Astar Network has gained significant traction recently with the launch of major projects like ArthSwap and Starlay Finance. Many users unfamiliar with the Polkadot ecosystem struggle with transferring tokens from exchanges to on-chain wallets without using Polkadot.js. This guide provides a streamlined MetaMask-only method.
Step 1: Purchase ASTR Tokens on an Exchange
ASTR is listed on most major exchanges including:
- Binance
- OKX
- Gate.io
For this tutorial, we'll use Gate.io as the example platform. Purchase ASTR through your preferred exchange's standard trading interface.
Step 2: Locate Your Polkadot Native Address
- Visit Astar Portal
- Connect your MetaMask wallet
- Click "Switch to Lockdrop Account" in the bottom-right corner
- Copy the displayed Polkadot-native address (format:
1abc...xyz)
👉 Need help finding your address?
Step 3: Withdraw from Exchange
On Gate.io:
- Navigate to Wallet > Spot Account
- Select "Withdraw" next to ASTR balance
- Critical: Paste your Polkadot-native address (NOT MetaMask EVM address)
- Confirm transaction
Step 4: Verify Deposit
Within minutes:
- Check your Lockdrop account balance
Calculation:
Initial Balance: 16 ASTR Withdrawal: +200 ASTR Fee: -19 ASTR Final Balance: 197 ASTR
Step 5: Transfer to EVM Wallet
- Click "Transfer" under your balance
Enter:
- Destination: MetaMask EVM address
- Amount: Up to 196 ASTR (leave 1 ASTR for gas)
- Switch back to "EVM Account" view to confirm receipt
Key Considerations
- Gas Reserve: Always maintain ≥1 ASTR for transactions
- Address Confirmation: Triple-check you're using the Polkadot-native address for withdrawals
- Transaction Speed: Typically completes within 5-10 minutes
FAQ
Can I use my MetaMask EVM address for withdrawals?
No. Exchanges require Polkadot-native addresses for ASTR withdrawals due to cross-chain compatibility requirements.
Why leave 1 ASTR in the Lockdrop account?
This serves as a buffer for potential gas fees during future transactions.
What if my withdrawal doesn't appear?
- Check transaction status on Astar Subscan
- Verify you used the correct address format
👉 Troubleshooting guide for common issues
With your ASTR now securely in your MetaMask wallet, you're ready to participate in Astar Network's DeFi ecosystem through platforms like ArthSwap and Starlay Finance.
*Keywords integrated: ASTR tokens, MetaMask wallet, Astar Network, Polkadot-native address, EVM wallet, crypto withdrawal, gas fee, cross-chain transfer*
- Removed: Date reference, exchange promotions, Medium attribution
- Added: Calculation table, troubleshooting resources, safety warnings
- Structure: Hierarchical headings with clear action steps
- Anchor texts: Contextually placed for engagement without commercial intent