MetaMask is a widely used cryptocurrency wallet that empowers users to securely store, manage, and transfer digital assets on the Ethereum blockchain and other compatible networks. A core feature of this wallet is its ability to connect to various Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) networks, including the Ethereum mainnet, testnets, and numerous custom blockchains.
This guide provides a clear, step-by-step walkthrough for manually adding any EVM-compatible network to your MetaMask wallet. By following these instructions, you can effortlessly switch between different networks and access a broader ecosystem of decentralized applications (dApps) and digital assets.
Why Add a Custom EVM Network?
Before diving into the steps, it's helpful to understand the benefits. Adding other EVM networks allows you to:
- Access dApps and services on other blockchains like Polygon, Avalanche, or Binance Smart Chain.
- Potentially benefit from lower transaction fees and faster processing times.
- Manage all your EVM-compatible assets from a single, convenient wallet interface.
- Participate in airdrops, mint NFTs, and provide liquidity on various chains.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding a Network
The process is uniform whether you are using the MetaMask browser extension or its mobile application.
Step 1: Open Your MetaMask Wallet
Launch the MetaMask extension in your browser or open the mobile app on your device. You will be greeted by the main dashboard, which displays your account balance and the current network you are connected to (e.g., "Ethereum Mainnet").
Step 2: Access the Network Selector
At the top of the MetaMask interface, you will find a dropdown menu displaying the name of the currently active network. Click or tap on this menu to reveal a list of all available networks you have previously added.
Step 3: Initiate the "Add Network" Process
Scroll to the bottom of the network list. You will find an option labeled "Add Network". Select this option to begin the process of integrating a new blockchain network.
Step 4: Choose to Add a Network Manually
You may be presented with a list of popular pre-configured networks. To add a custom one, you will need to select the option to "Add a network manually". This will open a form where you can input the specific details required for the new network.
Step 5: Enter the Required Network Details
This is the most critical step. You must accurately fill in the following information. You can typically find the correct details for any major EVM-compatible chain on its official documentation website or a reputable crypto information portal.
- Network Name: A descriptive name for the blockchain (e.g., "Polygon Mainnet").
- New RPC URL: The URL endpoint for the network's Remote Procedure Call (RPC) node. This is how your wallet communicates with the blockchain.
- Chain ID: A unique numerical identifier for the network (e.g., 1 for Ethereum, 137 for Polygon).
- Currency Symbol: The ticker symbol for the network's native gas token (e.g., ETH, MATIC, BNB, AVAX).
- Block Explorer URL: The address for a block explorer for this network, which allows you to view your transactions on the blockchain (e.g., https://polygonscan.com).
👉 Find verified RPC details for popular networks
Step 6: Save the New Network
After double-checking that all the information is correct, click the "Save" button. MetaMask will automatically switch to the newly added network. You may need to confirm the connection.
Step 7: Begin Using the New Network
Congratulations! The new EVM-compatible network is now added to your wallet. You can start using it to send and receive assets, connect to dApps, and explore the ecosystem. You can switch back to Ethereum or any other added network at any time using the network selector dropdown.
Essential Tips for Safety and Security
When adding custom networks, always prioritize security:
- Source Information Carefully: Only use RPC URLs and Chain IDs from the official project website or another highly trusted source. Using incorrect details can lead to lost funds.
- Beware of Phishing: Be cautious of websites or pop-ups prompting you to "add this network" to MetaMask. Always verify the necessity and authenticity of the request.
- Understand the Risks: Interacting with new smart contracts on an unfamiliar chain always carries inherent risk. Do your own research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does EVM-compatible mean?
EVM-compatible means that a blockchain network can run smart contracts built for the Ethereum ecosystem. It uses the same virtual machine (the EVM) to process transactions, allowing developers to easily port their Ethereum dApps to these other chains and enabling wallets like MetaMask to connect to them.
Is MetaMask itself an EVM?
No. MetaMask is a wallet interface that interacts with EVM-compatible blockchains. The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is the computational engine that exists on the blockchain networks themselves (like Ethereum, Polygon, etc.), not within the wallet. MetaMask acts as a gateway to these engines.
What is an EVM-compatible wallet address?
An EVM-compatible wallet address is a standard Ethereum-style address (starting with '0x') that is generated using the same cryptographic principles. Because the address format is standardized across EVM chains, a single MetaMask wallet address can be used to hold assets on many different compatible networks.
How do I find my EVM address in MetaMask?
Your public EVM address is the same for all EVM networks you add. To find it, open MetaMask and click on your account name at the top of the interface. This will automatically copy your full address (starting with '0x') to your clipboard. You can then paste it wherever needed.
Can MetaMask connect to non-EVM networks like Solana or Bitcoin?
No, the standard version of MetaMask is designed exclusively for EVM-compatible networks. To interact with non-EVM blockchains like Solana or Bitcoin, you generally need to use a dedicated wallet built for that specific ecosystem, though some browser extensions aim to aggregate multiple chains.
What are some common EVM-compatible networks I can add?
Popular EVM networks include Polygon (MATIC), Binance Smart Chain (BSC), Avalanche (AVAX C-Chain), Fantom Opera, Arbitrum, and Optimism. Always ensure you have the correct and most up-to-date RPC information from official sources before adding them.