How to Add Avalanche to Metamask
The Avalanche Network allows you to interact with AVAX tokens and Decentralized Apps and tools based on the blockchain’s smart contracts.
If you want to experience low transaction fees, security, and fast swaps, then you need a cryptocurrency wallet compatible with the Avalanche Network.
The MetaMask wallet works perfectly to interact with DeFi ecosystems on the Avalanche source chain, but you need to connect Avalanche manually before being capable of doing so.
In today’s blog post, we’ll teach you everything you need to know so you can connect MetaMask to the Avalanche Network in no time. Keep reading this post to learn more about:
- How to add Avalanche to MetaMask;
- Understanding the Avalanche Network;
- Things you must know before you connect Avalanche to your MetaMask Wallet.
Understanding the Avalanche Network
The Avalanche Chain is a very useful blockchain platform that, thanks to the chain’s open-source nature, allows the building of decentralized applications.
It uses the AVAX token as its native utility token for fee collection in order to conduct transactions, and it claims to be way cheaper than the widely-known Ethereum Network.
MetaMask Compatible Avalanche Wallet
Avalanche works with three different blockchains: the C Contract Chain (C Chain), the Platform Chain (P Chain), and the Exchange Chain (X Chain).
Only the C Chain is compatible with MetaMask, since it can be set to work with a C-Chain Wallet, such as the one provided by the Binance Exchange.
Before you start sending AVAX to MetaMask, you need to select the C Chain. Selecting the wrong cross-chain might result in your tokens being lost.
Learn more about this on AVAX Network Support page.
In any case, even if MetaMask natively operates on the Ethereum Blockchain, you can add new network manually; for instance, users can Add Polygon to MetaMask easily.
How to Add Avalanche to MetaMask
Following the steps we are about to show you will be more than enough so you can link your MetaMask wallet to the Avalanche Network.
Since we are talking about a manual process, you will have to copy and paste the Chain ID, Network Name (Avalanche), an AVAX explorer, and more.
Read Also: It is not a secret to anyone the enormous importance that the Binance Smart Chain has in the crypto space.
Learn how to Add Binance Smart Chain to MetaMask by reading our related blog post.
Step 1: Download MetaMask
For starters, you need to download MetaMask. The wallet is available for mobile devices and desktop browsers, so you should not encounter major inconveniences while downloading it.
Step 2: Set Up Your MetaMask Wallet Address
You need to create a new wallet or import an existing Ethereum wallet using your seed phrase.
Using an existing wallet is effortless, but for practical purposes, we are going to show you how to manage a new one instead.
Set up your new MetaMask wallet, and store your recovery phrase somewhere safe.
The MetaMask Seed Phrase is directly linked to each private key of your wallet address, so don’t lose it by any means.
Step 3: Click on “Add Network”
Once your wallet is good and ready to go, click on the MetaMask extension icon.
When you click on Add Network, the Network dropdown menu will open.
This option was previously known as “Custom RPC” in older versions of the browser extension.
In any case, just select the previously mentioned option, and you will be redirected to the screen where you will add the Avalanche Chain.
Step 4: Add Avalanche Network to Your MetaMask Wallet
Now, MetaMask will ask you to type in all the information regarding the network you are about to add (Avalanche).
Hence, just input the following data in the fields that appear on your screen:
Network Name: Avalanche Network
New RPC URL: https://api.avax.network/ext/bc/C/rpc
Chain ID: 43114 or 0xa86a
Currency Symbol: AVAX
Block Explorer URL (AVAX Explorer): https://snowtrace.io/ or https://cchain.explorer.avax.network/
Double-check your inputs, and then click “Save.” You have successfully added the Avalanche Chain to MetaMask!
Step 5: Send AVAX to Your MetaMask Connected to Avalanche!
Now, you can send the AVAX from your Avalanche Wallet to your MetaMask wallet.
In order to store and send AVAX tokens to MetaMask, you need to do it from a previously set Avalanche Wallet.
Since AVAX isn’t natively set on MetaMask, you will need to select the “Add Custom Token” option and type in the token contract address before you send AVAX.
Worry not - we explain all the details about this process in our Send AVAX from Coinbase to MetaMask blog post.
There you go - use the Avalanche Network at your will with MetaMask now!
For more insights about MetaMask and different networks, GrowFollowing has all the information you need.
FAQ
Can You Add the Fantom Network to MetaMask?
Yes, you can! Likewise, MetaMask will ask you for the network name, block explorer, and more details about the Fantom Network. Learn how to do this here: Add Fantom to MetaMask.
Steve specializes in cryptocurrency and finance. As a born researcher, he won’t leave any stone unturned when it comes to topics he covers.