> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://taolend.gitbook.io/taolend-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://taolend.gitbook.io/taolend-docs/quick-start/quick-start-borrow.md).

# Quick Start Borrow

> This guide will help you start borrowing on Taolend using your ALPHA as collateral in just 5 minutes.

## Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have the following ready:

* ✅ **EVM Wallet** (e.g. MetaMask)
* ✅ **Bittensor Wallet**
* ✅ ALPHA tokens on the Bittensor chain
* ✅ Sufficient gas fees in your EVM wallet

## Step Zero: Bridge Assets to Your EVM Account

⚠️ **Important**: Before using Taolend, you must bridge your assets from the Bittensor chain to your EVM account.

Taolend operates on the **Bittensor EVM chain**, so your ALPHA tokens must be bridged from the Bittensor native chain first. This allows you to:

* Manage assets using EVM wallets like MetaMask
* Participate in borrowing activities on Taolend
* Access sufficient gas fees for on-chain transactions

👉 **For detailed bridging instructions**, please refer to [Bridge Assets Guide](/taolend-docs/account/bridge-assets.md)

***

## Borrower Quick Guide

### Step 1: Connect Wallet and Register

1. **Access the Platform**
   * Open the Taolend website
   * Click **Connect Wallet**

<div align="left"><img src="/files/qmBmRehuCuBWtAqszfeC" alt="Connect EVM Wallet"></div>

2. **Connect Your EVM Wallet**
   * Choose MetaMask (or another EVM wallet)
   * Confirm the connection
3. **Complete Registration**
   * Go to **Profile** and click **Register**
   * Sign an message
   * Confirm the on-chain registration transaction

<div align="left"><img src="/files/Ya4F9dOPdsFwQ3Ea3FRT" alt="Register" width="400"></div>

### Step 2: Deposit ALPHA as Collateral

1. **Go to the Profile Page**
   * Click **Deposit**
2. **Select Subnet**
   * Choose the Subnet where your ALPHA is held
   * Example: Subnet 116, Subnet 120
3. **Enter Collateral Amount**
   * Input the ALPHA Amount you want to deposit
   * Higher collateral allows a higher Borrow Amount
4. **Complete Deposit**
   * Click **Deposit**
   * Confirm the transaction and wait for completion

### Step 3: Borrow TAO

1. **Go to the Borrow Page**
   * Click **Borrow**
   * Or access via **Borrow → Assets**

<div align="left"><img src="/files/FUxDVqLj4fqQ3yntVbkO" alt="Borrow Assets" width="600"></div>

2. **Initiate Borrowing**
   * Click **Borrow** on the desired asset
3. **Select Parameters**
   * Choose the Subnet
   * Enter the Collateral Amount
4. **Set Borrow Amount**
   * Enter the Borrow Amount
   * The system automatically matches the offer with the **Best Daily APR**
5. **Confirm Borrow**
   * Review loan details and interest
   * Confirm the transaction in your wallet

<div align="left"><img src="/files/THOfacYnvIMbYjKNRqCl" alt="Borrow" width="600"></div>

### Step 4: Manage Your Loan

<div align="left"><img src="/files/2121IfHgbP359bp9iW6B" alt="Borrow Active" width="600"></div>

1. **Receive TAO**
   * TAO is transferred instantly to your wallet
   * Collateral is locked in the contract
   * Interest accrues daily
2. **Track Loan Status**
   * Go to **Borrow → Active**
   * View loan balance, accrued interest, and repayment details
3. **Repay or Refinance**

   **Repay Loan**:

   * Ensure enough TAO is available in your Balance
   * Click **Repay Loan**
   * Confirm principal + interest
   * Collateral is unlocked automatically

   **Refinance**:

   * Choose **Refinance** if a better offer is available
   * The new loan repays the old one in a single transaction