MetaMask is the most popular self-custodial wallet for interacting with the Ethereum blockchain and EVM-compatible networks. While it comes pre‑configured with Ethereum Mainnet, you'll often need to add custom networks like Binance Smart Chain (BSC), Polygon, Arbitrum, Avalanche C‑Chain, or Optimism to access decentralized applications (dApps), lower fees, or explore other ecosystems. This step‑by‑step guide shows you exactly how to add any network to MetaMask safely, using both automated tools and manual entry. You'll also learn how to verify network details, avoid scams, and troubleshoot common issues.
➡️ Read next (recommended)
đź“‹ Table of Contents
- 1. Why Add Custom Networks to MetaMask?
- 2. Prerequisites
- 3. Method 1: Using Chainlist (Easiest & Safest)
- 4. Method 2: Manual Network Addition
- 5. Network Details for Popular Chains (2026)
- 6. Adding Test Networks (Goerli, Sepolia, etc.)
- 7. How to Switch or Remove a Network
- 8. Common Errors & Troubleshooting
- 9. Security: Avoiding Phishing & Rogue RPCs
- 10. Frequently Asked Questions
Why Add Custom Networks to MetaMask?
MetaMask is designed for Ethereum, but many blockchain projects have launched their own EVM‑compatible networks (sidechains, Layer‑2s, or independent chains) that offer lower fees, faster transactions, or unique dApps. To interact with them, you need to tell MetaMask how to connect. Common reasons include:
- Lower gas fees: Polygon, BSC, and Arbitrum often cost pennies per transaction.
- Access to DeFi protocols: Aave, Uniswap, and Curve are deployed on multiple chains.
- NFT marketplaces: Many marketplaces now operate on sidechains.
- Cross‑chain bridging: You may need to switch networks to move assets.
đź’ˇ Key Insight
Adding a network does not move your funds. Your assets remain on their original chain until you bridge them. However, your wallet address is the same across all EVM chains, so you can see balances on different networks by simply switching.
Prerequisites
- MetaMask installed (browser extension or mobile app). If you haven't installed it yet, see our complete MetaMask setup guide.
- A small amount of ETH or native gas token for the network you're adding (e.g., BNB for BSC, MATIC for Polygon) if you plan to transact.
- Internet connection and access to reliable RPC endpoints.
Method 1: Using Chainlist (Easiest & Safest)
Chainlist is a community‑driven aggregator of EVM network information. It allows you to connect your wallet and add a network with a single click – no need to copy‑paste RPC URLs manually.
Visit Chainlist.org
Open chainlist.org in the same browser where MetaMask is installed. Make sure you're not on a phishing site – always check the URL.
Connect Wallet
Click “Connect Wallet” and select MetaMask. Approve the connection request in the MetaMask popup. This does not give Chainlist access to your funds – only read‑only information.
Search for the Network
Type the name of the network you want, e.g., “Binance Smart Chain”, “Polygon”, “Arbitrum One”.
Add to MetaMask
Click the “Add to MetaMask” button. MetaMask will show a confirmation dialog with the network details. Review them (they should match the official details from the network’s documentation) and click “Approve”.
Switch Network
After approval, MetaMask will ask if you want to switch to the new network. Click “Switch network” and you're done.
âś… Why Chainlist is Recommended
- Eliminates manual typing errors (wrong chain ID, RPC URL).
- Aggregates RPC endpoints from multiple providers, often with fallbacks.
- Community‑vetted, reducing risk of malicious RPCs.
Method 2: Manual Network Addition
Sometimes Chainlist might not list a very new or obscure network. In that case, you can add it manually. Here's how:
Open MetaMask & Click Network Dropdown
At the top of the MetaMask extension, click the current network name (e.g., “Ethereum Mainnet”).
Click “Add Network”
A new browser tab will open with the MetaMask settings page (or a form directly in the extension on mobile).
Fill in the Network Details
You will need the following information (always obtain it from the official project documentation or a trusted source):
- Network Name: e.g., “Polygon Mainnet”
- New RPC URL: e.g.,
https://polygon-rpc.com/ - Chain ID: e.g.,
137for Polygon - Currency Symbol: e.g.,
MATIC - Block Explorer URL: e.g.,
https://polygonscan.com/
Click “Save”
After entering the details, click “Save”. MetaMask will automatically switch to the newly added network.
Network Details for Popular Chains (2026)
Here are the official details for the most commonly added networks. Always double‑check with the project’s documentation as RPC URLs may change.
| Network | RPC URL (example) | Chain ID | Currency Symbol | Block Explorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNB Smart Chain (BSC) | https://bsc-dataseed.binance.org/ |
56 | BNB | https://bscscan.com |
| Polygon | https://polygon-rpc.com/ |
137 | MATIC | https://polygonscan.com |
| Arbitrum One | https://arb1.arbitrum.io/rpc |
42161 | ETH | https://arbiscan.io |
| Optimism | https://mainnet.optimism.io |
10 | ETH | https://optimistic.etherscan.io |
| Avalanche C-Chain | https://api.avax.network/ext/bc/C/rpc |
43114 | AVAX | https://snowtrace.io |
| Base | https://mainnet.base.org |
8453 | ETH | https://basescan.org |
🔧 Advanced: Using Custom RPC Providers
If the default public RPCs are rate‑limited, you can use services like Infura, Alchemy, or QuickNode to get your own private RPC endpoint. This is recommended for heavy users or developers.
Adding Test Networks (Goerli, Sepolia, etc.)
Test networks are essential for developers and users who want to experiment without spending real funds. MetaMask usually includes them by default, but you may need to enable them or add them manually if missing.
- Goerli (Ethereum testnet) – Chain ID: 5, Symbol: GoerliETH
- Sepolia (Ethereum testnet) – Chain ID: 11155111, Symbol: SepoliaETH
- BSC Testnet – Chain ID: 97, Symbol: tBNB
- Mumbai (Polygon testnet) – Chain ID: 80001, Symbol: MATIC
To add a test network, follow the same manual steps with the appropriate testnet details, or use Chainlist (it has a “testnets” toggle).
How to Switch or Remove a Network
Switching Networks
Simply click the network dropdown at the top of MetaMask and select the desired network from the list. Your wallet will now interact with that chain.
Removing a Network
To remove a custom network (you cannot remove the default Ethereum Mainnet):
- Click the network dropdown, then click “Add network” to open the settings page.
- Alternatively, click the three dots (settings) → “Networks”.
- Find the network you want to remove, click the trash icon or “Remove”.
- Confirm the removal. The network will disappear from your list.
Common Errors & Troubleshooting
“This chain is not supported” or “Invalid chain ID”
You likely entered the wrong Chain ID. Double‑check it from an official source. Remember, Chain ID is a numeric identifier – it must be exact.
RPC URL not working / Connection timeout
The public RPC might be down or rate‑limited. Try a different public endpoint (e.g., for BSC there are several seed nodes) or use a private RPC from Infura/Alchemy.
My balance shows zero even after bridging
Make sure you have actually bridged tokens to the new network. Also check that you have added the token contract (if it's a custom token) – see our guide on adding custom tokens (similar process in MetaMask).
“Transaction underpriced” when sending
You may not have enough native gas token for the network. Ensure you have a small amount of BNB, MATIC, AVAX, etc., in your wallet on that network.
Security: Avoiding Phishing & Rogue RPCs
⚠️ Never Trust Random RPCs
Adding a malicious RPC can allow the provider to see your IP, broadcast your transactions, or even return fake data. Only use RPCs from:
- Official project documentation
- Trusted aggregators like Chainlist
- Your own Infura/Alchemy/QuickNode endpoint
Also, beware of websites that ask you to “add a network” via a popup that looks like MetaMask but is actually a phishing attempt. Always verify the domain and only approve transactions you intend to sign.
Mastering Multi‑Chain with MetaMask
Adding networks to MetaMask opens the door to the entire EVM ecosystem. Whether you're farming on Arbitrum, trading on BSC, or collecting NFTs on Polygon, the process is straightforward and secure if you follow the steps above. Use Chainlist for convenience and always verify details from official sources. Now you're ready to explore DeFi across chains!
âś… Keep Learning
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, as long as the network is EVM‑compatible and you have the correct network details (RPC, Chain ID, etc.). Examples include BSC, Polygon, Avalanche, Fantom, and thousands of others.
The safest method is to visit the official documentation or website of the blockchain. You can also use Chainlist.org, which aggregates verified RPC endpoints from community sources.
If the Chain ID is incorrect, MetaMask will not be able to connect to the network. You'll see an error message, and you'll need to correct the Chain ID or remove the network and add it again.
Chainlist is widely trusted in the crypto community and is open‑source. However, always ensure you are on the genuine chainlist.org website, not a phishing copy. The platform itself does not have access to your funds.
Yes, network configurations are stored locally on each device/browser. If you use MetaMask on a new device, you'll need to add the networks again. Some users keep a list of network details for easy re‑entry.
Go to Settings → Networks, find the network you want to remove, and click the trash icon (or “Remove”). You cannot remove the default Ethereum Mainnet.