How to Add a Custom Network to MetaMask (2026)
Category: Software Wallets / MetaMask
Type: How-To
Target keyword: how to add custom network to MetaMask
Secondary keywords: MetaMask add network manually, MetaMask RPC URL, MetaMask custom chain, add blockchain MetaMask
Word count: ~1,200
Status: Ready to publish
Method 1: Automatic via ChainList (Recommended)
ChainList is a community-maintained directory of EVM networks. It’s the fastest and safest way to add any major network.
- Search for the network you want (e.g. “Arbitrum”, “Avalanche”, “Fantom”)
Done. The network is now in your MetaMask network selector.
Why ChainList is safer: The RPC URLs are community-verified. Typing them manually risks typos that could send you to a malicious RPC endpoint.
Method 2: Manual Entry
Use this if ChainList isn’t accessible or you’re adding a private/custom network.
- Open MetaMask
You’ll see a form with these fields:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Network Name | Display name — anything you like |
| New RPC URL | The RPC endpoint URL |
| Chain ID | The unique numeric identifier for the chain |
| Currency Symbol | The native token ticker (ETH, AVAX, FTM, etc.) |
| Block Explorer URL | Optional — links to the chain’s explorer |
Network Details for Popular Chains
Arbitrum One
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Network Name | Arbitrum One |
| RPC URL | https://arb1.arbitrum.io/rpc |
| Chain ID | 42161 |
| Currency Symbol | ETH |
| Block Explorer | https://arbiscan.io |
Optimism
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Network Name | OP Mainnet |
| RPC URL | https://mainnet.optimism.io |
| Chain ID | 10 |
| Currency Symbol | ETH |
| Block Explorer | https://optimistic.etherscan.io |
Avalanche C-Chain
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Network Name | Avalanche Network |
| RPC URL | https://api.avax.network/ext/bc/C/rpc |
| Chain ID | 43114 |
| Currency Symbol | AVAX |
| Block Explorer | https://snowtrace.io |
Base
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Network Name | Base |
| RPC URL | https://mainnet.base.org |
| Chain ID | 8453 |
| Currency Symbol | ETH |
| Block Explorer | https://basescan.org |
Fantom Opera
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Network Name | Fantom Opera |
| RPC URL | https://rpc.ftm.tools |
| Chain ID | 250 |
| Currency Symbol | FTM |
| Block Explorer | https://ftmscan.com |
Switching Between Networks
Once added, switching networks is instant:
- Click the network name at the top of MetaMask
- Select the network from the list
- Your balance for that network will display
Your address (0x...) stays the same across all EVM networks — it’s universal.
Gas on Custom Networks
Each network has its own native token for gas fees:
If you have no gas token for the network, you can’t send transactions. You’ll need to bridge assets to that chain first.
Common Issues
“Invalid Chain ID” error:
Double-check the Chain ID — it must be a number, not text. Common mistake: entering “1” for Ethereum but accidentally adding a leading space.
Network added but transactions fail:
The RPC URL might be congested or down. Try a different RPC endpoint for the same chain — most chains have multiple public RPCs. ChainList shows several options per chain.
Can’t find the network in MetaMask after adding:
Click the network selector and scroll down — newly added networks appear at the bottom of the list.
“This network already exists” warning:
MetaMask detected a network with the same Chain ID already in your list. You may have added it previously under a different name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add any blockchain to MetaMask?
Only EVM-compatible blockchains. MetaMask is an Ethereum Virtual Machine wallet — it won’t support Bitcoin, Solana, Cardano, or other non-EVM chains natively.
Is it safe to use any RPC URL?
No. A malicious RPC can see your transaction data and potentially mislead you about balances or pending transactions (though it can’t steal funds directly). Always use official or well-known public RPC endpoints. Stick to ChainList for verified URLs.
Do I need a different MetaMask account for each network?
No — your single MetaMask account works on all EVM networks. The same address holds assets on all chains simultaneously.
What’s a Chain ID and why does it matter?
The Chain ID is a unique number that identifies each blockchain and prevents transactions from being replayed on other chains. If you enter the wrong Chain ID, transactions may fail or be rejected.
Related guides:
Leave a Reply