Flashbots Protect

What is Flashbots Protect?

Flashbots Protect is a free service that shields Ethereum transactions from front-running and sandwich attacks by routing them through a private transaction channel. Instead of broadcasting transactions to the public mempool where MEV bots can see and exploit them, Protect sends transactions directly to block builders who include them without exposing them to searchers.

How it Works

Flashbots Protect functions as an RPC endpoint that replaces standard transaction submission with protected routing.

The Flashbots Protect workflow includes:

1. RPC Configuration: User adds Protect RPC to their wallet
2. Transaction Submission: Transactions route through Protect instead of public mempool
3. Builder Propagation: Protect forwards to participating block builders
4. Private Inclusion: Builders include transactions without public exposure
5. Confirmation: Transaction confirmed on-chain without MEV extraction
6. Refund Eligibility: Some MEV captured for user benefit through kickbacks

Users simply add the Flashbots Protect RPC endpoint to their wallet.

Practical Example

A user swapping $10,000 of ETH for USDC on Uniswap might lose $50-100 to sandwich attacks through the public mempool. Using Flashbots Protect, the same swap executes without visibility to sandwich bots, and the user receives their full expected output. Many DeFi users have made Protect their default RPC endpoint for all Ethereum transactions. MEV Blocker and other services offer similar protection with different builder networks.

Why it Matters

Flashbots Protect democratizes access to MEV protection that was previously only available to sophisticated users. Simple wallet configuration protects everyday DeFi users from value extraction. The service is free, with Flashbots earning through builder relationships rather than user fees. Understanding and using Protect significantly improves DeFi execution quality.