How to Add Arbitrum to MetaMask (Desktop and Mobile)

In this guide, we will offer two main ways to add Arbitrum to MetaMask wallet: through the web browser extension and through the mobile app.

If you're a crypto enthusiast who values privacy and asset security, chances are you're using MetaMask wallet, thanks to its user-friendly design and broad support for digital currencies. And with the growing popularity of various networks, you might want to add Arbitrum to MetaMask to enjoy the key benefits offered by this solution.

But how do you do that?

Well, in this step-by-step guide, we will show you two ways to add Arbitrum mainnet to your MetaMask wallet. Stick with us to learn more about this process.

About MetaMask

Launched in 2016, MetaMask is one of the leading crypto wallets in the market, with over 1 million active users. It functions as a web browser extension that is available on major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Brave, and Microsoft Edge.

The MetaMask crypto wallet allows users to interact with the Ethereum network and its entire ecosystem, supporting various cryptocurrencies, including all ERC-20 tokens.

You can download MetaMask by visiting the official MetaMask website and installing the browser extension. Additionally, the wallet is also available as a mobile app on Android and iOS.

On MetaMask, users can store, purchase, or sell thousands of tokens, including ERC-20 and ERC-721 (Non-Fungible Tokens), which are perhaps the most popular. It's important to note that MetaMask supports all ERC-20 and ERC-721 tokens. The crypto wallet also supports Ledger, so those who want to keep their assets even safer than on MetaMask will be able to move their funds seamlessly and trade them through the wallet.

What Is Arbitrum and How Does It Work?

Arbitrum is an L2 (Layer-2) scaling solution that is built on top of Ethereum. It focuses on fast smart contract transactions and lower gas fees. Essentially, the Arbitrum blockchain delegates various complex tasks from the base Layer 1 to the second chain to make the base a little lighter. But why was it needed?

Well, Ethereum is one of the most popular networks in the market, if not even the most popular. However, this popularity also comes with concerning network congestion. And with network congestion, there come the astronomical transaction costs.

Now, Arbitrum (along with other scaling solutions) comes to make Ethereum’s work easier by taking on some of its tasks. Basically, Arbitrum aims to reduce the data storage on Ethereum by taking transactions and processing them off-chain before settling them on-chain through the use of blockchain rollups.

This way, Ethereum no longer needs to validate separate transactions, as it can confirm a “rolled up” group of transactions. And this helps Ethereum to process transactions faster.

To achieve this, Arbitrum uses a particular type of rollups, called optimistic rollups. Simply (and shortly) put, optimistic rollups rely on an “optimistic assumption” that most transactions are valid. Thus, it compresses them to reduce gas fees and optimize the block space.

Why Add Arbitrum Network to MetaMask?

Both MetaMask and Arbitrum come with their significant advantages, and just imagine what these advantages can do when they are combined. Simply put, they do wonders, and many users decide to add Arbitrum to MetaMask in order to benefit from all these features and perks.

Integrating Arbitrum with MetaMask can offer new possibilities for those using MetaMask, allowing them to interact with the Ethereum network more efficiently and cost-effectively. Basically, when you use Arbitrum, you actually use Ethereum through Arbitrum, thus you benefit from Ethereum’s ecosystem while also achieving lower gas fees and higher scalability.

How to Add Arbitrum to MetaMask

In this guide, we will provide two main ways to add Arbitrum to MetaMask wallet: through the web browser extension and through the mobile app. Each option is very easy to follow and straightforward, and the differences are not so significant overall. You can choose whichever way suits your plan, as MetaMask will sync your available networks on all your devices.

Add Arbitrum to MetaMask – Desktop (Browser Extension)

Step 1: Log into MetaMask

First, you will need to log into your MetaMask account. If you don’t have the browser extension yet, go to the official website and install MetaMask. Then, you can access it, choose to create an existing wallet or create a new one, and set up a password.

Step 2: Click on the Network Dropdown Menu

After you log in, you will notice the MetaMask dashboard. When you first log into MetaMask, you will be automatically introduced in the Ethereum mainnet. However, underneath the MetaMask icon, you will notice a dropdown option. Click on that.

Step 3: Click on “Add Network”

In the dropdown menu, you will notice other networks you have already added. Underneath them, you will have a button that allows you to add a new network