MetaMask is one of the most popular crypto wallets for users of decentralised apps, token trading, and blockchain networks. However, MetaMask only comes with the Ethereum Mainnet by default. If you need to use networks like Polygon, BNB Chain, Avalanche, Fantom, Arbitrum, or thousands of others, you have to add them manually.

This is where Chainlist makes life simple. Chainlist is a free online tool that lets users add verified EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) networks to MetaMask with one click. No typing. No mistakes.

What Is Chainlist?

Chainlist is a public directory of EVM networks that provides verified RPC details. It makes adding blockchain networks to your wallet quick and error-free.

Why People Use Chainlist

After you click “Add to MetaMask,” the network is installed with the correct:

• Network Name
• RPC URL
• Chain ID
• Block Explorer URL

How Chainlist Helps New Users

Without Chainlist	With Chainlist
You search online for RPC data	No searching needed
You manually enter network fields	Auto-fills in MetaMask
Higher chance of mistakes	Almost zero error
Takes a long time	Takes 10–30 seconds

What Is MetaMask in Simple Words?

MetaMask is a digital wallet used to:

• Store crypto
• Manage tokens
• Connect to decentralised apps (dApps)
• Switch between multiple blockchains

It supports EVM networks, which means any blockchain compatible with Ethereum can be added.

Examples of EVM Networks You Can Add

• Binance Smart Chain (BNB Chain)
• Polygon
• Avalanche
• Fantom
• Arbitrum
• Cronos
• Celo
• Klaytn
• Gnosis
• Moonriver
• Hundreds more

MetaMask doesn’t ship with these networks, but you can add them manually or with Chainlist.

Why Use Chainlist Instead of Adding Networks Manually?

Manually adding a network means you have to type things like:

• Chain ID
• RPC URL
• Network Name
• Explorer URL

Typing errors can lead to:

• Tokens not showing
• Wrong blockchain connection
• Fake RPC URLs from random websites
• Lost time

Benefits of Using Chainlist

Benefit	Why It Matters
Verified RPC details	Safer and more trustworthy
One-click setup	Fast and beginner-friendly
No typing needed	Zero spelling mistakes
Supports hundreds of networks	Useful for all DeFi users
Free to use	No subscription needed

For beginners and experienced users alike, Chainlist is the easiest and safest approach.

How to Add Any EVM Network to MetaMask Using Chainlist (Complete Steps)

Below is the exact method anyone can follow. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, Android, or iPhone, the steps are almost the same.

Step 1 – Open MetaMask

• Open MetaMask in your browser or mobile app
• Make sure you are logged in

If it is your first time using MetaMask:

• Create a wallet
• Secure the seed phrase
• Never share your seed phrase with anyone

Step 2 – Visit the Official Chainlist Website

Go to:

https://chainlist.org

Important: There are fake sites pretending to be Chainlist. Only use the correct one.

Quick Safety Check

Before using the site:

• Look for HTTPS
• Check the domain spelling
• Avoid clicking on random ads that look similar

Step 3 – Connect MetaMask to Chainlist

Click the “Connect Wallet” button.

From MetaMask, you will see:

• A popup asking for approval
• Click Next → Connect

Your wallet is now linked to Chainlist.

Step 4 – Search for the Network You Want

At the top of Chainlist, type the name of the network, for example:

• “BNB Chain”
• “Polygon”
• “Avalanche”
• “Fantom”

Chainlist will show the correct result.

Step 5 – Click “Add to MetaMask”

When you see the network you want:

• Click “Add to MetaMask”
• MetaMask will open a window showing the network info
• Click Approve

You may then click Switch Network to start using it.

That’s it.

You have successfully added the network with no manual work.

Examples: Adding Popular Networks with Chainlist

Below are examples based on the steps we use ourselves and have tested multiple times.

How to Add BNB Chain (Binance Smart Chain)

Steps

1. Open Chainlist
2. Search: “BNB Chain”
3. Click Add to MetaMask
4. Approve and switch

Correct Network Information (Auto-Filled)

• Chain ID: 56
• Symbol: BNB
• RPC URL and Explorer are verified

This takes about 20–30 seconds.

How to Add Polygon Mainnet

Steps

1. Search: “Polygon Mainnet”
2. Click Add to MetaMask
3. Approve
4. Switch network

No typing needed.

How to Add Avalanche C-Chain

Steps

1. Search: “Avalanche C-Chain”
2. Add to MetaMask
3. Click Approve

Now you can use Avalanche apps like Trader Joe and Pangolin.

How to Add Arbitrum One

Search “Arbitrum One” and follow the same process.

Arbitrum can also be used for cheap Layer-2 transactions on Ethereum.

What to Do If Chainlist Cannot Connect to MetaMask

Sometimes users face connection errors. Below are common problems and solutions.

Problem 1 – MetaMask Not Detected

Solution:

Refresh the page or reopen your browser.

Problem 2 – Wrong Browser

Chainlist does not work with some browsers.

Recommended Browsers

• Chrome
• Brave
• Firefox
• Edge

Problem 3 – Hardware Wallet Connected

If you use Ledger or Trezor inside MetaMask, the signer may block network changes.

Disconnect and retry.

Problem 4 – Popup Blocked

If nothing appears:

• Enable popups from the browser
• Click the small puzzle extension icon and open MetaMask manually

Problem 5 – RPC Fails to Load

Try a different RPC from Chainlist or wait a few minutes.

Manual vs Chainlist: Which Method Is Better?

If you are new or working fast, Chainlist is better.

If you are an advanced user who manages multiple RPCs manually, you may prefer manual entry.

Comparison

Feature	Chainlist	Manual
Setup Speed	10–30 seconds	3–10 minutes
Typing Required	None	Yes
Safety Against Fake RPCs	Higher	Depends on the source
Beginners	Perfect	Sometimes confusing
Experts	Still useful	Sometimes preferred

Expert-Style Tips (Based on Real DeFi Experience)

Below are tips used by many professional traders and DeFi users.

1. Never Copy RPC URLs from Random Blogs

Some fake blogs publish RPCs that track your transactions or reroute requests.

Chainlist avoids that problem.

2. Always Check Gas Fees Before Sending Tokens

Different networks have different fees. For example:

Network	Typical Gas Fee
BNB Chain	Very low
Polygon	Very low
Ethereum Mainnet	Can be high
Arbitrum	Lower than ETH
Avalanche	Moderate

Checking fees saves you from expensive transactions.

3. Use “Test Networks” Before Real Money

If you are new:

• Try test networks first
• Learn to send, receive, and swap tokens safely

4. Keep Backup RPCs

Sometimes official RPCs go down during:

• Network upgrades
• Heavy usage
• DDoS attacks

Having two or three RPCs saves time.

5. Do Not Add Networks From Unknown Popups

If a dApp prompts:

“Add This Network Automatically?”

Always check the details. Fake apps can trick beginners.

Chainlist is much safer because it lists verified networks.

Why Chainlist Is Good for Beginners

Many people using MetaMask feel overwhelmed the first time because:

• There are many networks
• They don’t want to make mistakes
• Searching online is tiring
• Too many fake sites exist

Chainlist solves almost all of that.

Chainlist Helps You:

• Add networks in seconds
• Avoid typing errors
• Reduce risk
• Learn faster

It also gives new users confidence because they know the RPC details are correct.

Advanced Feature: Custom RPC Selection

Chainlist sometimes shows multiple RPC options for a single network.

This is useful when:

• One RPC server is slow
• A connection fails
• Your country blocks a specific server

Example:

For Polygon, you may see:

• Public RPC
• Infura RPC
• Ankr RPC
• QuickNode RPC

You can add any of them.

If one becomes slow, switch to another.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Add Non-EVM Networks Like Solana or Tron?

No.

Chainlist and MetaMask only support EVM networks.

Solana and Tron require different wallets.

Is Chainlist Free?

Yes. 100% free.

Is Chainlist Safe?

Chainlist is widely used and trusted.

However, always double-check the domain name.

Do I Need to Create an Account?

No. Just connect MetaMask.

Can I Use Chainlist on Mobile?

Yes.

• iPhone
• Android
• Tablet

Just open the MetaMask browser and visit Chainlist.

Final

MetaMask is a mighty crypto wallet, but it only supports the Ethereum network by default. To use other blockchains, such as Polygon or BNB Chain, you need to add them manually. Chainlist makes this process faster and safer by giving you:

• Verified network settings
• One-click installation
• No typing or complicated data entry

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader, Chainlist saves time and reduces mistakes. It is one of the simplest tools for quickly connecting MetaMask to hundreds of blockchain networks.