How to add custom RPC networks to MetaMask?

Adding Custom RPC Networks to MetaMask

Integrating custom RPC networks into MetaMask enables users to interact with various blockchain ecosystems beyond Ethereum. This functionality is essential for developers and traders operating across multiple chains such as Binance Smart Chain, Polygon, Avalanche, or Arbitrum. The process involves manually configuring network parameters within the wallet interface.

Step-by-Step Configuration Process

1. Open the MetaMask extension in your browser and ensure you're logged into your wallet.

2. Click on the network dropdown located at the top of the interface, typically showing 'Ethereum Mainnet' by default.
3. Select 'Add Network' from the bottom of the dropdown list.
4. Choose 'Add a network manually' to begin entering custom details.
5. Fill in the required fields: Network Name, New RPC URL, Chain ID, Currency Symbol, and Block Explorer URL.

Required Network Parameters

1. Network Name: Assign a recognizable name such as 'Binance Smart Chain' or 'Polygon Mainnet'.

2. New RPC URL: Enter a reliable node endpoint. For example, use https://bsc-dataseed.binance.org/ for BSC.
3. Chain ID: Input the correct numeric identifier. BSC has a Chain ID of 56, while Polygon uses 137.
4. Currency Symbol: Specify the native token symbol like BNB, MATIC, or AVAX.
5. Block Explorer URL: Provide a valid link such as https://bscscan.com or https://polygonscan.com.

Verifying and Switching Networks

1. After entering all details, click 'Save' to register the network within MetaMask.

2. Confirm that the network appears in your network list and is selectable.
3. Switch to the newly added network by selecting it from the network dropdown.
4. Check the connection by viewing pending transactions or checking token balances.
5. If errors occur, revisit the configuration and validate each parameter, especially the RPC URL and Chain ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I enter an incorrect RPC URL?MetaMask will fail to connect to the blockchain, resulting in frozen balances and inability to send transactions. Always verify the RPC endpoint with official documentation or trusted sources before saving.

Can I add multiple custom networks at once?Yes, MetaMask allows unlimited custom network entries. Each must be added individually, but once configured, users can switch between them instantly using the network selector.

Is it safe to add third-party RPC providers?While most public RPCs are secure, some may log user activity or become unreliable during congestion. For enhanced privacy and stability, consider running your own node or using reputable infrastructure providers like Alchemy or Infura.

Why doesn’t my token balance appear after adding the network?Custom networks do not automatically import token contracts. You need to manually add tokens by entering their contract addresses under the 'Tokens' tab in MetaMask settings.