Not sure how to connect your favorite chain to MetaMask? Here is a guide to make the process simple for you! Read more!
Since its first release in 2016, MetaMask has proven to be a crucial gateway to the blockchain and cryptocurrency ecosystem and is now the preferred wallet for EVM-based assets for more than 30 million monthly active users.
Being incredibly intuitive, easy to install, and available for practically any device/browser, MetaMask is generally the first port of call for new cryptocurrency users, while more experienced cryptocurrency users may instead opt for a hardware wallet — since they can be used to securely keep funds in cold storage.
One of the reasons MetaMask remains so popular is the fact it supports a huge variety of different blockchains — thanks to its ‘Add Network’ feature. With this, users can add support for well over 50 different blockchain mainnets and testnets.
If you’re looking to add support for a new network, here’s what you need to know.
Note: MetaMask only supports EVM-based blockchains. You will need to get a separate native wallet to interact with non-EVM chains like Solana, Terra, Waves, or NEAR.
Manually Adding a New Network
By default, MetaMask only supports a handful of Ethereum-based networks, including the Ethereum mainnet and several testnets (Ropsten, Kovan, Rinkeby, and Goerli). To use MetaMask to interact with other networks, you can manually add support for additional networks using its simple ‘Add Network’ feature.
In doing so, you’ll need to provide MetaMask with the following data for the new network:
- Name: The name of the blockchain you want to interact with, e.g. BNB Chain.
- RPC URL: The RPC URL is the address of the set of protocols MetaMask can use for interacting with the target blockchain.
- Chain ID: Each network has its own unique chain ID, which is used to identify it.
- Currency symbol: This is the ticker MetaMask uses to display the balance for the network’s native coin, e.g. BNB.
- Block Explorer URL (optional): The URL for the network’s block explorer.
Note that many non-EVM chains also have an EVM sidechain or layer-2 solution, such as NEAR’s Aurora platform or Velas’ EVM space. Since these are EVM-based, these can be added to MetaMask in just the same way as a regular layer-1 chain.
To manually add a new network on MetaMask, navigate to ‘Settings’ by clicking on your account avatar on the top right of the plugin.
Here, find the ‘Networks’ option, and click the ‘Add New Network’ button to pull up the required interface. Below, you’ll find the required data for the top 20 most popular EVM chains. Simply enter the ones you need and click the ‘Save’ button to add them to your MetaMask.
Once added, you’ll be able to select the new network from the drop-down menu found at the top of the MetaMask interface after logging in.
Note: If the network you’re looking for isn’t on the above list, you can search for it on RPC Info to find its respective RPC details.
Automatically Add Networks to MetaMask
In some cases, simply navigating to the dApp you wish to access will yield a prompt for you to add its corresponding network to your MetaMask. That said, this is still relatively uncommon, particularly for less well-known platforms.
Alternatively, you can use a website like Chainlist to automatically add a network to your MetaMask. Here’s how.
- Connect your MetaMask wallet
- Search for the network you want to add
- Once found, click the ‘Add To Metamask’ button. This will pull up an interface showing the RPC details that will be added. Click ‘Approve’ if you are happy with the details. This will add the network to your MetaMask permanently (or until manually removed).
- You can then opt to switch directly to the new network using the prompt.
Does MetaMask Support Bitcoin?
As of writing, MetaMask doesn’t directly support the Bitcoin blockchain. However, according to a recent update, the platform will soon implement support for Bitcoin and a variety of other non-EVM chains through its upcoming ‘Snaps’ feature.
Snaps are programs that MetaMask will run in an isolated environment to extend its capabilities. MetaMask may provide its own range of Snaps and will also support third-party Snaps — improving its capabilities beyond just supporting additional networks.
MetaMask hasn’t yet provided a timeline for this feature. It’s likely that users will need to use MetaMask’s developer-focused client, known as ‘MetaMask Flask’ to access the feature first.
Check out our guides on how to connect your MetaMask to other blockchains, including BNB Chain, Polygon, Harmony, Avalanche, Optimism, Astar Network, Aurora Mainnet, Gnosis Chain, Cronos and Celo.
This article contains links to third-party websites or other content for information purposes only (“Third-Party Sites”). The Third-Party Sites are not under the control of CoinMarketCap, and CoinMarketCap is not responsible for the content of any Third-Party Site, including without limitation any link contained in a Third-Party Site, or any changes or updates to a Third-Party Site. CoinMarketCap is providing these links to you only as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by CoinMarketCap of the site or any association with its operators. This article is intended to be used and must be used for informational purposes only. It is important to do your own research and analysis before making any material decisions related to any of the products or services described. This article is not intended as, and shall not be construed as, financial advice. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s [company’s] own and do not necessarily reflect those of CoinMarketCap. CoinMarketCap is not responsible for the success or authenticity of any project, we aim to act as a neutral informational resource for end-users.
