How to connect metamask with different blockchain networks?

Introduction

While stepping into the exciting world of cryptocurrencies and decentralized applications(dApps), we will soon become familiar with a trusty tool called MetaMask. Metamask acts as our digital wallet and bridge to a world of possibilities on the blockchain.

Just like a traditional physical wallet that we carry in our pockets where we can store different currencies, metamask also functions the same way. In this wallet, we can store different cryptocurrencies, but for that to happen, we need to connect to that network.

In this article, I will guide you on how you can connect your Metamask wallet with different blockchain networks, making your token handling easy. So without any delay, let's move on to the topic.

What is Metamask?

MetaMask is a digital wallet that connects us to the world of cryptocurrency and decentralized apps (DApps). It is an extension for your browser that functions similarly to a wallet, allowing users to manage their digital money and connect with specialized websites known as DApps.

MetaMask is designed for both novice and experienced users. It keeps your funds secure, gives you access to a range of applications, and works with several blockchains.

In the following sections, I will show you how to connect MetaMask to different blockchain networks. Let's get started!

Adding Networks using Metamask Network List

The MetaMask network list is a menu of different blockchains where cryptocurrencies operate. Some networks, like Ethereum Mainnet, are well-known, while others are more specialized, like Ropsten. Each network has its unique features and applications.

During wallet creation, Metamask connects us to the Ethereum mainnet network by default. Therefore we can look and manage our assets using metamask if they are on the Ethereum network, but any other network is a different story. To manage our assets/funds on any other blockchain, we need to connect to that network in particular. Let's see how we can add networks using the network list.

How to Add a New Network using Metamask Network List

To connect to different networks using the predefined network list of metamask, follow the below steps -

Step 1. Download/Open your Metamask Wallet

You need to have a wallet before connecting any network with your wallet. If you already have a metamask wallet, great work. Go on and open up your wallet.

If you do not have a wallet set up, don't worry, you can download the wallet and set up your wallet. If you want help setting up your wallet, read the article on How to SetUp Metamask Wallet.

After you are ready, move to the next step.

Step 2. Navigate to Add Network

After you have opened your wallet extension, Click on the Network dropdown on the wallet and click on Add Network.

Step 3. Choose the Network

Clicking on the Add Network button will open up a list of networks that the metamask provides to the user. The user is free to choose any network to add from that list. Choose the network that you want to add and click the Add button.

In the first example, I am adding Arbitrum One network to the wallet

Step 4. Approve the wallet to connect to the network

After clicking the Add button, you need to approve the connection.

Click on the Approve button to allow the wallet to connect to the Network

Step 5. Switch to the Connected Network

Congratulations! After approving the connection, your metamask wallet is successfully connected to that particular network. After connecting, the wallet will ask you to switch to the network. Click on the Switch button to change your network and manage your assets present in that network.

With these steps, we can connect to any network present in the network list of the metamask wallet. But what if the network is not present in the predefined list?

If the network you want to add is not present in the predefined list, then it means that you need to add that network manually. In the next section, we will see how to add a custom metamask network.

Connecting to Custom Blockchain Networks using RPC URL

Before connecting to a custom blockchain network, we need a RPC URL of that network.

Understanding RPC

RPC, or Remote Procedure Call, is fundamental in computer science and software development. Consider it as a specialized language that allows different pieces of software to have conversations, even if they're not physically connected.

In the context of blockchain, RPC is the bridge that lets MetaMask communicate with custom networks. It's like a phone line that MetaMask uses to dial into a specific blockchain network and request information or perform actions.

Working of RPC

When MetaMask wants to interact with a blockchain, it sends a request through the RPC. This request might be asking for information about an account, sending a transaction, or even deploying a smart contract.

The RPC acts as an intermediary, taking MetaMask's request and passing it on to the blockchain network. The network processes the request and sends a response through the same RPC channel.

Just like you might use English or another language to communicate, RPC is the language that MetaMask and the blockchain network use to understand each other. It specifies the format and structure of the messages they exchange.

This communication is typically encrypted to ensure that sensitive information remains private and secure. It's crucial for maintaining the integrity of transactions and user data.

How to create an RPC URL?

Now we have studied RPC and the use of RPC while connecting a blockchain network to metamask; it now comes to how we can either create our own RPC URL or get one.

In this tutorial, we will create our own RPC URL using Alchemy. Creating your own RPC URL rather than using someone else is recommended. Now, let's move on to creating the RPC URL.

To create your own RPC URL, follow the below steps -

Step 1. Sign Up / Log In to Alchemy

Visit the Alchemy official website and create your account; if you have an account, log in to your account; otherwise, sign up for your account to Alchemy.

Step 2. Create New App

After you have logged in to the application, you will be able to see your dashboard.

Here, in your dashboard, navigate to the Apps section, which will be present on the left side of your screen.

Here, click on Create new app.

Step 3. Choose the Blockchain and Network

Clicking on the Create new app button will open up a pop-up form, where we need to select the blockchain and the network for which we want to create our RPC URL. Choose the same blockchain network with which you want to connect your metamask wallet. After choosing the network, we need to provide the app's name. Choose a name similar to the network name and easily recognizable.

In this tutorial, I am selecting Polygon Mainnet; we will create an RPC URL for Polygon mainnet and later add it to the metamask wallet. The process is similar for other networks.

After selecting the network and providing the name, click on Create App to create a new application.

This application will be visible in your dashboard and the Apps sections.

Step 4. Take a look/ copy the RPC URL

After creating the app, let's look at the newly created RPC URL. In the Apps section, click on the newly created app. In the top right corner, click on the API key button; this will open the API key, the HTTPS/ RPC URL, and the WebSocket link.

Copy the HTTPS URL / RPC URL.

Congratulations! You have now created your RPC URL, using which you can connect that blockchain network to the metamask wallet.

Getting the Chain ID & Currency Symbol

After getting the RPC URL, we need to get the chain ID and currency symbol for that particular network.

Chain ID is a unique identifier assigned to each blockchain network. It is like a digital fingerprint that helps MetaMask recognize and connect to the right network. It ensures that our transactions and interactions occur on the correct blockchain, preventing any mix-ups with other networks.

Chain IDs are constants that can be found easily by searching on Google. Chain IDs are unique for each blockchain network, like 137 for Polygon Mainnet, 80001 for Polygon Testnet, etc.

You can visit ChainList; here you will get a list of almost every network. You can search your desired network in the search box and get its Chain ID along with its currency symbol.

How to Add Custom Network to Metamask

After getting the RPC URL and chain ID, we are ready to add the custom network we wished to add in our metamask wallet.

To add a custom network to the metamask wallet, first, follow the two steps mentioned earlier when we were connecting to the blockchain network present in the metamask predefined list.

After opening your wallet and navigating to the Add Network section, follow the below steps.

Step 1. Add Custom Network Manually

In the tab where a list of available networks is shown, scroll down to the bottom and click on Add a network manually.

Step 2. Provide the Network Information

Clicking on Add a Network manually will open up a new tab in your browser, where we need to provide the information about the network like the network name, RPC URL, Chain ID, and Currency Symbol.

We have already discussed how to create an RPC URL and get the Chain ID and the currency symbol from Google. Just select the name of the network with which you want that network to be shown in your particular wallet. You can choose any name. After filling out the details, click on Save.

In this tutorial, I will connect the Polygon Mainnet network to the Metamask wallet; we have created the RPC URL for this network earlier.

Network Name - Polygon Mainnet

RPC URL - Copy the Https URL from Alchemy, mentioned above

Chain ID - 137

Currency Symbol - MATIC

Step 3. Switch to Network

After clicking the Save button, the network will be added to your wallet. Switch to the network to manage your assets lying on that network.

Congratulations! With this, we have added a custom network to our Metamask Wallet.

Conclusion

This journey where we looked for ways to connect different blockchain networks with MetaMask has now ended. With MetaMask as your trusty gateway, you've now unlocked a world of possibilities in the world of cryptocurrencies and decentralized applications.

By following this guide, you've learned how to connect your wallet to various blockchain networks, from Ethereum Mainnet to specialized options. With this understanding, you'll be able to confidently navigate the complex environment of digital assets. Have fun exploring!

FAQs

Q1. What is MetaMask, and why do I need it?

A. MetaMask is a digital wallet that acts as a bridge between you and the world of cryptocurrencies and decentralized applications (DApps). It's an extension for your browser that allows you to manage your digital money and interact with specialized websites known as DApps. You need MetaMask to securely store your digital assets, access a range of applications, and work with multiple blockchains.

Q2. How do I add a new network using MetaMask's network list?

A. Adding a new network using Metamask's network list is straightforward. After opening your MetaMask wallet, click on the Network dropdown and select "Add Network." A list of available networks will appear. Choose the network you want to add and click "Add." Then, approve the connection and switch to the newly added network.

Q3. What is an RPC URL and how do I create one?

A. An RPC (Remote Procedure Call) URL is a crucial component that allows MetaMask to communicate with custom blockchain networks. It's like a phone line that enables MetaMask to send requests to a specific blockchain network. To create your own RPC URL, sign up or log in to a platform like Alchemy. Create a new app, choose the blockchain and network, and Alchemy will provide you with an RPC URL.

Q4. Why is Chain ID important when adding a custom network to MetaMask?

A. Chain ID is a unique identifier assigned to each blockchain network. It acts like a digital fingerprint that helps MetaMask recognize and connect to the right network. It ensures that your transactions and interactions occur on the correct blockchain, preventing any mix-ups with other networks.

Q5. Can I use someone else's RPC URL to connect a custom network to MetaMask?

A. While it's technically possible to use someone else's RPC URL, it's highly recommended to create your own. Using someone else's RPC URL can pose security risks, as you're relying on a third-party's infrastructure. Creating your own RPC URL, as outlined in this guide, ensures a more secure and reliable connection between MetaMask and the custom network.