Normally it would be an irreversible mistake to send a Layer 2 transaction to an address that can only support Layer 1, such as a CEX (Central Exchange) address which you do not own the private keys for, or a Layer 1 address that has been generated by a smart contract with no support for Layer 2.
However, the developers of the Loopring rollup have a solution whereby users can force withdraw a balance from a Layer 2 account back to Layer 1 by paying the gas fee.
Force Withdrawal Conditions
A force withdrawal can only happen in the below condition:
1. The withdrawal account (account A) hasn't been activated, this means the withdrawal account is not in use by someone now
2. Your account (account B) sent the token(s) you are requesting to be withdrawn to account A
For example, if account B sent some token (like LRC) to a Layer 1 CEX custodial account on Layer 2 (account A):
- Account A can not activate the account on Loopring Layer 2, as the CEX will not provide the private keys to account A
- Account B can submit a request to force withdrawal LRC of account A from Layer 2 to Layer 1. Account B needs pay about 0.04 ETH in gas fees to do this.
How to initiate a force withdrawal
To initiate the force withdrawal:
- Connect your wallet to https://loopring.io/#/layer2/forcewithdraw
- Enter the address you wish to force a withdrawal from. It must meet the conditions above.
- Pay the fee associated.