Wallets & ELA Token Types
Choosing a wallet and knowing which ELA representation you hold matters for security, compatibility, and bridging. This page summarizes how ELA appears across Elastos and Ethereum, compares common wallets (verified against product capabilities), and notes tradeoffs for custodial exchanges.
ELA token types
ELA exists in three main forms:
- Mainchain ELA: Native UTXO asset on the Elastos main chain, P-256 curve. This is the base-layer token used in main-chain consensus and transfers.
- ESC ELA: Native EVM asset on Elastos Smart Chain (secp256k1). Same economic unit as mainchain ELA, with 1:1 relationship via the official bridge infrastructure.
- Ethereum ERC-20 ELA: ELA bridged to Ethereum as an ERC-20. Contract:
0xe6fd75ff38Adca4B97FBCD938c86b98772431867.
Most Ethereum-style wallets only support secp256k1. They do not manage mainchain (P-256) keys. Treat “ELA” in MetaMask as ESC or ERC-20, not mainchain UTXO ELA, unless you know the wallet supports the main chain.
Quick reference: ELA formats
| Chain | Type | Typical use | How people usually get it |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELA mainchain | Native UTXO | Staking, governance, cross-chain transfers | Exchanges (e.g. KuCoin), Essentials |
| ESC (Chain ID 20) | Native EVM asset | DeFi, smart contracts, NFTs, gas on ESC | Bridge from mainchain, ecosystem DEXes (e.g. Glide) |
| Ethereum | ERC-20 (0xe6fd75ff38Adca4B97FBCD938c86b98772431867) | Ethereum DEXes and DeFi | CEX (e.g. Coinbase), bridge from ESC |
All three representations map to the same overall ELA supply: bridging locks on one side and mints or unlocks on the other so total supply is not inflated by moving between layers.
Which format do I need?
| I want to… | Use |
|---|---|
| Vote for validators or council | Mainchain ELA |
| Vote (pledge stake) for BPoS rewards | Mainchain ELA |
| Use ESC DeFi (Glide, FilDA, etc.) | ESC ELA |
| Deploy or call smart contracts on ESC | ESC ELA |
| Pay gas on ESC | ESC ELA |
| Trade on Ethereum DEXes (e.g. Uniswap) | Ethereum ERC-20 ELA |
| Create or buy NFTs on Elastos (ESC) | ESC ELA |
| Publish or update a DID on EID | EID ELA (obtain via bridge from mainchain) |
Essentials can hold mainchain, ESC, and bridged Ethereum ELA in one flow and handles many bridge steps in-app.
Wallet comparison
Capabilities vary by custody model, Ledger support, dApp browser, platform, and which ELA forms are supported.
| Wallet | Custody | Ledger | dApp Browser | Platform | Mainchain | ESC | ETH ERC-20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essentials | Non-custodial | Yes (Nano X) | Yes | Mobile | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MetaMask | Non-custodial | Yes | Yes | Mobile, Browser | No | Yes | Yes |
| Coinbase Wallet | Hybrid | Yes | Yes | Mobile, Browser | No | Yes | Yes |
| Trust Wallet | Non-custodial | Yes | Yes | Mobile | No | Yes | Yes |
| TokenPocket | Non-custodial | Yes | Yes | Mobile, Browser | No | Yes | Yes |
| Coin98 | Non-custodial | Yes | Yes | Mobile, Browser | No | Yes | Yes |
| Brave Wallet | Non-custodial | Yes | No | Browser | No | Yes | Yes |
Note: Only Essentials supports Elastos mainchain among the wallets above, because mainchain uses P-256, not the secp256k1 curve used by typical Ethereum wallets.
For mainchain + ESC + Ethereum ERC-20 ELA in one non-custodial mobile experience, Elastos Essentials is the recommended option when you need native mainchain support alongside EVM.
Centralized exchanges
Exchange listings define which network you deposit or withdraw on. Always confirm the asset, network, and memo/tag requirements on the exchange UI before moving funds.
| Exchange | Custody | Mainchain | ESC | ETH ERC-20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coinbase | Custodial | No | No | Yes |
| KuCoin | Custodial | Yes | No | No |
| Gate.io | Custodial | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HTX (formerly Huobi) | Custodial | No | No | Yes (ERC-20 only) |
For the latest list of where to buy ELA, see elastos.net/buy-ela.
Funds on a centralized exchange are in custodial accounts: you rely on the exchange’s keys and processes. Not your keys, not your coins: use non-custodial wallets for long-term self-custody after you understand backup and recovery.
Security basics
- Seed phrase / mnemonic: Anyone with the phrase controls the wallet. Store it offline; never paste it into websites or “support” chats.
- Verify addresses and networks: Sending mainchain ELA to an ESC-only address (or vice versa) can cause loss of funds. Double-check chain and address format.
- Hardware wallets: Pair Ledger (where supported) with official or well-audited software; confirm receive addresses on the device.
- Phishing: Bookmarks for explorers and official download pages reduce the risk of fake wallet apps.
Self-custody means you are responsible for backups and safe device hygiene; there is no password reset for a lost seed phrase.
Moving between formats
Bridging moves value between mainchain, ESC, and Ethereum according to the official bridge contracts and UI. Always use interfaces you trust, read the destination chain and receive address carefully, and allow time for confirmations. Small test transfers are prudent when you use a path for the first time.
Typical paths:
- Mainchain → ESC: Deposit ELA on the main chain; it credits on ESC after confirmations (often on the order of ~10 minutes, depending on bridge and network load).
- ESC → Mainchain: Withdraw via the bridge back to your mainchain address.
- ESC ↔ Ethereum: Use a trusted cross-chain interface such as the ShadowTokens bridge to move between ESC and Ethereum.
The Essentials wallet is a common way to run these flows without assembling raw transactions yourself. For a user-oriented walkthrough, see Bridge assets.
Sending mainchain ELA to an ESC 0x… address (or the reverse) without the proper bridge flow usually results in lost funds. Always follow a supported bridge or wallet UI.
dApp connectivity: Wallets with a dApp browser or browser extension can connect to web3 sites via window.ethereum. For ESC-only workflows, MetaMask and similar wallets are sufficient. For DID or mainchain workflows, confirm the app lists your wallet or use Essentials where native mainchain support is required.
Where to get ELA
You can obtain ELA through centralized exchanges (see table above; check deposit/withdraw networks), peer-to-peer arrangements you trust, or ecosystem participation where applicable. Network availability changes; rely on the exchange’s live asset page for whether mainchain, ESC, or ERC-20 withdrawal is offered.
Before withdrawing, ask:
- Which token type am I receiving (mainchain / ESC / ERC-20)?
- Does my wallet support that chain and address format?
- Are fees and minimum withdrawal acceptable?
Quick decision guide
| Need | Consider |
|---|---|
| Mainchain + ESC + ERC-20 in one app | Elastos Essentials |
| ESC / DeFi only in browser | MetaMask, Brave, Coinbase Wallet, etc. |
| Long-term hold off exchange | Non-custodial wallet + secure seed backup |
| Trading / fiat ramps | CEX (understand custody risks) |
This table is illustrative; always verify compatibility in the wallet’s documentation and the asset’s official contract or chain definition before moving funds.
Ledger and hardware wallets
Where the table marks Ledger support, you typically install the vendor app (e.g. Ethereum for ESC / ERC-20 flows), connect the device, and approve addresses on the hardware screen. Nano X is called out for Essentials in line with published compatibility; follow the wallet’s current guide for model and firmware requirements. Never share your recovery phrase with any app; the device should only ask for a PIN on-device.
Address formats at a glance
- Mainchain: Uses Elastos main-chain addresses (distinct from
0x…EVM addresses). - ESC / EID: Standard hex EVM addresses (
0x+ 40 hex chars), same style as Ethereum. - ERC-20 on Ethereum: Same EVM address as on Ethereum mainnet; the contract above defines the token, not a separate “ELA address type.”
Confusing these layers is a common source of user error; when in doubt, use the wallet’s receive screen and the explorer for the exact chain you intend.
Support and official sources
Wallet features and exchange listings change. Prefer official download links, verified social channels, and documentation from Elastos and each vendor. If a site asks for your seed phrase to “sync” or “verify” your wallet, it is a scam.
Glossary (short)
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Custodial | A third party holds keys or balances (typical CEX account). |
| Non-custodial | You control keys via a seed phrase; the vendor does not hold your crypto as their balance. |
| Hybrid | May refer to cloud backup or optional recovery flows; read the wallet’s policy. |
| dApp browser | In-wallet WebView or browser that injects window.ethereum for web3 sites. |
| Mainchain | Elastos AuxPoW/BPoS layer with UTXO ELA (P-256). |
| ESC | Elastos Smart Chain: EVM-compatible execution layer. |
Use this page together with network endpoints when configuring RPC URLs in code or wallets, and with bridge documentation when moving assets between chains.
Disclaimer: Exchange and wallet capabilities are summarized for orientation only. Listing a name here is not an endorsement; custody, fees, and regional availability are between you and the provider. Confirm every deposit and withdrawal on the provider’s live interface.
Last updated to reflect multi-chain ELA representations and common wallet/exchange layouts; verify critical details before large transfers.