How To Add Polygon to MetaMask — A Step-by-Step Guide
MetaMask is a popular cryptocurrency wallet that allows users to securely store, manage, and interact with Ethereum and other Ethereum-compatible cryptocurrencies. The wallet is available as a browser extension for Google Chrome, Firefox, and other browsers. One of the key features of MetaMask is its ability to interact with different networks, such as the Ethereum network, Binance Smart Chain and more.
Recently, the Polygon network has gained significant popularity due to its low transaction fees, fast confirmation times, and interoperability with other blockchains. Within this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to add Polygon to MetaMask and explain the benefits of using the network on MetaMask. By the end of this guide, you will have a complete understanding of how to use the Polygon network on MetaMask and be able to take advantage of its features.
Understanding Polygon Network
The Polygon network, previously known as the Matic network, is a Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum. It is a framework for building and connecting Ethereum-compatible blockchain networks. The Polygon network aims to provide fast and cheap transactions while maintaining interoperability with the Ethereum network.
Advantages of using the Polygon network
One of the main advantages of using the Polygon network is its fast confirmation times and low transaction fees. The network achieves this thanks to its Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus algorithm, reducing the computational requirements needed to validate transactions. This means transactions can be processed faster and at a lower cost compared to the Ethereum network.
Another advantage of using the Polygon network is its interoperability with other blockchains. For example, the network supports the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), which allows for compatibility with Ethereum-based dApps and smart contracts. Additionally, the network supports interoperability with networks such as Binance Smart Chain, making it easier for users to move their assets between different networks.
How the Polygon Network Differs From Other Networks
The Polygon network differs from other networks in several ways. Unlike other scaling solutions, such as sidechains, which require users to move their assets to a different network, the Polygon network allows users to keep their assets on the Ethereum network while still benefiting from the faster and cheaper transactions on the Polygon network.
Furthermore, the Polygon network uses a unique approach to achieve its fast transaction speeds and low fees. Instead of creating a separate network, the Polygon network is a framework that allows for the creation of multiple interconnected networks. As a result, different networks can be created for specific use cases, such as gaming or DeFi, while maintaining interoperability.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Add the Polygon Network to MetaMask
Installing the MetaMask Browser Extension is a prerequisite for adding Polygon to MetaMask. Follow the instructions below to begin:
- Open your preferred web browser (e.g., Google Chrome, Firefox, Brave).
- Navigate to the MetaMask website at https://metamask.io/.
- Click the “Download” button in the screen’s top right corner.
- Select your browser type and click the “Install” button.
- Follow the instructions provided by the browser to install the extension.
- After installation, click the MetaMask icon in your browser toolbar to launch the extension.
If you do not have an existing MetaMask wallet, you will need to create a new one. If you already have a MetaMask wallet, skip to the next section for instructions on adding Polygon.
Creating a new crypto wallet or importing an existing one:
- Click the “Get Started” button on the MetaMask welcome screen.
- Choose “Create a new Wallet” or “Import an existing Wallet.”
- If creating a new crypto wallet, follow the instructions to set up your new wallet and create a password.
- If importing an existing wallet, follow the instructions to import your wallet using a seed phrase or private key.
- Click “Next” to complete the wallet creation or import process.
Congratulations! You have now created or imported your MetaMask wallet.
Having an understanding of the MetaMask interface can be helpful before adding Polygon to it. The interface consists of the following elements:
- Account balance: Displays your account balance in the selected cryptocurrency.
- Network selection: Allows you to switch between different blockchain networks.
- Send and buy buttons: Allows you to send, buy cryptocurrency, or do token swaps.
- Activity: Displays a record of your transaction history.
- Settings menu: Allows you to manage your account settings, security, and preferences.
- Import token: Allows you to add new tokens to your crypto wallet.
Once you have added Polygon to MetaMask, the interface will display your Polygon assets alongside your other cryptocurrency assets. You can interact with your Polygon assets in the same way as your other assets.
To add the Polygon network to MetaMask, follow these steps:
- Click on the MetaMask icon in your browser to open the extension.
- Click on the network dropdown menu in the screen’s top center (usually displaying “Ethereum Mainnet”).
- Select the “Ethereum Mainnet” option.
Adding Polygon network
- Click on the network dropdown menu again and select the “Polygon Mainnet” option.
- A dialogue box will appear showing the following details:
Network name
Polygon Mainnet
Network URL
https://polygon-mainnet.infura.io
Chain ID
137
Currency symbol
MATIC
View all details
- Click the “Approve” button to add the network to MetaMask.
Once you have added the Polygon network to MetaMask, you can switch between Ethereum and Polygon by selecting the network dropdown menu and choosing the network you want to use. Now that you have added the Polygon network to MetaMask, you can add Polygon tokens to your wallet and manage them like any other cryptocurrency.
To add Polygon tokens to your MetaMask wallet, follow these steps:
- Click on the MetaMask icon to open the wallet interface.
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the “import tokens” menu.
- Find the contract address and decimal value for the Polygon token you want to add. This information is usually found on the Polygon (MATIC) Blockchain Explorer.
In the “Custom Token” form, enter the following information:
- Token Contract Address: Enter the contract address for the Polygon token.
- Token Symbol: Enter the symbol for the Polygon token.
- Decimals of Precision: Enter the decimal value for the Polygon token.
Click “Add Custom Tokens” to complete the process.
After adding the Polygon token to MetaMask, you should be able to see your token balance and manage your Polygon assets within the MetaMask interface. In addition, you can add multiple Polygon tokens to your MetaMask wallet by following the same process for each token.
Overview of the Features and Benefits of the Polygon Network
The Polygon network offers a variety of features and benefits, including:
- Fast and Cheap Transactions: The Polygon network uses a Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus algorithm, which reduces the computational requirements needed to validate transactions. This means that transactions can be processed faster and at a lower cost compared to the Ethereum network.
- Interoperability: The Polygon network supports the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), which allows for compatibility with Ethereum-based dApps and smart contracts. Additionally, the network supports interoperability with other networks, such as Binance Smart Chain, making it easier for users to move their assets between different networks.
- Scalability: The Polygon network is a Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum. It provides an additional layer of security and scalability on top of the Ethereum network.
- Customizable Networks: The Polygon network is a framework that allows for the creation of multiple interconnected networks. This means that different networks can be created for specific use cases, such as gaming or DeFi, while maintaining interoperability with each other and the Ethereum network.
- Security: The Polygon network uses a decentralized and secure architecture, which ensures the safety of user funds and transactions.
The Polygon network provides a faster, cheaper, and more scalable alternative to the Ethereum network while maintaining interoperability with Ethereum-based dApps and smart contracts. The network’s customizable architecture also allows for the creation of specialized networks for specific use cases, making it a versatile and flexible platform for developers and users alike.
Examples of What Can Be Done with the Network
There are a variety of things that can be done with the Polygon network, including:
- Decentralized Finance (DeFi) applications: The Polygon network offers a fast and cheap alternative to the Ethereum network, making it an attractive platform for developers to build DeFi applications such as lending and borrowing protocols, decentralized exchanges, and yield farming platforms.
- Non-fungible Tokens (NFTs): The Polygon network offers a low-cost and fast way to mint and trade NFTs, making it an attractive platform for artists and collectors to create and sell digital art and other unique digital assets.
- Gaming: The Polygon network offers a fast and cheap platform for building blockchain-based games and in-game economies. This can include games such as collectible card games, role-playing games, and more.
- Cross-chain interoperability: The Polygon network allows for the easy transfer of assets between different blockchains, making it a useful platform for developers and users who want to move their assets between different networks.
- Decentralized Applications (dApps): The Polygon network provides a platform for building decentralized applications, including social networks, marketplaces, and more.
The Polygon network offers a variety of use cases for developers and users alike, including DeFi, NFTs, gaming, cross-chain interoperability, and dApps. In addition, the network’s fast and cheap transaction speeds and its interoperability with Ethereum-based dApps and smart contracts make it a versatile and flexible platform for building and interacting with blockchain-based applications.
Tips and Best Practices for Using the Polygon Network With MetaMask
Here are some tips and best practices for using the Polygon network with MetaMask:
- Always verify the network: Before sending any transactions on the Polygon network, make sure you have selected the correct network on MetaMask. Double-check the network name and ID to avoid sending transactions to the wrong network.
- Keep track of gas prices: Although gas prices on the Polygon network are generally lower than the Ethereum network, they fluctuate based on network demand. Therefore, monitor gas prices and adjust your transaction fees accordingly to avoid overpaying or experiencing slow confirmation times.
- Use trusted wallets and applications: Make sure only to use trusted wallets and applications when interacting with the Polygon network. Stick to well-known wallets and dApps to minimize the risk of scams or hacks.
- Add custom tokens: If you plan to interact with specific tokens on the Polygon network, add them as custom tokens on MetaMask. This will make sending and receiving these tokens easier and help keep track of your balances.
- Use hardware wallets: Consider using a hardware wallet such as Ledger or Trezor to store your Polygon assets for maximum security. Hardware wallets provide an extra layer of security and protect your private keys from online attacks.
- Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest developments and news related to the Polygon network and MetaMask. Follow official social media accounts and join relevant communities to stay informed about updates or changes.
By following these tips and best practices, you can ensure a smooth and secure experience when using the Polygon network with MetaMask.
Integrating Polygon Into MetaMask Expands the Range of Assets You Can Manage
Adding Polygon network to MetaMask is a great way to take advantage of the benefits of this fast and affordable network. Following our step-by-step guide and best practices for using the network, users can access a wide range of decentralized applications, including DeFi, NFTs, gaming, and more.
The Polygon network offers a variety of features and benefits, including fast and cheap transactions, interoperability, scalability, and customizable networks. In addition, its unique architecture allows for the creation of specialized networks for specific use cases, making it a versatile and flexible platform for developers and users alike.
We hope this guide has provided you with the knowledge to add the Polygon network to MetaMask and use it effectively. By staying informed and following best practices, you can ensure a smooth and secure experience when interacting with the Polygon network.
FAQs:
Do I Need To Add Polygon to MetaMask?
It depends on your specific needs and use cases. However, if you are interested in using decentralized applications (dApps) that run on the Polygon network or want to take advantage of the network’s fast and affordable transaction speeds, adding Polygon to MetaMask may be beneficial for you.
Additionally, the Polygon network may be an excellent addition to your current holdings if you want to diversify your cryptocurrency portfolio. The network offers interoperability with other blockchains, making moving assets between networks easier.
How Do I Add Matic to MetaMask?
To add the Polygon network to MetaMask, follow these steps:
- Click on the network dropdown menu in the top right corner of the screen and select
- Click on the network dropdown menu in the screen’s top center (usually displaying “Ethereum Mainnet”).
- Select the “Ethereum Mainnet” option.
- Select the “Polygon Mainnet” option.
- Click approve.
Is Polygon Wallet Address the Same As MetaMask?
Yes, a Polygon wallet address is the same as a MetaMask wallet address when using the Polygon network on MetaMask. This is because MetaMask is a wallet that allows users to interact with different networks, including the Polygon network. When using MetaMask to interact with the Polygon network, you will have a Polygon wallet address linked to your MetaMask wallet.
This means you can use the same MetaMask wallet address to send and receive transactions on the Polygon network as you would on other networks supported by MetaMask. However, it is important to note that the wallet address may differ if you use a different wallet to interact with the Polygon network.
What Is the URL for Polygon Mainnet?
The URL for the Polygon mainnet is https://polygon-rpc.com/. This is the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) endpoint for the Polygon network’s mainnet. Developers and users can use this endpoint to connect to the Polygon network, interact with decentralized applications (dApps), send and receive transactions, and more.
When adding the Polygon network to a wallet or other application, you may be asked to enter this URL to connect to the network. It is important to note that this URL is specific to the Polygon mainnet and may be different for other networks or testnets.
What Is Polygon Mainnet?
Polygon mainnet is the production-ready version of the Polygon network, a Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum. The mainnet is the live version of the network that is open to the public and used for real-world transactions and interactions with decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts.
The mainnet uses a Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus algorithm, which reduces the computational requirements needed to validate transactions, resulting in faster and cheaper transactions.
