How to Deposit Filecoin (FIL) from an exchange to GLIF

If your FIL tokens are currently on an exchange and you are eager to utilize it to earn rewards, and depositing to GLIF, this guide will simplify the process for you.

Step 1: Prepare a FIL compatible wallet

To deposit FIL to GLIF, you will need a FIL compatible wallet. GLIF supports various wallets, and we recommend using MetaMask or Ledger with the Filecoin app.

Always Do Your Own Research (DYOR) to choose the wallet that best suits your needs. You can find a list of FIL compatible wallets here.

Regardless of what wallet you choose, always remember to back up your secret recovery phrase, keep it somewhere safe, and never share it with anyone.

Step 2: Go to GLIF and connect your wallet

Visit GLIF website and click on ‘Connect Wallet’ in the top right corner. You will be asked to select which wallet to connect. Choose the one you have set up.

Step 3: Add the Filecoin network to your wallet

After choosing your wallet (e.g. MetaMask) from the list of wallets, a prompt will appear in your wallet asking you to add the Filecoin network.

This tutorial uses MetaMask wallet as an example. Check out our Ledger tutorial here.

Click ‘Approve’, then ‘Switch Network’. This step connects your MetaMask wallet to the Filecoin network. You can switch between networks anytime from within your wallet.

Step 4: Check if your exchange supports transferring Filecoin to a 0x/f410 address

To transfer Filecoin on GLIF, you need to use a wallet with "f410" or "0x" type addresses. Some centralized exchanges may not yet support sending Filecoin directly to "f410" or "0x" type addresses (e.g. MetaMask wallet address) because they do not recognize ‘0x’ addresses as valid Filecoin destinations.

If your exchange does support it, you can skip to Step 8.

To see if your exchange supports transferring Filecoin to "f410" or "0x" type addresses, check the most up-to-date information here.

Once you have identified your exchange’s address type, follow the relevant steps below.

Step 5: Set up a burner wallet

If your exchange does not support f410/0x addresses, you will need to use a burner wallet as an intermediary. Check out our tutorial here to make your burner wallet.

Once done, your burner wallet’s address, starting with ‘f1’, will be visible in the top right dropdown. Copy this address.

Step 6: Send Filecoin from the exchange to the burner wallet

Go to your centralized exchange and find FIL in your portfolio/account. Make sure you have copied your burner wallet address correctly and send the amount you want over.

If you are doing this for the first time, it's good practice to send a small amount first in case you make any mistakes.

Once the transaction is complete, your Filecoin balance will appear in the burner wallet.

Step 7: Transfer Filecoin from the burner wallet to MetaMask

Once Filecoin is in your burner wallet:

Go to your wallet MetaMask, copy your account address (starting with ‘0x’ or 'f410' address).

Click the top-right dropdown in GLIF and choose ‘Send FIL’.

Paste your MetaMask address into the recipient field in GLIF and specify the amount to send. You need to make sure that you leave enough FIL in the wallet to cover gas fees. Then hit ‘Send’.

After a few moments, your Filecoin balance will appear in MetaMask!

Step 8: If Your Exchange Supports f410/0x address, send directly to the wallet

Simply copy your 0x or f410 wallet address, paste it into your centralized exchange, and send FIL directly to your wallet.

If your wallet provides a 0x address but your exchange only supports an f410 address (or vice versa), you will need to convert it. You can check this tutorial to learn how to do it.

Step 9: Deposit your Filecoin with GLIF

Now, you can deposit your tokens directly from your wallet (e.g. MetaMask) to GLIF and start earning rewards!

Connect your wallet in GLIF website, your Filecoin balance will appear in the GLIF interface.
Click "Deposit Filecoin" in the main page, or go to the "Pool" page, enter the amount you wish to deposit, and click ‘Deposit’.

Then hit "Send". Please make sure that you leave enough FIL in the wallet to cover gas fees.

Click "Confirm" in your wallet.

Step 10: Receive your iFIL

Once you have deposited FIL, after a minute or two, you will receive iFIL — this represents your initial deposit plus your earned rewards. For more information on iFIL, check out our docs.

For a more detailed view of your position, click on "Wallet" in the GLIF navigation, and you will be able to see the FIL and iFIL associated with your wallet address in the "Token" section.

Step 11: Check your iFIL in your MetaMask

If you want to see your iFIL in MetaMask, you can add the token address to your wallet easily. In "Token" section, find the "..." sign next to iFIL tokens, and click on "Add iFIL to MetaMask".

This will add the correct token address to your wallet, allowing you to see your iFIL in your MetaMask.

Click "Add token" in MetaMask.

When you want to withdraw your deposit, you will return your iFIL to GLIF and receive FIL back. Check here for more details about withdrawal.

Finally, you can utilize your FIL and earn rewards with GLIF!