If you’ve recently sold an NFT on OpenSea and now have WETH in your MetaMask wallet, you might be wondering how to convert it into ETH—the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum network. This is a common question, especially for users who are new to decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain interoperability. The process seems simple at first glance, but nuances like network selection, token standards, and bridging can quickly cause confusion.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about switching WETH to ETH, including where your assets are stored, how to use trusted tools like MetaMask and Uniswap, and what to do if your WETH is on a Layer 2 network like Polygon. By the end, you'll understand not just how to make the conversion—but why certain steps are necessary.
Understanding WETH vs. ETH
Before diving into the conversion process, it’s essential to understand the difference between WETH (Wrapped ETH) and ETH.
- ETH is the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum blockchain.
- WETH is a "wrapped" version of ETH that conforms to the ERC-20 token standard, allowing it to be used in DeFi protocols, NFT marketplaces, and smart contracts that require ERC-20 compatibility.
Even though WETH is pegged 1:1 with ETH, they aren't technically interchangeable without a conversion process. Fortunately, unwrapping WETH back into ETH is quick, free (or low-cost), and supported by most major wallets and decentralized exchanges.
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Step-by-Step: Converting WETH to ETH on Ethereum Mainnet
If your WETH is already on the Ethereum mainnet, the conversion is straightforward using MetaMask or Uniswap.
Using MetaMask Swap Feature
- Open your MetaMask wallet.
- Ensure you're connected to the Ethereum Mainnet (not Polygon, Arbitrum, etc.).
- Click on Swap at the top of the interface.
- Select WETH as the source token.
- Choose ETH as the destination token.
- Enter the amount you'd like to convert.
- Review estimated fees and confirm the swap.
MetaMask will handle the unwrapping automatically—no need for manual approvals in most cases.
Using Uniswap (Alternative)
- Go to uniswap.org and connect your wallet.
- Select WETH → ETH (ensure you're on Ethereum network).
- Input the amount.
- Approve the transaction (if prompted—this may incur a small gas fee).
- Confirm the swap.
This method works well if you prefer third-party transparency or encounter issues within MetaMask.
What If Your WETH Is on Polygon?
Many NFT creators and buyers use Polygon due to its low transaction fees. However, when you sell an NFT on OpenSea using Polygon, your earnings come in Polygon WETH, which exists only on the Polygon blockchain—not Ethereum.
This means:
- You cannot directly swap Polygon WETH to Ethereum ETH.
- You must first bridge your assets from Polygon to Ethereum.
How to Bridge WETH from Polygon to Ethereum
- Visit the official Polygon Bridge: wallet.polygon.technology/bridge
- Connect your wallet (e.g., MetaMask).
- Switch to the Polygon network in your wallet.
- Select WETH as the token to transfer.
- Choose “Transfer from Polygon PoS to Ethereum”.
- Enter the amount and confirm the transaction.
- Wait for confirmation (can take 20+ minutes depending on network congestion).
Once bridged to Ethereum:
- Your WETH will appear on the Ethereum mainnet.
- You can then unwrap it to ETH via MetaMask or Uniswap as described above.
⚠️ Note: Bridging incurs gas fees on both chains and requires patience. Always double-check network settings before confirming transactions.
Common Issues & Troubleshooting Tips
- "I don’t see my WETH after bridging."
Make sure you’ve switched your MetaMask back to the Ethereum mainnet and that you’ve added WETH as a custom token if it doesn’t appear automatically. - "Swap failed or got stuck."
This often happens during high network congestion. Try increasing gas limits slightly or wait for lower traffic periods. - "Do I need to approve WETH every time?"
No—approval is typically a one-time action per contract. Once approved, future swaps won’t require re-approval unless you reset permissions. - "Is there a fee to unwrap WETH?"
Yes—unwrapping uses a small amount of gas on Ethereum. It’s usually under $1–$3 depending on network conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is WETH the same as ETH?
A: Not exactly. WETH is a wrapped version of ETH that follows the ERC-20 standard, enabling broader compatibility in DeFi apps. They hold equal value (1:1), but must be converted manually.
Q: Can I use WETH directly for gas fees?
A: No. Only native ETH can pay gas fees on Ethereum. If you only have WETH, you’ll need to unwrap it first.
Q: Why does OpenSea show WETH instead of ETH?
A: OpenSea uses WETH for smoother trading across platforms. All ETH deposits are automatically wrapped upon receipt.
Q: Does converting WETH to ETH cost money?
A: Yes—there’s a nominal gas fee charged by the Ethereum network for executing the transaction.
Q: Can I bridge other tokens besides WETH?
A: Yes—the Polygon Bridge supports multiple ERC-20 tokens and NFTs, though processing times vary.
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Final Thoughts
Switching WETH to ETH doesn’t have to be complicated—if you know which network your tokens are on and follow the right steps. For Ethereum-based WETH, a simple swap in MetaMask suffices. For Polygon-based holdings, remember: bridge first, then unwrap.
Always verify your current network in MetaMask before initiating any transaction. One wrong click could lead to lost funds or failed swaps.
As blockchain ecosystems continue evolving, tools like bridges, wrapped tokens, and multi-chain wallets will become even more seamless—but for now, understanding these fundamentals gives you control over your digital assets.
Whether you're cashing out NFT profits or preparing for new investments, knowing how to manage WETH and ETH empowers your journey in Web3.
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