How to add a network to MetaMask (any EVM chain, safely)

MetaMask can connect to almost any EVM-compatible blockchain, but only Ethereum and a short list of networks are set up by default. Adding another network takes under a minute, and you can do it one of three ways: pick it from MetaMask's built-in list of popular networks, add it from ChainList, or type the details in by hand.

This guide covers all three. It also explains how to verify you are adding the real network rather than a copycat, and which chains cannot be added at all.

What "adding a network" actually does

Your MetaMask address is the same on every EVM chain. Adding a network does not create a new wallet or move funds. It tells MetaMask which server (the RPC endpoint) to ask for balances and where to send transactions, and which chain ID to sign for.

Because of that, the only real risk is connecting to a dishonest RPC endpoint. A bad endpoint can show you fake balances, fail to broadcast transactions, or log your IP address and activity. It cannot take your funds by itself. You still have to approve every transaction, so the usual rule applies: never approve a transaction or signature you do not understand.

Method 1: Add a popular network in one click

This is the fastest and safest route for major networks such as Arbitrum, Optimism, Base, Polygon, Avalanche, BNB Smart Chain, Linea and zkSync.

1. Open MetaMask and click the network selector at the top left of the extension (or top of the mobile app).
2. Choose Add network (or Add a custom network, depending on your version).
3. Find the network in the Popular networks list and click Add.
4. Review the details MetaMask shows (network name, RPC URL, chain ID, currency symbol) and approve.
5. Switch to the new network from the network selector.

MetaMask maintains this list, so the RPC details come from MetaMask rather than a third-party site.

Method 2: Add a network from ChainList

ChainList is a public directory of EVM networks and their RPC endpoints. Use it for networks that are not in MetaMask's popular list.

1. Go to chainlist.org and click Connect Wallet.
2. Search for the network by name or chain ID.
3. Check the chain ID shown on ChainList against the network's official documentation.
4. Click Add to MetaMask and approve the request in the MetaMask pop-up.

ChainList includes testnets, which are hidden by default. Turn on the testnet toggle if you need one, such as Ethereum's Sepolia.

Method 3: Add a network manually

Use this when a project gives you its own RPC details, for example a new chain or a private network.

1. Open the network selector and choose Add network, then Add a network manually.
2. Fill in the fields:

- Network name: any label you like. - New RPC URL: from the chain's official documentation. - Chain ID: the number that identifies the chain. MetaMask checks it against the RPC endpoint and warns you if they do not match. - Currency symbol: the gas token, for example ETH or POL. - Block explorer URL (optional): lets you open transactions from MetaMask.

1. Save, then switch to the network.

If MetaMask warns that the chain ID or symbol does not match what it expects, stop and double-check the source. That warning is the most common sign of a copied or outdated RPC listing.

Chain IDs for major EVM networks

The chain ID is the one detail you should always verify, because it decides which chain your signature is valid on. These are the mainnet chain IDs for the most-used networks:

RPC URLs are left out on purpose. Public endpoints change, and an out-of-date list is how people end up on broken or fake ones. Take the RPC URL from MetaMask's popular-networks list, ChainList, or the network's own docs.

Networks MetaMask cannot add

The custom-network form only works for EVM-compatible chains. These chains use different account formats and signing schemes, so you cannot add them as a network:

• Bitcoin, Solana, XRP Ledger, Cardano, Cosmos Hub, NEAR, Tezos, Algorand and other non-EVM chains.

What you can often do instead:

• Use the chain's EVM-compatible layer where one exists. Some ecosystems run an EVM chain alongside the main one, and that EVM chain can be added like any other network.
• Hold a wrapped version of the asset on an EVM chain, such as wrapped bitcoin on Ethereum. You then own the wrapped token, not the native coin, which adds bridge and issuer risk.
• Use MetaMask's own non-EVM support or a Snap where MetaMask offers one. Check MetaMask's official documentation for what is currently supported.
• Use a native wallet for that chain. For a full comparison, see our guide to the best crypto wallets.

Be wary of any guide or website that offers an RPC URL to "add Solana to MetaMask" or "add XRP to MetaMask" as a standard network. If it is not EVM-compatible, the form will not work, and the site may be phishing.

Adding a token after you add the network

A network and a token are separate. After switching to a network, MetaMask shows that chain's gas token automatically, but other tokens need to be imported:

1. Switch to the correct network first.
2. Open Tokens, then Import tokens.
3. Paste the token's contract address from the project's official site or a block explorer.
4. Confirm the symbol and decimals, then import.

See our step-by-step guide to adding tokens to MetaMask, with stablecoin examples for USDT and USDC.

Safety checklist

• Take RPC details only from MetaMask's list, ChainList, or the network's official documentation.
• Confirm the chain ID against the official docs before saving.
• Ignore pop-ups or DMs offering to "fix" your network settings.
• Never type your Secret Recovery Phrase into any site to add a network. Adding a network never requires it.
• Remove networks you no longer use to keep the network menu clean.

For a broader look at the wallet's strengths and weak spots, read our MetaMask review and our MetaMask alternatives roundup.