How to fix an 'insufficient funds' error in MetaMask?

Understanding the 'Insufficient Funds' Error in MetaMask

1. The 'insufficient funds' error in MetaMask typically appears when a user attempts to execute a transaction without enough cryptocurrency to cover both the amount being sent and the associated network fees. This error is not always related to the balance of the primary token like ETH; it can also stem from miscalculations in gas costs or token-specific requirements.

2. Many users assume that having enough of the token they wish to transfer is sufficient. However, Ethereum-based networks require gas, paid in ETH, to process any transaction. Even when sending tokens like USDT or DAI, the underlying network fee must be paid in ETH. If the ETH balance is too low to cover gas, the wallet will trigger this error.

3. Another common cause is attempting to send the full balance of a token. MetaMask does not allow users to spend 100% of their balance because the gas fee must be deducted from the wallet’s ETH funds. Trying to send the total amount results in a failed transaction, as the system cannot cover the gas from the same transaction.

4. Network congestion can also indirectly contribute to this issue. During peak times, gas prices surge. A wallet that previously had enough ETH for gas might suddenly fall short if the user doesn’t adjust for the increased fees. Monitoring real-time gas prices through tools like Etherscan or GasNow helps avoid such pitfalls.

5. Some decentralized applications (dApps) require approval transactions before transfers. These approvals also consume gas. Users may overlook this step and assume their funds are ready to move, only to face an insufficient funds error when initiating the approval due to low ETH.

Steps to Resolve the Issue

1. Check your ETH balance specifically. Navigate to your MetaMask wallet and verify the amount of ETH available. Even if you're sending another ERC-20 token, you need ETH for gas. If the balance is zero or too low, acquire a small amount of ETH to cover transaction costs.

2. Use the built-in gas customization feature in MetaMask. Before confirming a transaction, click on the gas fee section to adjust the speed. Choosing 'Low' can reduce the total ETH required, though it may result in slower confirmation. This option is useful when ETH funds are limited.

3. Avoid sending the full balance of any token. Always leave room for gas fees. For example, if you have 0.005 ETH, do not attempt to send 0.005 ETH. Instead, send 0.0045 ETH and keep the remainder for gas. This prevents the transaction from failing due to miscalculated deductions.

4. Ensure you're on the correct network. If you're interacting with a token on Binance Smart Chain or Polygon, your gas must be paid in the native token of that chain (BNB or MATIC). Having ETH on Ethereum won’t help if you're operating on a different network. Switch networks in MetaMask and confirm the correct token balance.

5. Clear any pending transactions. Sometimes, a stuck transaction occupies the nonce, preventing new ones from going through. You can speed it up or cancel it using the 'Speed Up' or 'Cancel' option in MetaMask, which requires a new transaction with a higher gas fee. This action needs additional ETH.

Preventing Future Errors

1. Maintain a small reserve of ETH or the respective network’s native token. Keeping 0.01–0.05 ETH in your wallet ensures you can always cover gas fees, regardless of the transaction size or network conditions.

2. Regularly monitor gas price trends. Integrating browser extensions like MetaMask Portfolio or using block explorer websites allows you to anticipate fee changes. Acting during low-fee periods increases transaction efficiency and reduces cost.

3. Double-check token requirements before initiating transfers. Some tokens, especially those with complex smart contracts, may require higher gas limits. Manually adjusting the gas limit in MetaMask to a recommended value (often 60,000–100,000 for standard token transfers) prevents underestimation.

4. Avoid using outdated versions of MetaMask. Updates often include improved fee estimation algorithms and better error handling. Ensuring your browser extension or mobile app is current reduces the likelihood of encountering avoidable errors.

5. Always review the total cost displayed in MetaMask before confirming. The breakdown includes the amount sent and the gas fee. If the total exceeds your ETH balance, the transaction will fail. Adjust the gas or deposit more ETH to proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I get an insufficient funds error when I have tokens in my wallet?This happens because tokens like USDT or UNI require ETH to pay for transaction fees. Your token balance does not cover gas. You need ETH in the same wallet to proceed.

Can I use other tokens to pay for gas in MetaMask?No. On Ethereum, gas must be paid in ETH. On other networks, such as Polygon or BSC, you must use the native token (MATIC or BNB). MetaMask does not support gas payment in ERC-20 tokens.

What should I do if my transaction is stuck and I don’t have more ETH to speed it up?You can wait for the network to eventually drop the pending transaction due to timeout. Alternatively, fund your wallet with a small amount of ETH to either speed it up or cancel it with a zero-value transaction at a higher gas price.

Does sending tokens always cost more gas than sending ETH?Yes. Sending tokens generally requires more computational work from the network, resulting in higher gas limits. Transferring ETH uses a standard limit of 21,000, while token transfers often require 50,000 or more.