MetaMask is more than just a cryptocurrency wallet—it’s a gateway to the decentralized web. Whether you’re interacting with DeFi protocols, NFT marketplaces, or blockchain games, switching networks is a fundamental skill. This guide will walk you through how to change networks in MetaMask, add new networks, and troubleshoot common issues.
Why Switch Networks in MetaMask?
MetaMask supports multiple Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible networks, including:
- Ethereum Mainnet (default)
- Layer-2 networks (Arbitrum, Optimism, Polygon)
- EVM-compatible chains (Binance Smart Chain, Avalanche, Fantom)
- Testnets (Goerli, Sepolia, Fuji)
Switching networks allows you to:
✔ Access different dApps
✔ Reduce gas fees (Layer-2 solutions)
✔ Participate in testnet airdrops
✔ Manage assets across multiple chains
How to Switch Networks in MetaMask
Step 1: Open MetaMask
- On desktop, click the MetaMask extension icon.
- On mobile, open the MetaMask app.
Step 2: Select the Current Network
By default, MetaMask connects to Ethereum Mainnet. To switch:
- Click the network dropdown (top center).
- Choose another network from the list (e.g., Polygon, BSC, Avalanche).
Adding a Custom Network to MetaMask
If your desired network isn’t listed, manually add it:
Method 1: Automatic Addition (Recommended)
Some dApps prompt MetaMask to auto-add networks. For example:
- Click "Switch to Polygon" on a dApp—MetaMask will auto-configure RPC details.
Method 2: Manual Addition
- Click "Add Network" at the bottom of the network list.
- Fill in the following details:
| Field | Example (Polygon) |
|--------|------------------|
| Network Name | Polygon Mainnet |
| New RPC URL | https://polygon-rpc.com |
| Chain ID | 137 |
| Currency Symbol | MATIC |
| Block Explorer | https://polygonscan.com |
- Click "Save"—your new network is ready!
Popular Networks to Add
Here’s a quick reference for EVM-compatible networks:
| Network | RPC URL | Chain ID | Symbol | Explorer |
|---------|---------|---------|--------|-----------|
| Polygon | https://polygon-rpc.com | 137 | MATIC | PolygonScan |
| Binance Smart Chain | https://bsc-dataseed.binance.org | 56 | BNB | BscScan |
| Avalanche | https://api.avax.network/ext/bc/C/rpc | 43114 | AVAX | SnowTrace |
Troubleshooting Network Issues
❌ "Wrong Network" Error?
- Ensure MetaMask is on the correct chain.
- Refresh the dApp or reconnect your wallet.
❌ Transaction Stuck?
- Adjust gas fees (Speed Up or Cancel in MetaMask).
- Switch RPC providers if latency occurs.
FAQ
Can MetaMask support non-EVM chains like Bitcoin?
No—MetaMask only supports EVM-compatible networks (Ethereum, Polygon, BSC, etc.).
How do I reset MetaMask networks?
Go to Settings > Advanced > Reset Account (does not affect funds).
Why can’t I see my tokens after switching networks?
Tokens are chain-specific. Add custom tokens via "Import Tokens" in MetaMask.
Final Tips
✅ Bookmark trusted RPC URLs to avoid phishing.
✅ Use hardware wallets (Ledger/Trezor) for added security.
✅ Explore Layer-2 networks for lower fees and faster transactions.
By mastering MetaMask network switching, you unlock seamless access to the decentralized world. Happy exploring! 🚀