How to add Polygon (Matic) network to MetaMask? (Network Settings)

Adding Polygon Network to MetaMask

1. Open MetaMask extension or mobile app and ensure you are logged into your wallet.

2. Click the network selector dropdown, usually located at the top center of the interface.

3. Scroll down and select Add Network or Custom RPC, depending on your MetaMask version.

4. Enter the official Polygon Mainnet parameters: Network Name as Polygon Mainnet, New RPC URL as https://polygon-rpc.com/, Chain ID as 137, Symbol as MATIC, and Block Explorer URL as https://polygonscan.com/.

5. Confirm the settings and click Save. The network will appear in your network list immediately.

Verifying Polygon Integration

1. After saving, the network selector should display Polygon Mainnet instead of Ethereum Mainnet.

2. Check your account balance — MATIC tokens sent to your address on Polygon should now appear without manual token addition.

3. Navigate to a decentralized application built on Polygon, such as QuickSwap or Aave on Polygon, and confirm transactions execute successfully.

4. Inspect the transaction hash on Polygonscan to verify block confirmation and contract interaction.

5. Attempt sending a small MATIC transfer to another Polygon address to validate full functionality across send, receive, and gas estimation.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues

1. If MetaMask shows “Network not found” or fails to load balances, double-check that the RPC URL is https://polygon-rpc.com/ and not a deprecated or unofficial endpoint.

2. Clear browser cache or restart the MetaMask mobile app if the network appears but displays zero balance despite confirmed deposits.

3. Ensure no ad blockers or privacy extensions interfere with RPC calls — temporarily disable them during setup.

4. Confirm your wallet address is the same across Ethereum and Polygon — they share the same public key but operate on separate chains.

5. Avoid using testnet configurations like Mumbai unless explicitly developing or testing; mainnet settings must be used for real asset transfers.

Security Considerations When Adding Networks

1. Only input RPC endpoints directly from official Polygon documentation or verified sources — third-party RPCs may log private keys or manipulate transaction data.

2. Never enter seed phrases or private keys when adding networks — MetaMask never requests these during RPC configuration.

3. Verify the Chain ID matches exactly: 137 for Polygon Mainnet. Using 80001 by mistake connects to Mumbai testnet and risks losing funds.

4. Bookmark the official Polygon RPC page and cross-check URLs before pasting — typos like polygon-rpc.com vs polygonrpc.com can lead to phishing sites.

5. Disable auto-switching features unless required — unintended network switches may cause failed transactions or incorrect gas estimates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I use the same MetaMask wallet address on Polygon and Ethereum?Yes. Polygon uses the same cryptographic key pair. Your address remains identical, but assets and transaction history are chain-specific.

Q2. Why does my MATIC balance show zero after adding the network?This occurs if MATIC was sent to your address while MetaMask was still connected to Ethereum. Switch to Polygon Mainnet and refresh — balances sync automatically once the correct network is active.

Q3. Do I need ETH on Polygon to pay for gas?No. Polygon uses MATIC as its native gas token. You must hold MATIC in your wallet to cover transaction fees on the Polygon network.

Q4. What happens if I send ETH to my Polygon address?Ethereum tokens sent to a Polygon address are irretrievable unless bridged properly. ETH must first be wrapped and transferred via the official Polygon Bridge to become WETH on Polygon.