How to Add Optimism (OP) to MetaMask Wallet

Adding the Optimism network to MetaMask is straightforward and can be accomplished in a few easy steps. Integrating Optimism with MetaMask allows users to

Adding the Optimism network to MetaMask is a simple and straightforward process that can be completed in just a few easy steps. Once integrated, users will gain the ability to effortlessly manage their Optimism-based tokens and seamlessly interact with various decentralized applications (dApps) within the ecosystem.

This guide provides a detailed overview to help users add OP Mainnet to MetaMask. To begin, users must ensure they have access to the MetaMask application, which can be downloaded as an extension for all major web browsers, including Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Opera.

In the following sections, we will demonstrate how you can effortlessly add Optimism to MetaMask in just a few simple steps.

Key highlights:

How to add Optimism to MetaMask?

As a software wallet (also known as a hot wallet), MetaMask enables users to store digital assets on EVM-compatible blockchains, including Optimism. Being available as an extension for popular web browsers, MetaMask provides a highly convenient way to transact on the Optimism blockchain, whose native token is OP.

However, it's important to note that MetaMask is not the most secure method for on-chain transactions. For optimal security, users are strongly advised to pair MetaMask with a hardware wallet (commonly referred to as a "cold wallet") such as Ledger. Unlike MetaMask, which is inherently internet-connected, Ledger devices store cryptocurrency offline, offering an additional layer of security for your digital assets.

Ledger can be directly linked to MetaMask through the application, allowing users to benefit from both wallet types. This combination offers the ease of a hot wallet and the enhanced security of a cold wallet.

Hardware wallets manufactured by Ledger are widely regarded as the safest and most reliable way to store Bitcoin and other crypto assets. As long as the seed phrase storage is handled with care, there's no way that any malicious actor or software could endanger the safety of your crypto.

Buy a Ledger Hardware Wallet

Here’s a quick breakdown of the steps you’ll need to take to add Optimism to your MetaMask wallet:

1. Go to the “Settings” section of your MetaMask wallet

Open your MetaMask wallet, then click the profile icon in the top right corner. From the drop-down menu that appears, select “Settings”.

Once you’re in the “Settings” menu, select “Networks.”

Here, you will be able to see the list of networks that your MetaMask is currently configured to work with. Click “Add network” to add Optimism to your MetaMask wallet.

2. Choose the Optimism (OP Mainnet) network

As you will be able to see, Optimism is already listed as a popular network for MetaMask users, which makes the process of adding it to your MetaMask even simpler. Simply click “Add” next to “OP Mainnet” and then click “Approve.”

MetaMask will prompt you whether you want to add the OP Mainnet to the list of supported networks. Click “Approve”.

Next, you should see the following message appear, notifying you about the successful integration of the OP Mainnet with your MetaMask wallet. You can click the “Switch to OP Mainnet” button to switch to the Optismim network immediately.

3. (Optional) Add the Optimism network manually

In case you don’t see the Optismim network on the list, or simply want to add it manually, don’t worry. You can easily do so by clicking on the “Add a network manually” button (check the bottom of the first image in Step 2).

To add the Optimism network manually, copy the following information into the fields:

Next, click “Save.” If you provide the information correctly, MetaMask will inform you that you have successfully added Optimism to your available networks.

If you open your MetaMask wallet again, you will notice that you have automatically switched to using Optimism. The default currency for Optimism, like Ethereum Mainnet, is ETH. If you want to switch back to Ethereum or any other network, you can easily do so using the dropdown list on the top right side of the MetaMask interface.

How to add Optimism-based tokens to MetaMask

You don’t need to manually add ETH to MetaMask after switching to the Optimism network. However, you’ll need to manually add any other Optimism-based tokens that you would like to use. 

1. Find the token’s contract address using a block explorer

In our example, we’ll be adding the OP token to the Optimism network in our MetaMask wallet. You’ll need the token’s contract address, which you can find on any Optimism block explorer. We’ll be using OP Mainnet Explorer.

We’ll search for “OP” on the platform and head over to the first result. Under “Overview,” you will be able to see the contract address.