How to add a custom RPC in Phantom wallet?

What is an RPC and Why Add a Custom One in Phantom Wallet?

Phantom wallet is one of the most widely used cryptocurrency wallets for interacting with the Solana blockchain. While it comes pre-configured with standard network settings, advanced users may need to add a custom RPC (Remote Procedure Call) server for specific purposes. An RPC server allows your wallet to communicate with a blockchain network, enabling actions like sending transactions or querying account balances.

Custom RPCs are often used when connecting to testnets, private networks, or alternative nodes that offer better performance or reliability than default providers. Understanding how to configure this within Phantom ensures greater flexibility and control over your blockchain interactions.

Accessing Phantom Wallet Settings

To begin adding a custom RPC, you must first open the Phantom browser extension. Click on the Phantom icon in your browser’s toolbar to launch the wallet interface. Once logged in, locate the gear icon in the lower-left corner—this opens the Settings menu.

From the Settings panel, navigate to the Advanced section. Here, you will find a toggle labeled 'Developer Mode.' Enable this option if it's not already active. Developer Mode unlocks additional configuration tools, including the ability to add and manage custom RPC endpoints.

Locating the Network Configuration Section

After activating Developer Mode, return to the main wallet dashboard. In the left-hand navigation bar, scroll down until you see the 'Network' option under the 'Solana' section. Clicking this will display a list of available networks, such as Mainnet Beta, Testnet, and Devnet.

If you're looking to connect to a network outside these defaults, you'll need to create a new entry. At the bottom of the network selection screen, there should be an option labeled 'Add a network' or 'Custom RPC' depending on the version of Phantom you’re using. Select this to proceed to the configuration screen.

Entering Custom RPC Details

Upon selecting the option to add a custom RPC, a form will appear requiring several inputs:

• Network Name: A user-defined label for the custom RPC.
• RPC URL: The endpoint address provided by your chosen node provider.
• Chain ID (optional): Some custom chains require a specific identifier.

Ensure that the RPC URL begins with https:// and points to a valid Solana-compatible RPC server. Many developers use services like QuickNode, Alchemy, or Infura to generate reliable endpoints. If you're setting up a local node, make sure it's running and accessible from your browser.

Once all fields are filled correctly, click Save or Add Network to register the new connection. Phantom will attempt to verify connectivity before finalizing the addition.

Switching to the New Custom RPC Network

After successfully saving your custom RPC configuration, return to the Network selection menu. You should now see the newly added network listed alongside the default options. Click on it to switch your wallet’s active network.

It's crucial to confirm that the wallet interface reflects the correct network context. Check your balance and try performing a simple transaction to ensure everything functions as expected. If you encounter errors, double-check the RPC URL format, internet connectivity, and whether the remote node is operational.

Switching between networks happens instantly, but always exercise caution when transacting across different environments—especially when moving assets between testnets and mainnets.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Occasionally, users may experience issues after configuring a custom RPC. Common problems include network timeouts, unreachable endpoints, or incorrect chain IDs. To resolve these:

• Verify that the RPC URL is accurate and includes no trailing spaces.
• Test the RPC server independently using tools like curl or Postman to confirm its responsiveness.
• Ensure the chain ID matches the network you're trying to access, especially if working with private or forked chains.

If Phantom fails to recognize the network despite correct input, try restarting the browser extension or clearing cached data within Phantom’s settings. Persistent issues might stem from firewall or proxy configurations blocking external connections to the RPC server.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove a custom RPC from Phantom Wallet?

Yes, you can remove a custom RPC by navigating to the Network settings and locating the custom network in your list. Click on the three-dot menu next to it and select Remove Network. Note that this action cannot be undone without re-entering the configuration details.

Does adding a custom RPC affect my wallet's security?

Adding a custom RPC does not inherently compromise your wallet's security. However, connecting to untrusted or public RPC servers could expose your activity metadata. Always use reputable providers or self-hosted nodes for sensitive operations.

Is it possible to use multiple custom RPCs simultaneously?

Phantom only allows one network to be active at a time. While you can configure and store multiple custom RPC entries, you must manually switch between them via the Network menu each time you want to change the active connection.

What should I do if my custom RPC stops working after some time?

If your custom RPC becomes unreachable, check the status of the service or node you're using. Public RPC providers sometimes throttle or block excessive requests. For long-term reliability, consider subscribing to a premium RPC service or hosting your own Solana node.