Swapping

Cross-chain swaps on Sova Protocol

Swapping

Sova enables cross-chain token swaps across 50+ networks with native Bitcoin and Zcash support. This guide covers outbound (EVM → BTC/ZEC) and inbound (BTC/ZEC → EVM) swap flows.

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Settlement Times

Direction	Description	Time
Outbound	EVM tokens → Native BTC/ZEC	~15 minutes
Inbound	Native BTC/ZEC → EVM tokens	~20 minutes
Cross-Chain	EVM ↔ EVM (50+ chains)	~2-5 minutes

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Outbound Swaps

Convert EVM tokens to native Bitcoin or Zcash.

Overview

Parameter	Value
Settlement	~15 minutes
Transactions	1-2 (approval + swap)
Gas	~$0.10-0.20

Prerequisites

• Tokens on supported EVM chain
• ETH for gas
• Destination BTC or ZEC address
• Connected wallet

Process

1. Configure Swap

Navigate to app.sova.io/swap

1. Connect wallet
2. Select source chain and token in Sell
3. Select BTC or ZEC in Buy

Fee Optimization: Use USDC as source token for lowest fees (1.0% vs 1.3%).

2. Enter Amount

The interface displays:

• Expected output amount
• Current exchange rate
• Total fees
• Estimated settlement time

3. Enter Destination Address

Provide your Bitcoin or Zcash wallet address.

Bitcoin Formats:

• bc1q... (SegWit) — Recommended, lowest network fees
• bc1p... (Taproot)
• 1... (Legacy P2PKH)
• 3... (P2SH)

Zcash Formats:

• t1... (Transparent only)

Verify your destination address. Transactions to incorrect addresses cannot be reversed.

4. Execute

1. Approve — Grant token spending (first time only)
2. Swap — Review and confirm transaction
3. Wait — Settlement completes in ~15 minutes

5. Settlement Timeline

Stage	Duration
Base confirmation	Instant
Bridge processing	~10 min
BTC/ZEC delivery	~5 min
Total	~15 min

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Inbound Swaps

Bring native Bitcoin or Zcash onto EVM chains.

Overview

Parameter	Value
Settlement	~20 minutes
Transactions	1 (BTC/ZEC transfer)
Fees	1.0% bridge fee

Process

1. Configure Swap

Navigate to app.sova.io/swap

1. Connect EVM wallet (destination for received tokens)
2. Select BTC or ZEC in Sell
3. Select target chain and token in Buy

2. Generate Deposit Address

1. Enter BTC/ZEC amount
2. Review quote (output, fees, timing)
3. Click Generate Deposit Address

Each deposit address is unique to your order. Do not reuse addresses from previous swaps.

3. Send BTC/ZEC

From your Bitcoin or Zcash wallet:

1. Copy deposit address exactly
2. Send specified amount
3. Wait for network confirmations

Do NOT send from centralized exchanges. Use a personal wallet where you control private keys. Exchange withdrawals use pooled addresses, causing refund issues if problems occur.

4. Settlement Timeline

Stage	Duration
BTC/ZEC confirmation	~10 min
Bridge processing	~5 min
Token delivery	~2 min
Total	~15-20 min

5. Receive Tokens

Tokens arrive in your connected EVM wallet automatically.

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Tracking Orders

Order Status

Track swaps on the Transactions page:

Status	Description
PENDING	Submitted, awaiting processing
BRIDGING	Cross-chain settlement in progress
COMPLETED	Funds delivered
FAILED	Error occurred (automatic refund initiated)

Block Explorers

Network	Explorer
Bitcoin	mempool.space
Zcash	zcashblockexplorer.com
Base	basescan.org

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Fee Summary

Route	Fee
USDC → BTC/ZEC	1.0%
Other Token → BTC/ZEC	~1.3%
BTC/ZEC → EVM	1.0%

Fees deducted from output. Gas costs (~$0.10-0.20) are additional.

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Troubleshooting

"Invalid Address" Error

• Bitcoin: Must start with bc1, 1, or 3
• Zcash: Must start with t1 (shielded zs... not supported)
• Remove spaces or extra characters
• Verify checksum validity

"Insufficient Liquidity" Error

• Try smaller amount
• Use USDC as input (best liquidity)
• Retry during lower activity periods

Swap Taking Longer

• Outbound: Normal settlement ~15 minutes
• Inbound: Allow 20-30 minutes for BTC confirmations
• Check Transactions page for status
• Contact support if over 1 hour

Swap Failed

Refunds are automatic:

• Outbound: Tokens returned to EVM wallet
• Inbound: BTC/ZEC returned to source address

Refunds typically complete within minutes. Up to 24 hours in rare cases.

Sent from Exchange

If you sent inbound swap from an exchange, refunds (if needed) go to the exchange's pooled address. Contact exchange support to recover funds.

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Next Steps

Limit Orders

Set target prices for automatic execution

Vaults

Earn yield on Bitcoin