How to add custom network (Binance Smart Chain, Polygon, Avalanche, xDAI…) To Metamask !?
How to Add Custom Networks To MetaMask
What are custom networks?
Custom Networks are non-Ethereum networks that are EVM compatible (Ethereum Virtual Machine). They are based on Ethereum but are not Ethereum. Think of them as siblings or relatives of Ethereum. They share many of the same features but differ in some key ways.
Their similarities are in that they execute smart contracts in a similar manner. The differences can lie in reaching a consensus (agreement between the different nodes) and how much data can be placed in their blockchain’s block.
Keep in your mind
Since they are Ethereum based networks, your addresses will be the same across all the networks. That means that a single secret recovery phrase (aka seed phrase) can access your assets across all your accounts and networks.
Reminder: Never share your seed phrase, aka secret recovery phrase.
Popular Custom Networks:
The most popular custom networks as of writing this (circa Jan 2022) are:
- Binance Smart Chain
- Polygon (MATIC)
- HECO (Huobi Eco Chain)
Please note that Polygon used to be called Matic. After the rebranded, their token is still called MATIC.
Others that are starting to see traction include:
- Avalance
- xDai
Crypto is fun! Experiment with different networks and discover new things. Ethereum is the leading and most secure network that is fast becoming the settlement network for the world.
However, due to high gas fees, many are locked out. Rather than not get in on the fun, try out new chains, including many of the Layer-2 and sidechain solutions coming out now.
In general, how do I set up custom networks?
Perhaps your custom network is not described here. That’s ok. As the ecosystem grows, more chains will come out.
Usually, you can visit a protocol’s website. They will have information on how to configure MetaMask as a custom network.
Please beware of getting this information from the project’s official website. It is possible to be connected to an imposter network and be subject to phishing or losing your funds.
What is the difference between Mainnet and Testnets?
Mainnet is where tokens have real value. Testnets are places where developers test their smart contracts. Testnet token does not have value.
Testnet tokens are given out for free via faucets. However, they are distributed in small amounts to ensure people don’t hoard them.
Avoid being tricked into thinking that your testnet tokens will convert into mainnet tokens and paying a fee.
How to Add a Custom Network on MetaMask?
Easily find the section to add Custom Networks on MetaMask like shown here.
Once you are in this section, configure the fields to the information for the Ethereum compatible blockchain network of your choice.
Please note that neither Bitcoin, Dogecoin or Cardano are NOT Etheruem compatible, so they cannot be added to MetaMask and require their own wallet.
Also, please note that Binance Smart Chain (BSC) is different from Binance Chain. Binance Smart Chain is Ethereum compatible smart contract platform and can be added. You can tell the network is BSC instead of Binance Chain since BSC addresses start with 0x (followed by the address), while Binance Chain starts with bnb (followed by the address).
How do I set up Binance Smart Chain?
For more info see their article.
Mainnet
Network Name: Smart Chain
New RPC URL: https://bsc-dataseed.binance.org/
ChainID: 56
Symbol: BNB
Block Explorer URL: https://bscscan.com
Testnet
Network Name: Smart Chain — Testnet
New RPC URL: https://data-seed-prebsc-1-s1.binance.org:8545/
ChainID: 97
Symbol: BNB
Block Explorer URL: https://testnet.bscscan.com
Symbol: BNB
Block Explorer URL: https://testnet.bscscan.com
How do I set up Polygon (MATIC)?
For more info, see their official docs.
Network Name: Polygon Mainnet
New RPC URL: https://rpc-mainnet.maticvigil.com/
ChainID: 137
Symbol: MATIC
Block Explorer URL: https://explorer.matic.network/
Polygon Testnet
Network Name: Mumbai TestNet
New RPC URL: https://rpc-mumbai.maticvigil.com/
ChainID: 80001
Symbol: MATIC
Block Explorer URL: https://mumbai-explorer.matic.today/
How do I set up xDAI?
For more mainnet info, please see their official docs.
For more testnet info, please see POA’s official docs.
xDAI Mainnet
In the “Custom RPC” Settings, add in the Gnosis network details and click Save:
- Network Name: Gnosis Chain
- New RPC URL: https://rpc.xdaichain.com/
- Chain ID: 0x64
- Symbol: xDai
- Block Explorer URL: https://blockscout.com/xdai/mainnet
xDAI Testnet
No Testnet is available for xDai. For testing purposes, it is recommended that developers first deploy to the POA Sokol testnet.
POA Core is an autonomous network secured by a group of trusted validators. It is essentially a separate network with its own set of validators versus using Ethereum.
Network Name: Sokol Testnet
New RPC URL: https://sokol.poa.network 12
ChainID: 77
Symbol: SPOA
Block Explorer URL: POA Sokol (POA) Explorer 36
How do I set up Avalanche?
For more mainnet info, please see their official docs. 215
For more testnet info, please see their official docs. 24
Avalanche Mainnet
Network Name: Avalanche Network
New RPC URL: https://api.avax.network/ext/bc/C/rpc 220
ChainID: 0xa86a
Symbol: AVAX
Block Explorer URL: https://cchain.explorer.avax.network/ 88
Avalanche FUJI Testnet
Network Name: Avalanche FUJI C-Chain
New RPC URL: https://api.avax-test.network/ext/bc/C/rpc 26
ChainID: 43113
Symbol: AVAX
Block Explorer URL: https://cchain.explorer.avax-test.network 14
Avalanche Local Testnet (AVASH)
Network Name: Avalanche Local
New RPC URL: http://localhost:9650/ext/bc/C/rpc 23
ChainID: 43112
Symbol: AVAX
Block Explorer URL: N/A
How do I set up HuobiChain?
For more mainnet info, please see their official docs. 90
For more testnet info, please see their official docs. 12
HuobiChain Mainnet (International)
Network Name: HuobiChain- Mainnet
New RPC URL: https://http-mainnet.hecochain.com 77
ChainID: 128
Symbol: HT
Block Explorer URL: https://hecoinfo.com 66
HuobiChain Mainnet (Mainland China)
Network Name: HuobiChain- Mainnet (China)
New RPC URL: https://http-mainnet-node.huobichain.com 19
ChainID: 128
Symbol: HT
Block Explorer URL: https://hecoinfo.com 66
HuobiChain Testnet (International)
Network Name: HuobiChain Testnet (International)
New RPC URL: https://http-testnet.hecochain.com 7
ChainID: 256
Symbol: HT
Block Explorer URL: https://scan-testnet.hecochain.com 10
HuobiChain Testnet (Mainland China)
Network Name: HuobiChain Testnet (Mainland China)
New RPC URL: https://http-testnet.huobichain.com 8
ChainID: 256
Symbol: HT
Block Explorer URL: https://scan-testnet.hecochain.com
MetaMask and Gas Fees:
The reason gas prices are high is not due to MetaMask controlling the fees. MetaMask is just the interface to the internet of value. It is similar to how your web browser is an interface to the internet of information.
No wallet can control the gas fees on a blockchain network because its demand determines those. There is a scarce amount of space on a blockchain’s block, bided up by those who want their transactions confirmed. Currently, miners pick the fees which pay the most to maximize profit and remain incentivized to run the network.
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