How to Add Tokens to MetaMask
Introduction
MetaMask is one of the most popular Ethereum wallets used by over 21 million users. It allows you to interact with decentralized applications (dApps) directly from your browser. By adding tokens to MetaMask, you can easily manage all your ERC-20 tokens and other assets from one convenient place.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn:
- How to set up a MetaMask wallet
- What tokens are and how they work with MetaMask
- Step-by-step instructions for adding tokens
- How to import tokens
- Using Etherscan to find token information
- Checking your token balances
- Managing tokens in your wallet
- Using MetaMask mobile
- Understanding networks and blockchains
- Buying, selling and transferring tokens
- Exploring DeFi and NFTs
- Other relevant tokens to consider adding
So if you want to easily add any ERC-20 token to your MetaMask wallet, then keep reading!
Setting Up Your MetaMask Wallet
Before adding tokens, you’ll first need to set up your MetaMask wallet if you haven‘t already. Here are the steps:
Install the MetaMask browser extension on Chrome, Firefox, or Brave.
Click on the MetaMask plugin icon in your browser’s toolbar.
Click “Create a Wallet” or “Import with Secret Recovery Phrase” if you already have a wallet.
Agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Notice.
Secure your wallet by saving your seed phrase somewhere safe. This phrase allows you to recover your wallet.
Once complete, your MetaMask wallet will be ready to connect to the Ethereum blockchain and Web3 DApps.
Understanding Tokens
Before adding tokens, it helps to understand what they are.
Tokens represent digital assets that exist on a blockchain. The most common standard used for creating tokens on Ethereum is ERC-20. These tokens can represent anything from crypto coins, loyalty points, in-game items, and more.
When you add an ERC-20 token to MetaMask, all you’re doing is telling MetaMask to track that token’s balance, transactions, and other details for your wallet address. This allows you to easily send, receive, and interact with those tokens from within MetaMask.
Now let’s walk through how to add tokens!
How to Add Tokens to MetaMask
Adding an existing ERC-20 token to your wallet is simple:
Open your MetaMask browser extension.
Click on the circle icon representing your account in the upper right.
Select “Assets” below your address.
Click the “Add Token” button at the bottom.
Search for your token by name or contract address. For popular tokens like UNI, LINK, etc. just search by name.
Click the token then “Add”.
That’s it! The token and your balance should now show in your MetaMask assets.
If your token doesn’t show up from search, you’ll need to add it manually using the contract address. Here’s how:
Click “Custom Token” at the bottom instead.
Enter the Token Contract Address you want to add.
Enter the token symbol (e.g. UNI, LINK).
Enter the Decimals of Precision (18 is most common).
Click Next then Add Tokens.
The custom token will now show up in MetaMask so you can easily send, receive, swap or interact with that token!
Importing Tokens into MetaMask
If you already own tokens sitting in another wallet, you can easily import them into MetaMask by adding the custom token using the contract address.
Here is the process:
Unlock your MetaMask wallet.
Access the Assets page.
Click Add Token > Custom Token.
Enter the token contract address.
Make sure the network is set correctly to the blockchain the token exists on.
Enter the other details like symbol and decimals if needed.
Click Add Tokens.
This will add the custom token to MetaMask without needing to transfer anything. MetaMask will now simply show the balance on that blockchain so you can interact with those tokens.
Make sure you are on the correct network when adding tokens, otherwise the balances may show as 0.
Using Etherscan to Find Token Information
Don’t know a token’s details like contract address or decimals? No problem! You can easily find these details on Etherscan.
Etherscan allows you to explore different Ethereum blockchains to view tokens, addresses, and transactions.
Here’s how to use it:
Go to Etherscan.io.
Search for your token in the search bar (e.g. Chainlink).
Click on the token contract link.
Under Contract you‘ll find the Contract Address.
Scroll down further to the dropdown that shows Decimals.
Copy this information to add the custom token into MetaMask. That easy!
Checking Your Token Balances
After adding tokens, you probably want to check your balance. Here’s how:
In your MetaMask wallet, click Assets.
You‘ll see your token with the balance right next to the token‘s logo.
You can click a token to view additional details like price, chart, transactions and more.
Note: Token balances rely on the blockchain updating. If the balance seems stuck, click the refresh circle icon next to your account to refresh it. New tokens may show a 0 balance at first while MetaMask syncs to the latest block.
Managing Tokens
As you add more tokens, it helps to properly manage them so it doesn’t get too cluttered. Here are some tips:
Hiding Tokens
To hide any tokens you don’t want visible in your wallet, hover your mouse over the token icon and click the three dots that appear. Select “Hide Token”. This removes it from the main view but keeps it safely in your wallet.
Removing Tokens
If you want to completely remove a token, follow the same steps to hide it first. Then under your account icon, select “Settings > Advanced” and scroll down to “imported tokens”. Click the trash can icon next to the token you want fully removed.
Tracking New Tokens
You can toggle on automatic token detection under Settings so that MetaMask automatically finds and adds any new tokens received by your wallet address.
Note that this feature can sometimes add scam or duplicate tokens. Verify any new tokens added are legitimate.
Adding Token Favorites
You canstar your favorite tokens by hovering over the token icon and clicking the star outline. This pins them to the top of your assets list for quick access.
By properly managing tokens, you can simplify MetaMask and customize it to your preferences.
Using MetaMask Mobile
MetaMask also offers a mobile app wallet for both iPhone and Android phones.
Here is how to add tokens on mobile:
Download and install MetaMask mobile app.
Import your wallet using your secret recovery phrase.
Tap the circle profile icon in the lower right.
Tap “Assets” to view your token list.
Scroll down and tap “Add Token”.
Search for the token or enter the contract address manually.
Tap “Add” once successful.
You can now easily access mobile DApps like Uniswap and view your token balances on the go.
Understanding Networks and Blockchains
Before interacting with tokens, it’s important to understand the basics of networks and blockchains in MetaMask.
Blockchain networks like Ethereum allow participants to connect to a shared public ledger for transactions and smart contracts.
In MetaMask, networks allow your wallet to connect to specific blockchains in order to transact on them. For example, the Ethereum Mainnet is used for transacting real ETH and tokens. Test networks are used for free testing.
You can add new network connections in MetaMask like other Ethereum layer-2 networks for scaling transactions or sidechains.
Each network has a unique chain ID, nodes, and options specifically configured for interacting with that chain.
So fundamentally, your tokens and assets exist on specific networks. By properly managing your network connections, MetaMask can identify tokens across networks and allow you to transact between them.
Buying, Selling and Transferring Tokens
Once setup, you can start using MetaMask and your tokens in a few popular ways:
Purchasing and Trading Tokens
There are a few options to obtain tokens within MetaMask:
- Buy tokens directly with MetaMask’s built-in swap feature through Transak.
- Purchase tokens on centralized exchanges like Coinbase or FTX and withdraw them to your MetaMask address.
- Trade tokens permissionlessly on decentralized exchanges like Uniswap and 1inch by connecting your MetaMask wallet.
For buying and trading tokens, just make sure you have enough ETH in your wallet to cover any transaction fees on the Ethereum blockchain.
Transferring Tokens
To send your tokens to another address or person:
- Open your MetaMask wallet browser extension.
- Click “Send”.
- Select the token you want to send.
- Paste the receiver‘s Ethereum address.
- Enter the amount to send.
- Confirm details and submit.
Be sure to always verify the recipient‘s address for accuracy before submitting a transfer.
You can view transfer status and history by clicking Activity > filter icon > select your token.
Tracking Transactions
Each token transaction generates a unique transaction ID called a TxHash that acts like a digital receipt.
You can use a blockchain explorer like Etherscan to view status, details, fees paid for any transaction ID.
This allows you to easily track the status of any pending or completed token transfers, trades, or other activities.
Exploring DeFi and NFTs
Beyond just sending and receiving tokens, MetaMask allows you to explore and participate in two hot crypto trends – decentralized finance (DeFi) and NFTs.
DeFi
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) offers financial services like lending, borrowing, earning interest, derivatives, and more – all without requiring a bank or institution middleman.
From MetaMask you can access various DeFi apps like:
- Aave to lend and borrow tokens
- Uniswap to trade tokens and provide liquidity
- Yearn Finance to automatically move funds between yield opportunities
-Compound to supply assets and earn interest
DeFi apps connect directly to your MetaMask wallet. This allows you to access DeFi markets seamlessly while maintaining control as the only one with access to your private keys.
NFTs
Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are unique digital collectibles minted on blockchains like Ethereum. MetaMask allows you to easily access various NFT platforms.
For example, you can bid on one-of-a-kind NFT artwork on platforms like:
- OpenSea – World’s largest NFT marketplace
- Rarible – Artsy NFT marketplace
- NBA Topshot – Official basketball video NFTs
- Axie Infinity – Popular digital pets game
You can view any NFTs you purchase or are gifted directly in your MetaMask wallet.
So if interested in these emerging areas of crypto, MetaMask offers secure access to all the leading dApps and markets.
Other Relevant Tokens
Here are some other popular or relevant tokens you may consider adding to MetaMask:
Stablecoins like USDC, DAI, BUSD are helpful to hold as pegged dollar equivalents usable across many platforms.
Governance Tokens like UNI, AAVE, Maker allow you voting rights on protocol changes if you interact with those platforms.
Ethereum Layer 2 tokens like zkSync and Optimism allow using newer scaling solutions to reduce Ethereum transaction fees.
Reward tokens like Comp, KNC or platform tokens like THETA, ENJ may provide discounts, governance rights or other perks on related DApps.
Browse DApp directories like DeFiPulse to discover new opportunities.
Conclusion
That covers the key things you need to know about adding any ERC-20 token to MetaMask. Now you can easily manage all your tokens conveniently in one place!
With your tokens set up, you can start exploring Web3 opportunities like using DeFi apps, purchasing NFT digital art & collectibles, participating in token governance, and more!
Be sure to take security precautions like locking your wallet when not using it to keep your funds safe.
As the gateway to the developing world of decentralized apps, MetaMask offers a user-friendly home for accessing everything dynamic cryptocurrencies have to offer.
