Cross-Chain Bridging, Explained
A bridge coordinates value across two separate networks. Depending on the bridge design, settlement may lock, burn, release or exchange assets rather than literally moving one token between chains.
Key idea
Before signing, verify the source asset, destination chain, recipient and final amount as one complete quote.
In this guide
Related workflow
Bridging →Two networks, one outcome
The source and destination chains have separate state. A bridge uses its own settlement design to make value leave one side and become available on the other.
Read the destination amount
Compare what leaves your wallet with what the quote says will arrive. A route can include network fees, protocol fees or an asset conversion.
Treat the destination as a security check
Confirm both the network and recipient. Address formats can overlap across chains, so a familiar-looking address is not enough by itself.
Concept map · schematic
Cross-network asset movement
A bridge coordinates asset or message state between independent networks.
- 01
Source
Lock, burn or deliver an asset into a bridge mechanism
- 02
Verification
A bridge or message layer verifies required conditions
- 03
Destination
Release, mint or deliver the destination-side asset
Important: Different bridges have different trust, liquidity and finality assumptions.
Primary references
Documentation and standards
References added
Official technical references for further verification. A source link is not a guarantee that every earlier editorial sentence has been reverified; provider specifications may also change over time.
Originally published 2026-09-13 · Guide text last updated 2026-09-19 · Reference links and live examples updated 2026-10-24
- Bridges and cross-chain risksethereum.orgRead source ↗
- Optimistic rollupsethereum.orgRead source ↗
Learn the fundamentals
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A structured lesson covering the concepts behind this guide.
- Layer 1, Layer 2 & Rollups · 6 min
Layer 1: The Base Blockchain
What makes a chain a 'Layer 1', and why everything else settles back to it.
Open lesson → - Layer 1, Layer 2 & Rollups · 6 min
Sidechains, Bridges & Other Paths
Alternatives to rollups, and the risks of moving assets between chains.
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