How to Add Coinbase Base to MetaMask

What is Coinbase Base?

Coinbase Base is an Ethereum Layer 2 solution compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) codebase. It’s one of the latest layer-2 solutions built on top of the Ethereum blockchain, offering lower fees and faster transactions. By adding the Base network to MetaMask, users can interact with decentralized applications (DApps) and smart contracts on Coinbase Base through their preferred EVM-compatible wallet.

TL;DR

This guide will show you how to integrate both the Coinbase Base Goerli testnet and mainnet on MetaMask. We cover adding the testnet, obtaining free test tokens from Base Goerli testnet faucets, and connecting to the mainnet through Chainlist or manually. With MetaMask linked to Coinbase’s Base network, you can start using dApps and smart contracts with near-instant transactions at low costs.

What is Chainlist?

ChainList is a user-friendly platform that serves as a comprehensive directory for all things blockchain and cryptocurrency. It’s a popular choice for discovering new projects, tools, and services in the crypto ecosystem.

Features:

• Extensive Directory: ChainList hosts a wide array of resources, including projects, wallets, exchanges, and more.
• Community-Powered: Users can contribute to the platform, ensuring it stays up-to-date.
• Verified Resources: ChainList verifies the legitimacy of all listed resources.
• User Reviews: Honest user reviews help others make informed choices.
• Search: Find what you need quickly with powerful search options.
• API Access: Developers can harness ChainList’s data for their applications.
• Education: Learn about blockchain and crypto through tutorials and guides.
• Newsletter: Stay in the loop with a weekly newsletter.
• Social Connection: Connect with the community via social media.

How to Add Coinbase Base to MetaMask

1. Open the Chainlist website in your preferred browser
2. Use the search bar to find “Coinbase Base”
3. Locate the Coinbase Base box under the search results
4. Click “Connect Wallet” within the box
5. Approve the connection of Coinbase Base when prompted by MetaMask.
6. Click the “Add Network” button to integrate Base with your MetaMask.

Manually Adding Coinbase Base to MetaMask

Alternatively, users can manually add the Coinbase Base network by following these steps:

1. Open MetaMask and click on the network selection dropdown menu at the top of the extension.
2. Select “Add Network” at the bottom of the network list.
3. In the new window, click “Add a network manually”.
4. Enter the following information for the Base mainnet:
   • Network Name: Coinbase Base
   • Chain ID: 8454
   • RPC URL: https://developer-rpc.base.org
5. Click the “Save” button to add the new network.

Connecting to Coinbase Base Networks

While the Coinbase Base Layer 2 mainnet is not yet live, users can connect to the Base Goerli testnet network using MetaMask. The testnet allows interacting with dapps in a sandbox environment before the mainnet launches.

Adding Goerli Testnet

To add the Base Goerli testnet network, enter the following RPC details manually into MetaMask:

• Network Name: Coinbase Base – Goerli
• New RPC URL: https://goerli.optimism.io/
• Chain ID: 5
• Symbol: ETH
• Block Explorer URL: Etherscan

Getting Testnet Tokens

Once the testnet is added, visit the Base Goerli Faucet website to obtain free test tokens. Follow these steps:

1. Connect your MetaMask wallet by clicking “Connect Wallet”.
2. Provide your wallet address.
3. Click “Request Testnet Funds”.
4. The faucet will deposit BASE tokens into your wallet.

Coinbase Base Network Details

Coinbase Base runs on the Optimism Ethereum Layer 2 network with a chain ID of 8454. It utilizes EVM standards like Solidity to provide users access to DApps with near-instant transactions at significantly lower costs than Layer 1 networks. Base is backed by Coinbase, a major centralized exchange, providing seamless integrations into their extensive user and product ecosystem.

Key advantages of using Coinbase Base include:

• 99% lower gas fees than Ethereum L1
• Sub-second transaction finality
• Interoperability with Coinbase exchange and wallet
• Support for all EVM-compatible DApps and protocols

Coinbase Base Applications

Some notable applications currently live or launching soon on Coinbase Base include:

• UMA Protocol: Decentralized derivatives for digital assets
• Synthetix: On-chain synthetic asset protocol
• Ether Cards: Digital collectibles built on Ethereum
• Coinbase NFT: Upcoming Coinbase non-fungible token marketplace
• LCX Token: A utility token for the LCX ecosystem

Adding Coinbase Base to MetaMask Mobile App

The process for adding Coinbase Base to the MetaMask mobile app is similar to the desktop extension:

• Open the MetaMask mobile app.
• Tap the network selector button at the top of the screen.
• Scroll down and tap “Add Network”.
• Enter the Base network details as mentioned earlier.
• Tap “Add” to save the new network.

Base Sepolia Testnet

In addition to the Base Goerli testnet, Coinbase has also launched the Base Sepolia testnet. This test network provides another environment for developers to experiment with their dApps before deploying to the mainnet.

Conclusion

This guide showed crypto enthusiasts how to easily add Coinbase Base to their MetaMask wallet interface. With the integration complete, users can now explore DApps and utilize smart contracts directly through their MetaMask browser extension or mobile app. Coinbase Base provides a secure and low-cost EVM-compatible network for both users and developers.

Remember to always conduct thorough research and exercise caution when interacting with new networks and dApps. This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always secure your MetaMask account with a strong password and keep your secret recovery phrase safe.

By adding Coinbase Base, MetaMask users gain access to a new venue for Web3 exploration, benefiting from the robust Base ecosystem and Coinbase’s expertise in the cryptocurrency industry. As layer-2 solutions continue to evolve, Base stands out as a promising network built on top of Ethereum, offering improved scalability and user experience.