Using L2 Safely

Using an L2 feels similar to using Ethereum — same wallet, same address, often the same apps — but a few extra steps matter for safety. You need the right network in your wallet, funds on that network, and confidence that you are interacting with the correct contracts.

Your Ethereum address is the same on every EVM-compatible L2, but balances are not. ETH on Arbitrum is separate from ETH on Base or Ethereum mainnet. Bridging moves value between layers; it does not automatically appear on every chain.

Treat L2 security like L1 security: bookmark official bridge URLs, verify token contract addresses on the explorer, and be skeptical of DMs or links promising faster bridges. The canonical bridge is almost always slower but safer than a random third-party alternative.