How to Seamlessly Add New Chains to MetaMask with Chainlist

2025-04-23

MetaMask is a gateway to the decentralized web, allowing users to interact with Ethereum and various other blockchain networks. While MetaMask comes preconfigured with popular networks like Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain, it also supports a wide variety of additional networks.

Adding new blockchains, whether for decentralized finance (DeFi), gaming, or NFTs, is a powerful way to expand MetaMask’s utility. The process becomes effortless with Chainlist, a community-driven platform that simplifies the addition of EVM-compatible blockchains.

In this article, we'll walk you through a simple, step-by-step process of adding new chains to MetaMask using Chainlist, along with best practices to ensure accuracy and security.

Step-by-Step Guide: Adding New Chains to MetaMask via Chainlist

1. Access the Chainlist Website

To start, head over to Chainlist or chainid.network. These websites provide a user-friendly directory of blockchain networks that are compatible with MetaMask, making it easy to browse and add new chains.

2. Connect Your MetaMask Wallet

Once on the Chainlist homepage, click the “Connect Wallet” button located in the upper right-hand corner.
MetaMask will prompt you to choose the account you'd like to use. Select the account and approve the connection.
After successful connection, your wallet address will appear where the “Connect Wallet” button was, confirming that your MetaMask wallet is now linked to Chainlist.

3. Find Your Desired Network

Utilize the search bar to find the blockchain network you want to add. Whether it's Arbitrum, Polygon, BNB Chain, or any other network, simply type the name of the chain and search.
You can also browse the list of available networks or enable the “Include Testnets” option if you need access to test networks for development or testing purposes.

4. Add the Network to MetaMask

After finding the desired blockchain, click on the “Add Chain” or “Add to MetaMask” button next to it.
MetaMask will display a confirmation window, showing the network’s details including:
- Network Name
- RPC URL
- Chain ID
- Currency Symbol
- Block Explorer URL

Important: Always double-check the accuracy of these details. MetaMask does not validate the data pulled from Chainlist, so it's crucial to confirm that everything is correct before proceeding.

5. Approve the Network and Switch (Optional)

If all the details look good, click “Approve” to add the network to your MetaMask wallet.
MetaMask will ask if you want to switch to this new network immediately. You can choose to switch now or continue using your current network. Either way, the new network will be available in your MetaMask.

6. Repeat the Process

You can repeat this process as many times as needed to add additional networks to MetaMask. Each new network will be available in your network list, making it easy to switch between them.

Best Practices: Verifying Network Details Before Adding

Adding a new network to MetaMask can expand your access to a variety of decentralized applications, but it’s important to ensure that the network you're adding is secure and accurate. Here’s how to verify network details before adding them to your wallet.

1. Review the Information in MetaMask

When you’re prompted to add a new network, MetaMask will show you the network's details. Make sure to carefully review:

Network Name
RPC URL
Chain ID
Currency Symbol
Block Explorer URL

You can click “View all details” to check the full set of information before confirming the addition.

2. Cross-Check Network Details on Chainlist

Compare the network details from MetaMask with those listed on trusted directories such as Chainlist or Chainid.network. If the network isn’t listed, it may be either a new or obscure network, or worse—an untrustworthy one.

3. Research the Network’s Legitimacy

Before you add a new network, make sure to check its official sources:

Visit the network’s official website and verify that the information matches what you see in MetaMask.
Look for social media presence (Twitter, Discord, Telegram, etc.). A strong and active community can often indicate a reliable project.
Search for news articles or reviews from reputable crypto sources to understand the network’s standing in the industry.

4. Verify the Development Team and Community

Knowing who is behind a blockchain network is crucial. Research the developers and community leaders. If they are recognized figures in the blockchain space or come from reputable projects, that's a good sign.

5. Exercise Caution with New or Unlisted Chains

Be cautious when dealing with networks that aren’t listed on major directories like Chainlist. New networks may be legitimate, but there’s always a risk of scam or malicious intent. If you’re uncertain, it’s best to proceed with caution.

6. Manual Network Addition (For Advanced Users)

If the network doesn’t show up on Chainlist or other trusted sources, you can manually add it to MetaMask. Simply go to Settings > Networks > Add Network, and enter the required network information—such as RPC URL, Chain ID, and Currency Symbol—directly from the network's official documentation.

Final Thoughts

By following this straightforward guide, you can easily expand your MetaMask wallet’s capabilities to interact with a variety of EVM-compatible blockchains.

Whether you're looking to explore DeFi applications, NFTs, or decentralized exchanges, adding new networks to MetaMask provides you with more opportunities to leverage the decentralized web.

However, always remember that security is paramount. Verify network details, research the network’s legitimacy, and cross-check information before approving any new chain.

By doing so, you ensure that your MetaMask wallet remains secure while you take full advantage of the decentralized ecosystem.

FAQ

Q: How do I know if a network is supported by MetaMask?
A: MetaMask supports Ethereum-based networks (EVM-compatible chains) like Arbitrum, Polygon, and Binance Smart Chain. You can verify if a network is supported by searching on Chainlist or directly within MetaMask’s network list.

Q: What if I add the wrong network to MetaMask?
A: You can easily remove a network by navigating to Settings > Networks in MetaMask. From there, select the network you want to remove and click “Delete”. You can always add the correct network again by following the steps outlined in this guide.

Q: Can I add a testnet to MetaMask?
A: Yes! When using Chainlist, you can enable the “Include Testnets” option to find and add test networks for development purposes. These are especially useful for developers testing smart contracts or dApps before going live.

Q: Is it safe to add new networks from Chainlist?
A: Chainlist is a community-driven directory, but it’s essential to verify network details before adding them. Always cross-check the network details with the official sources of the network and ensure that you are adding only reputable networks.

Q: Can I add any network to MetaMask?
A: MetaMask allows you to add any Ethereum-compatible network. If the network isn’t listed on Chainlist, you can manually add it by entering the required network information in MetaMask’s Settings > Networks > Add Network.

Q: How can I verify the legitimacy of a blockchain network?
A: Always cross-check the network’s details with trusted sources such as the network's official website, social media accounts, and community feedback. You can also check if the network is discussed in reputable crypto news outlets.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed belong exclusively to the author and do not reflect the views of this platform. This platform and its affiliates disclaim any responsibility for the accuracy or suitability of the information provided. It is for informational purposes only and not intended as financial or investment advice.

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Disclaimer: The content of this article does not constitute financial or investment advice.

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