> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://mantabridge-docs.gitbook.io/robertvasko-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://mantabridge-docs.gitbook.io/robertvasko-docs/your-first-transfer-on-manta-bridge-a-careful-step-by-step.md).
# Your First Transfer on Manta Bridge: A Careful Step-by-Step
Manta Bridge is where a careful first transfer starts if you want to move assets onto Manta Pacific without guessing. Use [Manta Bridge](https://mantabridge.co/) to deposit from Ethereum or another supported source chain into Manta Pacific, the EVM Layer-2 of Manta Network, while checking every network, token, and fee before you sign.
The basic idea is simple: a deposit brings assets onto Manta Pacific, and a withdrawal moves assets away from Manta Pacific. Manta Bridge is not a swap AMM. It is not where you trade one token for another at a market price. It is a bridge for moving supported assets across chains.
This guide walks through a first transfer slowly, because most bridge mistakes happen before the transaction is confirmed.
### What You Need Before Using Manta Bridge
Have these ready before you connect your wallet:
* A non-custodial wallet, such as MetaMask.
* Funds on the source chain you plan to bridge from.
* A little ETH or the relevant gas token for source-chain fees.
* Manta Pacific added to your wallet, or permission to add it when prompted.
* Enough gas to use your funds after they arrive on the destination chain.
* Time to review the transaction instead of clicking through prompts.
Gas and bridge fees are not the same thing. Gas pays the chain to process a transaction. A bridge fee, if shown, is part of the bridge route. Check both before you decide how much to send.
### Step 1: Connect Your Wallet
Connect the wallet that holds the funds you want to move. If you use MetaMask, make sure the active account is the right one before approving the connection.
Read the wallet prompt. A connection request is not the same as sending funds, but it still matters. Avoid random pop-ups, copied links from strangers, and lookalike front-ends. Bridge risk starts with using the wrong page.
### Step 2: Select the Source Chain
Choose the chain where your asset currently exists. This may be Ethereum, or another supported chain shown by the bridge interface.
Do not rely on the token symbol alone. The same symbol can appear on different chains, and your wallet address may look the same across EVM networks. What matters is the combination of wallet, source chain, and token.
If your wallet is on the wrong network, switch it only after checking that the bridge still shows the source chain you intended.
### Step 3: Choose Manta Pacific as the Destination
Set Manta Pacific as the destination chain. This is the Manta Network Ethereum L2 where deposited assets arrive.
Your wallet may ask to add the Manta Pacific network or switch to it. That is normal, but read the prompt first. Adding a network or RPC lets your wallet display balances and send transactions on that network; it does not complete the bridge transfer by itself.
After any network prompt, look back at the bridge form. Interfaces can reset fields, so confirm the destination still says Manta Pacific.
### Step 4: Pick the Asset and Amount
Select the supported asset you want to bridge. MANTA is the network token of Manta Network, but the bridge may show multiple supported assets depending on the current route.
For a first transfer, consider sending a small test amount. For example, you might bridge a small portion first, wait for it to arrive, then send more once you know the flow works for your wallet. That example is not a fee estimate or recommendation; it is just a cautious workflow.
Before continuing, review the estimated amount received, bridge fee, and gas prompt. If the amount is too small compared with the fees, it may not be worth sending.
### Step 5: Approve the Token if Needed
Some tokens require an approval before the deposit transaction. This lets the bridge contract interact with that token in your wallet.
Read the approval carefully. Check the token, network, and spending limit. If your wallet lets you set a custom approval amount, you can choose an amount that matches your planned transfer instead of approving more than you need.
Approval alone may not move the funds. After the approval confirms, you may still need to submit the actual bridge deposit.
### Step 6: Confirm the Deposit
When every field looks right, submit the deposit through [Manta Bridge](https://mantabridge.co/). Your wallet will show a transaction confirmation. Check the network, account, gas fee, and amount one more time.
After you confirm, wait. Do not keep clicking the bridge button while the transaction is pending. Watch the wallet status and any bridge progress message. When the transfer completes, switch your wallet to Manta Pacific and check the destination balance.
If the token does not appear in your wallet display, you may need to import the token. Importing a token only changes what the wallet shows; it does not create funds or recover a failed transfer.
### Common Mistakes That Can Cost Money
Wrong source chain: Make sure the funds are on the chain you selected.
Wrong destination chain: If you want to arrive on Manta Pacific, confirm Manta Pacific is selected before signing.
Wrong token: Choose the supported token from the bridge interface, not from memory.
No gas left: Keep enough gas for the source-chain transaction and for later activity on Manta Pacific.
Treating the bridge like a swap: Manta Bridge moves assets across chains. It does not act as an AMM for token trades.
Ignoring withdrawal timing: Deposits and withdrawals are separate flows. Withdrawal timing can vary, especially when leaving an L2 environment.
Using unofficial pages: Smart-contract risk, fake front-ends, bad approvals, and wrong-chain mistakes are real. Slow review is part of using cross-chain tools responsibly.
### Make the First Transfer Boring
A good first bridge transfer should feel almost too careful: correct wallet, correct source chain, Manta Pacific as the destination, enough gas, the right asset, and no rushed signatures.
Once you understand the flow, the process is straightforward. Connect, choose where the funds are coming from, choose where they are going, review fees, approve only if required, and confirm the deposit. When you are ready to move assets onto Manta Pacific, start with [Manta Bridge](https://mantabridge.co/) and check every field before you sign.
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