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Avalanche (AVAX)

What is the Avalanche Network?​

Here are 5 key points about Avalanche:

  • Fast finality: Avalanche's consensus protocol confirms transactions in about a second or two, with no extra confirmations needed.
  • C-Chain: The Avalanche C-Chain runs the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), so Ethereum-style wallets, tokens, and dApps work on it. Gem Wallet supports the C-Chain.
  • Avalanche L1s: Teams can launch their own custom blockchains, called Avalanche L1s (formerly subnets), with their own rules and validators.
  • Interoperability: Assets can move between Avalanche, Ethereum, and other networks through bridges and cross-chain swap providers.
  • AVAX has a practical role: AVAX pays transaction fees, is staked by validators to secure the network, and part of every fee is burned.
tip

Learn more about the Avalanche Network by reading the Gem Wallet Learn article: What Is The Avalanche Blockchain?

Avalanche Support in Gem Wallet​

Gem Wallet can be used to:

  • Buy AVAX through available third-party fiat providers.
  • Hold, send, and receive AVAX and ERC-20 tokens on the C-Chain, such as USDC and USDT.
  • Swap AVAX and C-Chain tokens on the same network, and swap to or from Avalanche across networks.
  • Connect to Avalanche dApps with WalletConnect.

AVAX on Gem Wallet AVAX Chart on Gem Wallet

What are Avalanche ERC-20 Tokens?​

  • ERC-20 is the token standard first used on Ethereum. Because the C-Chain runs the EVM, tokens on it follow the same standard.
  • Stablecoins such as USDC and USDT are issued natively on the C-Chain.
  • Your AVAX and C-Chain tokens share one address, which is the same format as an Ethereum address.

USDC-AVAX on Gem Wallet ERC20 Token on AVAX

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Learn more about ERC-20 tokens from this Gem Wallet Learn article: What Is ERC20 and What You Need to Know About Tokens on the Ethereum Blockchain

How to Get Avalanche?​

  • Buy AVAX in Gem Wallet: open the Avalanche asset, tap Buy, and choose an available provider.
  • Receive AVAX or C-Chain tokens: open the asset, tap Receive, and share your address. Make sure the sender uses the Avalanche C-Chain, not the X-Chain or P-Chain, which Gem Wallet doesn't support.
  • Swap another asset to AVAX. Swapping a C-Chain token to AVAX needs a little AVAX for the network fee.

Buy AVAX on Gem Wallet Receive AVAX on Gem Wallet

Can I Swap AVAX on Gem Wallet?​

Yes. Gem Wallet compares quotes from several providers:

Transaction Fees on Avalanche​

  • Fees on the C-Chain are paid in AVAX.
  • The C-Chain uses a base fee that rises and falls with demand, plus an optional priority fee. The base fee is burned.
  • Gem Wallet shows the network fee before you confirm, and lets you set a custom fee. See How to Set Custom Network Fees on EVM Networks.

Send AVAX Fee on Gem Wallet Transfer AVAX Transaction on Gem Wallet

How to Check Avalanche (AVAX) Balance?​

Gem Wallet shows your AVAX and token balances and activity. To view your address in an explorer, tap the three dots in the upper-right corner of the Avalanche asset, then select View address.

View Address Link to Snowtrace View Address on Snowtrace

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SnowScan is the default Avalanche explorer in Gem Wallet. You can switch to Snowtrace or Blockchair under Settings > Preferences > Networks > Avalanche.