MetaMask is more than just a popular Ethereum wallet; it's a versatile tool that can enhance your decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain experience by supporting a variety of networks. Expanding MetaMask’s functionality by adding additional networks opens up your access to more decentralized applications (dApps) and diverse assets. Let’s explore step-by-step how to integrate 11 top networks into your MetaMask wallet, including Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, Tron, Solana, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Polygon, Optimism, Cardano, NEAR, and Sui.

1. Ethereum (ETH)

To get started with Ethereum on MetaMask:

1. Install MetaMask: Download and install the MetaMask browser extension, then pin it to your browser for quick access.
2. Create a New Wallet: Follow the prompts to set up your wallet and securely save your secret backup phrase. You can integrate the Ethereum Mainnet using either of these methods:

Method 1 (via Metaschool):

• Choose the desired RPC URL.
• Click “Add to MetaMask” from the sticky menu and approve the pop-up.
• Switch to the new network by clicking “Switch.”

Method 2 (Manual):

• Open MetaMask settings, go to “Networks,” and click “Add Network.”
• Fill in details (Chain ID: 1, Currency: ETH).
• Save the changes.

2. Binance Smart Chain (BSC)

Adding the Binance Smart Chain (BSC) network can be done as follows:

Automatically via BSCscan:

• Visit the BSCscan website.
• Click the MetaMask icon next to the “Add BSC Network” tab.
• Confirm the details.

Manually through MetaMask:

• Open MetaMask and select “Custom RPC” from the network options.
• Enter BSC mainnet details:
  • Network Name: BSC Mainnet
  • New RPC URL: https://bsc-dataseed1.binance.org/
  • Click “Save.”

3. Tron (TRX)

To add Tron through Binance Smart Chain:

Add BSC to MetaMask:

• Install and open MetaMask, then select "Add Network" or "Custom RPC."
• Input BSC details:
  • Network Name: Binance Smart Chain
  • New RPC URL: https://bsc-dataseed.binance.org/
  • Chain ID: 56
  • Currency Symbol: BNB
  • Block Explorer URL: BSCscan
• Save the network details.

Use a Bridge for Tron:

• Access a bridge like JustBridge.
• Connect your MetaMask wallet and follow the instructions to transfer TRX tokens.

4. Solana (SOL)

Adding Solana to MetaMask involves:

Access MetaMask Snap Directory:

• Visit the MetaMask Snap Directory, search for “Solana,” and locate the “Solana Wallet” by Solflare.

Install Solana Wallet Snap:

• Select “Add to MetaMask” next to Solana Wallet and follow the on-screen prompts.

5. Arbitrum (ARB)

To add Arbitrum to MetaMask:

Install MetaMask: Ensure MetaMask is installed and pinned.

• Open MetaMask in Expanded View, go to “Settings” > “Networks” > “Add a network.”
• Enter the details:
  • Network Name: Arbitrum One
  • New RPC URL: https://arb1.arbitrum.io/rpc
  • Chain ID: 42161
  • Currency Symbol: ETH
  • Block Explorer URL: Arbiscan
• Click “Save.”

6. Avalanche (AVAX)

Adding Avalanche C-Chain can be done directly via MetaMask:

Manually via MetaMask:

• Log in to MetaMask and select “Add network.”
• Enter the details:
  • Network Name: Avalanche Network C-Chain
  • New RPC URL: https://api.avax.network/ext/bc/C/rpc
  • Chain ID: 43114
  • Currency Symbol: AVAX
  • Block Explorer URL: Avalanche Explorer
• Save the network.

7. Polygon (MATIC)

To add the Polygon network:

Using ChainList:

• Visit ChainList, search for “Polygon Mainnet,” and click “Add to MetaMask.”

Manual Addition:

• Open MetaMask, select “Add a network manually,” and enter:
  • Network Name: Polygon Mainnet
  • RPC URL: https://rpc-mainnet.maticvigil.com/
  • Chain ID: 137
  • Symbol: MATIC
• Click “Add network.”

8. Optimism (OP)

To add the Optimism network manually:

Manual Addition:

• Open MetaMask, click the network bar, and select “Add network.”
• Enter the details:
  • Network Name: Optimism
  • RPC URL: https://mainnet.optimism.io
  • Chain ID: 10
  • Currency: ETH
  • Explorer: Optimistic Etherscan
• Click “Save.”

9. Cardano (ADA)

Integrate Cardano’s ADA token via Binance Smart Chain (BSC):

• Copy the contract address for Binance-PEG ADA: 0x3ee2200efb3400fabb9aacf31297cbdd1d435d47.
• Open MetaMask, select “Add Token,” choose “Custom Token,” and paste the contract address.
  • Symbol: ADA
  • Decimals: 18

10. NEAR Protocol (NEAR)

Adding NEAR Protocol involves:

Locate NEAR Wallet Snap:

• Visit the NEAR Wallet Snap page within MetaMask Snaps and click “Add to MetaMask.”
• Follow the instructions for setup.

11. Sui (SUI)

To add the Sui network if it supports EVM standards:

Adding Network:

• Open MetaMask and select "Add Network" or "Custom RPC."
• Enter hypothetical details:
  • Network Name: Sui Network
  • New RPC URL: https://rpc.sui.network
  • Chain ID: (example) 1234
  • Currency Symbol: SUI
  • Block Explorer URL: Sui Explorer
• Save the network.

If Not EVM-Compatible:

• Find a Sui-compatible wallet, download and install it, then transfer assets as needed.

Learn More

For more insights into blockchain technology and its potential in Africa, visit CoinDesk and CoinTelegraph.

CoinDesk, CoinTelegraph