How to swap BTC to any EVM asset
Step-by-step guide to swapping Bitcoin for Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) on Ethereum / Arbitrum using Garden
Convert your native Bitcoin to Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) on Ethereum or Arbitrum networks. WBTC maintains a 1:1 peg with Bitcoin and can be used in DeFi protocols. The flow is same for BTC to any EVM based asset.
This guide covers swapping Bitcoin (BTC) to Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) on Ethereum or Arbitrum. The process takes approximately 30 seconds to complete.
What You’ll Need
Wallets
- EVM Wallet: MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, or other EVM-compatible wallet
- Bitcoin Wallet: Optional (you can swap without connecting)
Assets
- Bitcoin (BTC) in your Bitcoin wallet or ready to send manually
Method 1: With Bitcoin Wallet Connected (Recommended)
This is the easiest method as Garden handles the Bitcoin transaction for you.
Connect Wallets
- Visit Garden Finance
- Click Connect Wallet and connect your EVM wallet
- Click Connect Bitcoin Wallet and connect your Bitcoin wallet
Set Up Your Swap
- In the Send section, select Bitcoin (BTC)
- In the Receive section, select WBTC and choose your preferred network:
- Ethereum: For use in Ethereum DeFi protocols
- Arbitrum: For lower fees and faster transactions
- Enter the amount of BTC you want to swap
Review and Confirm
- Review the swap details:
- Exchange rate: Current BTC to WBTC rate
- Fees: Network fees and Garden protocol fees
- Estimated completion time: Usually under 30 seconds
- Click Swap to proceed
Approve Transactions
- EVM Wallet: First, approve the transaction in your EVM wallet
- Bitcoin Wallet: Then approve and send the Bitcoin transaction
Monitor Progress
Keep the browser tab open while the swap processes. You’ll see real-time updates and receive a notification when complete.
Method 2: Manual Bitcoin Transfer
If you prefer not to connect your Bitcoin wallet, you can send Bitcoin manually.
Connect EVM Wallet Only
- Visit Garden Finance
- Connect only your EVM wallet (skip Bitcoin wallet connection)
Set Recovery Address
- Enter your Bitcoin refund address manually
- This is where your BTC will be returned if the swap fails
- Double-check this address - incorrect addresses cannot be recovered
Create Swap Order
- Configure your swap (BTC to WBTC)
- Enter the amount and click Swap
- Approve the transaction in your EVM wallet
Send Bitcoin Manually
- Copy the Bitcoin deposit address shown on the swap page
- Send the exact BTC amount from your Bitcoin wallet to this address
- Important: Send the exact amount shown - sending more or less may cause issues
Wait for Completion
Monitor the swap progress on the page. The swap will complete once the solver receives your Bitcoin.
Understanding WBTC
What is WBTC?
Wrapped Bitcoin is an ERC-20 token backed 1:1 by Bitcoin, allowing BTC to be used in Ethereum DeFi protocols.
Use Cases
DeFi Integration: Use WBTC in lending protocols, DEXs, yield farming, and other DeFi applications.
Network Options
Ethereum
- Pros: Largest DeFi ecosystem, highest liquidity
- Cons: Higher gas fees
- Best for: Large swaps, maximum DeFi compatibility
Arbitrum
- Pros: Lower fees, faster transactions
- Cons: Smaller ecosystem than Ethereum
- Best for: Smaller swaps, cost-efficient transactions
Important Notes
Exact Amounts: When sending Bitcoin manually, always send the exact amount shown. Sending more or less than the specified amount can cause delays or require manual intervention.
Security: Garden uses atomic swaps, meaning your Bitcoin is never at risk. If the swap fails, your BTC will be automatically refunded to your specified address.
First-Time Users: The first transaction may take slightly longer due to blockchain confirmations. Subsequent swaps in the same session are faster.
Next Steps
After receiving your WBTC:
- Ethereum WBTC: Can be used immediately in Ethereum DeFi protocols
- Arbitrum WBTC: Can be used in Arbitrum DeFi protocols or bridged to other networks
- Track Your Assets: WBTC will appear in your EVM wallet on the selected network
Need Help?
- Questions: Join our Discord community
- Technical Issues: Check the troubleshooting guide
Want to swap back? Check out our guide on how to swap WBTC to BTC.