How to add different blockchains to metamask

MetaMask defaults to the Ethereum blockchain, but you can easily add others.

Steps to Add a Custom Network:

1. Open MetaMask.
2. Go to settings and networks.
3. Click “Add a network” and fill info.

Incorrect network details can lead to loss.

Always double-check network details before adding!

Finding Network Details

To successfully add a blockchain, you’ll need specific information. This typically includes:

• Network Name: A descriptive name for the blockchain (e.g., “Binance Smart Chain Mainnet”).
• New RPC URL: The endpoint your MetaMask will use to communicate with the blockchain (e.g., “https://bsc-dataseed.binance.org/”).
• Chain ID: A unique identifier for the blockchain (e.g., 56 for Binance Smart Chain).
• Currency Symbol (Optional): The symbol used to represent the blockchain’s native currency (e.g., BNB).
• Block Explorer URL (Optional): A link to the blockchain’s explorer, allowing you to view transactions and blocks (e.g., “https://bscscan.com/”).

This information is usually provided by the blockchain project’s official website or documentation. Be sure to source it from a trusted location to avoid adding incorrect or malicious networks.

Adding Networks Manually vs. Automatically

While manually adding networks using the steps above is common, some websites and decentralized applications (dApps) can automatically request to add a network to your MetaMask. When a website asks to add a network, MetaMask will prompt you with the network details. Always carefully review these details before approving the request to ensure they are accurate and legitimate.

Security Considerations

Adding custom networks to MetaMask expands its functionality, but it’s crucial to prioritize security:

• Verify Network Information: Double-check the network details against official sources before adding them to MetaMask.
• Be Cautious of Automatic Requests: Only approve network addition requests from websites you trust. Scammers may use fake websites to trick you into adding malicious networks.
• Regularly Review Your Networks: Periodically review the networks listed in your MetaMask settings and remove any that you no longer use or that seem suspicious.

Beyond EVM Chains: Using Snaps for Non-EVM Blockchains

MetaMask primarily supports Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatible blockchains. However, with the introduction of MetaMask Snaps, you can now extend MetaMask’s functionality to support non-EVM blockchains like Solana or Bitcoin. Snaps are essentially plugins that allow MetaMask to interact with different blockchain ecosystems.

To use a Snap, you’ll typically install it from a trusted source. Once installed, the Snap will enable you to create accounts and interact with the corresponding blockchain directly within MetaMask.

Adding different blockchains to MetaMask unlocks a wider range of possibilities in the decentralized world. By following these guidelines and prioritizing security, you can confidently explore various blockchain ecosystems while keeping your assets safe.