How to add Binance Smart Chain (BSC) to MetaMask?

What is Binance Smart Chain (BSC)?

Binance Smart Chain (BSC) is a blockchain network developed by Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges. It runs parallel to the original Binance Chain and enables smart contract functionality, making it compatible with decentralized applications (dApps) and tokens like BNB, CAKE, and many others. Users often want to interact with decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, NFT marketplaces, or games built on BSC, which necessitates connecting their wallet—such as MetaMask—to this network.

Why Connect BSC to MetaMask?

MetaMask is a popular Ethereum-based wallet that allows users to manage digital assets and interact with dApps directly from their browser or mobile app. However, by default, it only supports the Ethereum blockchain. To access BSC-based services, you must manually add the BSC network to your MetaMask wallet. This enables users to send and receive BNB tokens, participate in token swaps, and engage with DeFi protocols such as PancakeSwap, AutoFarm, or Beefy Finance.

How to Access MetaMask Extension or Mobile App

Before adding BSC, ensure you have the MetaMask extension installed on your browser or downloaded the MetaMask mobile app from the App Store or Google Play. If not already set up, create a new wallet by following the prompts and securely store your 12-word recovery phrase. Once logged in, navigate to the network selection dropdown at the top of the interface.

Steps to Add BSC Network Manually

To successfully connect to the BSC network, follow these steps:

• Click on the network dropdown located at the top of the MetaMask interface.
• Select “Custom RPC” from the list of available networks.
• Fill in the required fields with the following details:
  • Network Name: Binance Smart Chain Mainnet
  • New RPC URL: https://bsc-dataseed.binance.org/
  • Chain ID: 56
  • Currency Symbol: BNB
  • Block Explorer URL: https://bscscan.com/

After entering all the information correctly, click “Save”. You should now see Binance Smart Chain Mainnet listed under your network options.

Verifying the Connection and Switching Networks

Once saved, switch to the BSC network using the same dropdown menu. The interface will refresh, and you’ll notice your account balance now reflects any BNB or BEP-20 tokens associated with that wallet address. To test the connection, visit a BSC-based dApp like PancakeSwap and check if your wallet connects without errors. Ensure that you're using the correct network when sending or receiving tokens to avoid losing funds.

Adding BEP-20 Tokens to MetaMask

After successfully configuring BSC, you may want to view your BEP-20 tokens within MetaMask. To do this:

• Make sure you’re still on the BSC network.
• Click on the “Assets” tab in MetaMask.
• Select “Import Tokens”.
• Enter the token contract address for the specific BEP-20 token you wish to add.
• Confirm the symbol and decimals automatically populated by MetaMask.
• Click “Add Custom Token” to complete the process.

You can now monitor those tokens alongside your native BNB balance.

Common Issues When Adding BSC

Sometimes users encounter problems while setting up BSC in MetaMask. One common issue is an invalid RPC URL, which typically means the entered URL has a typo or is outdated. Double-check the URL: https://bsc-dataseed.binance.org/. Another frequent error is selecting the wrong Chain ID; ensure it's set to 56 for the mainnet version. Also, make sure you are not accidentally using testnet settings, which are different from the mainnet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use the same MetaMask wallet for both Ethereum and BSC?Yes, you can use the same wallet address across multiple networks. Just ensure you're on the correct network before sending or receiving tokens.

Q: Do I need BNB to interact with BSC-based dApps?Most interactions require a small amount of BNB to pay for gas fees. Ensure you have some BNB in your wallet before initiating transactions.

Q: Is it safe to add custom RPC networks like BSC in MetaMask?Yes, as long as you input the correct configuration details. Always verify the RPC URL and Chain ID from official sources to avoid phishing or scams.

Q: What happens if I send ETH to a BSC address?Sending Ethereum-based tokens to a BSC address can result in permanent loss of funds. Always double-check the network before initiating transfers.