MetaMask is a widely popular cryptocurrency wallet, initially configured to send and receive ether (ETH) and tokens on the Ethereum Mainnet. However, its functionality extends far beyond a single network. Users can manually configure MetaMask to interact with multiple other blockchain networks, including BNB Chain (formerly Binance Smart Chain), Polygon, Avalanche, Fantom, Cronos, and several others.
This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough for adding these networks to your MetaMask wallet, whether you're using the browser extension or the mobile app. The process is straightforward, requiring just a few steps and the correct network parameters.
Understanding EVM Compatibility
A key reason for MetaMask's versatility is its support for Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatible blockchains. The EVM acts as the decentralized computational engine for Ethereum, responsible for executing smart contracts. Numerous other blockchains have adopted EVM compatibility, allowing developers to port their decentralized applications (dApps) and for users to interact with them using the same wallet interface, like MetaMask.
Configuring these networks manually unlocks access to a broader ecosystem of faster and often cheaper transactions, diverse DeFi protocols, NFT marketplaces, and more.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding a New Network
The general process for adding any new EVM-compatible blockchain to MetaMask is uniform. Follow these steps carefully:
- Open your MetaMask wallet and enter your password to access the main interface.
- Click on the network selection dropdown at the top of the window. It typically defaults to "Ethereum Mainnet."
- Select "Add network" or "Add Network" from the bottom of the dropdown list.
You will be taken to a settings page with a form. Here, you will need to input the specific parameters for the blockchain you wish to add. The required fields are:
- Network Name
- New RPC URL
- Chain ID
- Currency Symbol
- Block Explorer URL (Recommended)
- After carefully entering all the details, click "Save." A confirmation notification will appear.
- The new network will now be added to your list. You can switch to it by clicking the network dropdown again and selecting it.
It is crucial to obtain these network details from official and reliable sources to avoid phishing scams and loss of funds. The information provided in the sections below is sourced from the respective projects' official documentation.
Network Configuration Parameters
Below, you will find the specific details needed to configure some of the most popular EVM-compatible blockchains in MetaMask.
Configuring BNB Chain (Binance Smart Chain)
Developed by the Binance exchange, BNB Chain is designed to enable high-throughput, low-cost transactions and dApp operation.
- Network Name: Smart Chain
- New RPC URL: https://bsc-dataseed.binance.org/
- Chain ID: 56
- Currency Symbol: BNB
- Block Explorer URL: https://bscscan.com
Configuring Polygon Network
Polygon is a Ethereum scaling solution and a commit chain that provides faster and cheaper transactions, helping to reduce congestion on the Ethereum Mainnet.
- Network Name: Polygon Mainnet
- New RPC URL: https://polygon-rpc.com/
- Chain ID: 137
- Currency Symbol: MATIC
- Block Explorer URL: https://polygonscan.com/
Configuring Avalanche Network
Avalanche is a decentralized, open-source proof-of-stake blockchain with a focus on interoperability and custom blockchain networks.
- Network Name: Avalanche Network
- New RPC URL: https://api.avax.network/ext/bc/C/rpc
- Chain ID: 43114
- Currency Symbol: AVAX
- Block Explorer URL: https://snowtrace.io/
Configuring Fantom Opera
Fantom is a high-performance, scalable blockchain ecosystem for decentralized applications and digital assets.
- Network Name: Fantom Opera
- New RPC URL: https://rpc.ftm.tools/
- Chain ID: 250
- Currency Symbol: FTM
- Block Explorer URL: https://ftmscan.com/
Configuring Cronos Chain
Cronos is the Ethereum-compatible blockchain network built by Crypto.com, designed to allow developers to port dApps from Ethereum and other EVM chains.
- Network Name: Cronos Mainnet
- New RPC URL: https://evm-cronos.crypto.org/
- Chain ID: 25
- Currency Symbol: CRO
- Block Explorer URL: https://cronos.crypto.org/explorer/
Other Supported Networks
The process is identical for many other networks. Here are parameters for a few more:
RSK Mainnet:
- Network Name: RSK Mainnet
- New RPC URL: https://public-node.rsk.co
- Chain ID: 30
- Currency Symbol: RBTC
- Block Explorer URL: https://explorer.rsk.co
👉 Explore more strategies for managing a multi-chain cryptocurrency portfolio.
Best Practices for Multi-Chain Management
Once you have multiple networks configured, managing your assets safely and efficiently is paramount.
- Always Double-Check Networks: Before approving any transaction, confirm you are on the correct network. Sending assets to an address on the wrong network can result in permanent loss.
- Use Block Explorers: Bookmark the block explorer for each network you use. They are essential for verifying transactions, checking wallet balances, and reviewing smart contracts.
- Manage Your RPC Providers: If you experience latency or downtime with a default RPC, you can often find alternative RPC endpoints from community sources or services like Chainlist, but always verify their authenticity.
- Secure Your Wallet: Your seed phrase is the key to all your configured networks. Keep it secure and offline. Anyone with your seed phrase can access all your assets on every network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to manually add networks to MetaMask?
MetaMask defaults to the Ethereum network for security and simplicity. Manual addition ensures you are intentionally connecting to other networks and have verified the correct parameters, protecting you from malicious networks designed to steal funds.
Is it safe to add these custom networks?
Yes, provided you use the correct configuration parameters from official sources. Always cross-reference the details with the official documentation of the blockchain project. Using incorrect RPC URLs can be a security risk.
Can I use the same wallet address on all these different networks?
Yes. Because these networks are EVM-compatible, they derive addresses from your seed phrase using the same cryptographic standards. Your public address (0x...) will be the same across all EVM chains, but the assets (e.g., BNB on BSC, MATIC on Polygon) are native to their respective chains.
What happens if I send a token to the wrong network?
If you send a token to an address on an unsupported network (e.g., sending Bitcoin to an Ethereum address), the funds are likely lost permanently. Recovery is often impossible. Always ensure the sending and receiving networks are compatible.
Do I need separate gas tokens for each network?
Yes. Each blockchain has its own native cryptocurrency used to pay for transaction fees (gas). For example, you need ETH for Ethereum, MATIC for Polygon, BNB for BNB Chain, and AVAX for Avalanche. You must acquire these tokens to perform any transactions on their respective networks.
Can I remove a network after adding it?
Yes. In your MetaMask settings, navigate to the "Networks" section. You will see a list of all added networks with an option to delete any of them. This does not affect your funds; it simply removes the network from your wallet's list.