH on Ethereum.
- Swapping SOL on Solana to Base.
This process is facilitated by bridging and aggregation protocols like Li.Fi, which ensure the transaction moves seamlessly across chains. However, cross-chain swaps can involve multiple steps and require confirmations on both the origin and destination networks.
Common issues
Not enough native gas token
If you don’t have enough of the native token to pay for gas on the network you’re swapping from, Phantom won’t be able to submit the transaction.
For cross-chain swaps, you also need gas on the destination network. This is because transactions are executed on both chains—one to initiate the swap or bridge, and another to complete it. Phantom cannot provide gas for either side unless a gasless swap is available (on Solana only).
What you can do
- Use the Buy button to purchase more native token in Phantom.
- Transfer the required token from an exchange or another wallet.
For more information, see Why did my transaction fail?
Slippage too low for volatile tokens
If your swap keeps failing and you’re trying to swap a low-liquidity or highly volatile token, your slippage may be too low.
What you can do
Try setting slippage to 0.5% or higher, especially if you’re swapping new or meme tokens.
Transaction taking too long
Cross-chain swaps can take longer than standard swaps because they involve multiple transaction confirmations on both the origin and destination chains. Factors like network congestion, bridge processing times, and gas fees may contribute to delays.
What you can do
- Be patient: Transactions can take a few minutes to an hour.
- Check real-time updates in the Recent Activity tab or track the transaction using the Li.Fi Scanner for detailed progress.
Tokens didn't appear on the destination chain
This can happen if there is a delay in the bridge process or if the transaction failed due to network issues.
What you can do
- Verify the transaction on a blockchain explorer (for example, Etherscan for Ethereum or Solscan for Solana).
- Check the Li.Fi Scanner for detailed updates and status.
- Ensure you have bridged tokens to a supported network (Solana, Ethereum, Base, Polygon, Sui, Monad).
Swapped to an unsupported network
If you mistakenly swapped tokens to a network that Phantom wallet doesn’t support, you won’t see your tokens in Phantom.
What you can do
- Use another wallet that supports the destination network to recover your tokens.
- Import your private key or recovery phrase into a compatible wallet to access the funds. First, export your private key from Phantom, then import it into another wallet like MetaMask or Trust Wallet.
Swapping unverified tokens
Phantom flags suspicious tokens as unverified. You can still swap them, but proceed with caution. If the token was airdropped or unknown, it may be malicious or fake. Always double-check the contract address before interacting. Learn how to check a token's contract address.
Refuel appeared during the swap
The Refuel option is triggered when you don’t have enough native tokens on the destination chain to cover transaction fees. For example, if you’re swapping from ETH on Ethereum to USDC on Polygon, Refuel ensures you receive a small amount of POL (Polygon gas token) for future transactions.
Refuel is paid using a portion of the tokens being bridged from the origin chain. For example, if you’re bridging ARB to Polygon, a small amount of ARB is used to provide POL for gas on Polygon.