How to Add a Custom Network to MetaMask? (BSC, Polygon, Avalanche)

How to Add a Custom Network to MetaMask

Adding custom networks to MetaMask allows users to interact with various blockchains beyond Ethereum. Networks like Binance Smart Chain (BSC), Polygon, and Avalanche offer lower transaction fees and faster processing times. Configuring these networks manually ensures access to decentralized applications and tokens native to each chain.

Binance Smart Chain (BSC)

1. Open MetaMask and click on the network dropdown at the top of the wallet interface.

2. Select “Custom RPC” to begin adding a new network.

3. Enter the following details for the BSC mainnet:

   • Network Name: Binance Smart Chain
   • New RPC URL: https://bsc-dataseed.binance.org/
   • Chain ID: 56
   • Symbol: BNB
   • Block Explorer URL: https://bscscan.com
4. Click “Save” to confirm. The network will appear in your list and become active upon selection.
5. Ensure you’re using the correct Chain ID to prevent connection issues or loss of funds.

   Polygon (Matic) Network

   1. Access MetaMask settings and navigate to the “Networks” section.

6. Choose “Add Network” and input the parameters for Polygon:

   • Network Name: Polygon Mainnet
   • New RPC URL: https://polygon-rpc.com/
   • Chain ID: 137
   • Symbol: MATIC
   • Block Explorer URL: https://polygonscan.com
7. Confirm entries are accurate before saving.
8. Once added, switch to the Polygon network to start using dApps on this chain.
9. Transactions on Polygon typically cost fractions of a cent in MATIC tokens.

   Avalanche (AVAX) C-Chain

   1. In MetaMask, go to the network configuration menu and select “Add Network.”

10. Fill in the required fields specific to Avalanche’s C-Chain:

    • Network Name: Avalanche Mainnet C-Chain
    • New RPC URL: https://api.avax.network/ext/bc/C/rpc
    • Chain ID: 43114
    • Symbol: AVAX
    • Block Explorer URL: https://snowtrace.io
11. Double-check the RPC URL and Chain ID to avoid connectivity failures.
12. After saving, the network becomes available for use within the wallet.
13. Users can now bridge assets to Avalanche or participate in yield farming on DeFi platforms.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What should I do if the custom network doesn’t connect?Verify that the RPC URL and Chain ID match the official values for the network. Incorrect entries are the most common cause of failed connections. Try switching to a different RPC endpoint if the current one is unresponsive.

    Can I add multiple custom networks at once?Yes. MetaMask supports storing multiple custom networks simultaneously. Users can switch between them instantly from the network selector without re-entering details.

    Is it safe to add third-party RPC URLs?Stick to official or well-documented RPC endpoints from trusted sources. Malicious nodes could potentially expose transaction data. Official websites of the blockchain projects usually list verified RPC addresses.

    Do I need native tokens to perform transactions on these networks?Each network requires its native token for gas fees—BNB for BSC, MATIC for Polygon, and AVAX for Avalanche. Without these tokens in your wallet, transactions cannot be processed.