Ethereum has long been the foundation for decentralized applications (dapps), but as the ecosystem expands, numerous Ethereum-compatible blockchains have emerged to improve scalability, reduce fees, and enhance performance. One of the most widely used tools to interact with these networks is MetaMask—a non-custodial wallet available as both a browser extension and mobile app. While MetaMask defaults to the Ethereum Mainnet, it supports a wide range of EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine)-compatible chains. This guide walks you through adding these custom networks to MetaMask with precision and ease.
Whether you're exploring DeFi on Polygon, trading on Arbitrum, or staking on Avalanche, configuring your wallet correctly is essential. Below, we detail the step-by-step process and provide verified network parameters for popular chains.
How to Add a Custom Network in MetaMask
Adding a new blockchain network to MetaMask is straightforward. Follow these steps on either the browser extension or mobile app:
- Click the account icon in the top-right corner and navigate to Settings.
- Scroll down and select Networks > Add Network.
Enter the required details:
- Network Name
- New RPC URL
- Chain ID
- Currency Symbol (optional)
- Block Explorer URL (optional)
- Click Save.
Once added, the network will appear in your network dropdown menu. Simply select it to start interacting with dapps on that chain.
💡 Pro Tip: By default, only Ethereum Mainnet appears. To view testnets like Goerli or Rinkeby, go to Settings > Advanced and enable Show test networks.
Popular Ethereum-Compatible Networks: Configuration Guide
Below is a curated list of reliable settings for major EVM-compatible blockchains. Use these values when adding networks manually.
Polygon (MATIC)
Polygon offers fast, low-cost transactions while maintaining Ethereum-level security through layer-2 scaling.
Network Name: Polygon
New RPC URL: https://polygon-rpc.com
Chain ID: 137
Currency Symbol: MATIC
Block Explorer URL: https://polygonscan.com👉 Discover how cross-chain wallets simplify multi-network management
Arbitrum (AETH)
Arbitrum is a leading layer-2 solution that scales Ethereum using optimistic rollups, enabling faster and cheaper transactions.
Network Name: Arbitrum One
New RPC URL: https://arb1.arbitrum.io/rpc
Chain ID: 42161
Currency Symbol: AETH
Block Explorer URL: https://arbiscan.ioOptimism (ETH)
Optimism uses optimistic rollup technology to bundle transactions off-chain and post them securely to Ethereum, reducing congestion and gas fees.
Network Name: Optimism
New RPC URL: https://mainnet.optimism.io
Chain ID: 10
Currency Symbol: ETH
Block Explorer URL: https://optimistic.etherscan.ioBoba Network (ETH)
Boba Network enhances Ethereum scalability with hybrid compute capabilities, allowing smart contracts to offload computations.
Network Name: Boba
New RPC URL: https://mainnet.boba.network
Chain ID: 288
Currency Symbol: ETH
Block Explorer URL: https://blockexplorer.boba.networkBinance Smart Chain (BNB)
Binance Smart Chain (now BSC) runs parallel to Binance Chain and supports high-speed, low-cost transactions with strong DeFi integration.
Network Name: Binance Smart Chain
New RPC URL: https://bsc-dataseed.binance.org
Chain ID: 56
Currency Symbol: BNB
Block Explorer URL: https://bscscan.com👉 Learn how seamless wallet integrations boost blockchain accessibility
Avalanche (AVAX)
Avalanche features a unique consensus protocol and subnets architecture, delivering rapid finality and customizable blockchains.
Network Name: Avalanche
New RPC URL: https://api.avax.network/ext/bc/C/rpc
Chain ID: 43114
Currency Symbol: AVAX
Block Explorer URL: https://snowtrace.ioFantom Opera (FTM)
Fantom uses an aBFT consensus mechanism for fast finality and low fees, making it ideal for DeFi and dapp development.
Network Name: Fantom Opera
New RPC URL: https://rpc.ftm.tools
Chain ID: 250
Currency Symbol: FTM
Block Explorer URL: https://ftmscan.comGnosis Chain (xDAI)
Gnosis Chain (formerly xDAI) is a stablecoin-powered sidechain focused on community governance and sustainable transaction economics.
Network Name: Gnosis Chain
New RPC URL: https://rpc.gnosischain.com
Chain ID: 100
Currency Symbol: xDAI
Block Explorer URL: https://blockscout.com/xdai/mainnetOther Supported Networks
Here are additional networks with their configuration details:
Cronos (CRO) Chain ID: 25 — EVM-compatible chain by Crypto.org for DeFi and NFTs.
Celo (CELO) Chain ID: 42220 — Mobile-first blockchain focused on financial inclusion.
Aurora (ETH) Chain ID: 1313161554 — Ethereum-compatible layer-2 on NEAR Protocol.
Evmos (EVMOS) Chain ID: 9001 — EVM extension of the Cosmos ecosystem.
TomoChain (TOMO) Chain ID: 88 — High-throughput blockchain with masternode-based consensus.
Harmony (ONE) Chain ID: 1666600000 — Sharded blockchain emphasizing scalability and cross-chain interoperability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why should I add custom networks to MetaMask?
Adding custom networks allows you to interact with dapps across multiple blockchains without switching wallets. Each network offers different advantages—lower fees, faster speeds, or specialized DeFi tools.
Are these RPC URLs safe to use?
Yes, the URLs listed are official or community-trusted endpoints. However, always verify sources before entering sensitive information.
Can I lose funds by adding a wrong network?
Incorrect configurations won’t directly cause fund loss, but sending assets to the wrong chain can result in permanent loss. Always double-check addresses and network compatibility before transactions.
Do I need separate tokens for gas on each network?
Yes. Each blockchain requires its native token for gas fees—for example, MATIC on Polygon, BNB on BSC, and AVAX on Avalanche.
How do I remove a custom network from MetaMask?
Go to Settings > Networks, find the network, click it, then select Delete.
Can I use hardware wallets with these networks?
Yes. When connected to devices like Ledger via MetaMask, you can securely manage assets across all added networks.
Final Tips for Managing Multi-Chain Wallets
As the multi-chain ecosystem grows, managing multiple networks becomes part of everyday crypto navigation. Bookmark this guide for quick reference, and consider using wallet dashboards that support automatic network detection.
👉 Explore next-generation wallet experiences with integrated cross-chain tools
Always ensure your seed phrase remains private, avoid phishing sites, and verify contract addresses before interacting with dapps. With MetaMask’s flexibility and the expanding web of Ethereum-compatible chains, you're well-equipped to explore the full breadth of decentralized innovation in 2025 and beyond.
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