Metamask currently has over 30 million users, which is a testament to its popularity. If you own an account on the platform, you use it as a wallet to store your coins or as a channel to connect with blockchains and dApps. One such blockchain application you can interact with using Metamask is Polygon.
Polygon makes things seamless when building dApps on the Ethereum network. However, many users meet challenges when trying to add Polygon to MetaMask. It’s understandable, considering Polygon isn’t featured as a network on the MetaMask platform by default. Nevertheless, integrating Polygon and Metamask isn’t difficult. We’ll uncover just how to go about it in this guide.
Adding Polygon to MetaMask
Metamask is a cryptocurrency wallet that works with the Ethereum network. First, you must have a working MetaMask account to add Polygon. If you don’t have one already, you can either download the mobile app on iOS or Android. Or you could set up the browser add-on.
There are browser extensions for the following browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Brave which work with MetaMask. Ensure that the add-on is downloaded from the authorized MetaMask webpage. For mobile apps, use the Apple Store or Google Play Store.
Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your wallet after loading the mobile app or browser extension. When your MetaMask wallet is operational, you are able to add Polygon. It’s best you do this using your browser extension, preferably Chrome. Don’t worry; after adding Polygon to MetaMask, you can access the integration via your mobile application.
How to include Polygon to MetaMask Using a Google Chrome Extension
With the below steps, you can connect Polygon to MetaMask within minutes on your Google Chrome browser:
- Launch your MetaMask extension on Chrome.
- Click on the drop-down menu tagged “Ethereum Mainnet,” then select “Add Network.”
- Scroll down and click the “Add Network Manually” option.
- You’ll be presented with a form page where you can enter the Chain ID, New RPC URL, Block Explorer URL, Currency Symbol, and Network Name. Fill out the form with the details in the below table:
| Network Name | Polygon |
| New RPC URL | https://polygon-rpc.com or https://rpc-mainnet.maticvigil.com |
| Chain ID | 137 |
| Currency Symbol | MATIC |
| Block Explorer URL | https://polygonscan.com/ |
- Confirm that you entered all details correctly, then click “SAVE.”
That’s it. You’ve successfully added Polygon to MetaMask. As stated before, it’s not a complex process. However, the above method explains adding Polygon to MetaMask via MetaMask. It’s possible to also perform the integration via the Polygon platform, and it’s simple, too. Let’s learn how.
How to add Polygon to MetaMask Via Polygonscan
Here, the particular platform you’re using is Polygonscan. You must thus set up an account if you have yet to create one. The process is straightforward, following the below steps.
- Visit the Polygonscan website and click the “Sign In” button in the menu.
- Pick “Click to Sign Up” from the menu.
- Your username, email address, and password must be entered in the registration form.
- After agreeing to the terms, click “Create an Account.”
The first phase is now finished. Now, to add Polygon to MetaMask after creating your Polygonscan account, follow the steps below:
- Scroll to the bottom of your Polygonscan account dashboard.
- Click on the “Add Polygon Network” option.
- You’ll get a notification to “Allow this site to add a network?” Note that you must have your MetaMask browser extension installed and active.
- Click the “Approve” button to allow the integration, and that’s all.
After successfully adding Polygon to MetaMask via any of the two methods explained above, the next thing you may want to do is add tokens. We’ll discuss how to handle that next.
How to Add Polygon Tokens to MetaMask Wallet
With your Polygon wallet connected, you should find MATIC tokens by default in your MetaMask account. However, for all other Polygon token types, you’ll take the manual route to import them. The process still isn’t complex if you use your Chrome browser extension. Follow the steps below:
- Visit Polygonscan.com and find the tokens you want to add.
- Copy the token’s contact address, then launch your MetaMask extension.
- Click the drop-down menu and select Polygon — this option should appear after adding Polygon to MetaMask.
- You’ll see your MATIC tokens and an “Import tokens” button.
- Click the “Import tokens” option and paste the token contact address in the correct field. You don’t have to complete the other fields, as they’ll fill automatically.
- Click the “Add Custom Token” button. You will be prompted by MetaMask for confirmation of your desire to import the tokens.
- Click on “Import Tokens” to confirm, and you’re done.
Why Add Polygon to MetaMask
Similar to when you add Binance smart chain, you can do a lot when you add your Polygon wallet to MetaMask. Generally, integrating both platforms facilitates your blockchain and crypto dealings. Check out some top uses below.
Making transactions
You can process crypto transactions much faster by connecting your Polygon wallet to MetaMask. That’s primarily because you access both solutions from one dashboard, eliminating the need to switch back and forth between apps or web pages. With this, sending and receiving tokens becomes effortless. You can easily transact with your Polygon wallet and other supported apps on MetaMask.
Also, Polygon has particular features that speed up transactions. The features in question are sidechains, which run separately from yet alongside the Ethereum main chain. Besides ensuring your transactions are complete in record time, Polygon’s sidechains are also cheaper to work with.
Collecting NFTs
NFTs continue to draw attention in the blockchain industry. If you love collecting these non-fungible tokens, then, you’ll appreciate adding Polygon to MetaMask. For example, OpenSea, SuperRare, and Decentraland are just a few of the well-known NFT platforms and marketplaces that MetaMask accommodates. These marketplaces also run on the Polygon network.
As a result, you can easily trade and mint NFTs on the supported marketplaces using Polygon’s MATIC tokens. Other supported tokens will work, too. Again, sidechains introduce an advantage here as your NFT transactions become faster and more affordable. Another benefit is that you can employ Polygon’s bridges to transfer NFTs across different blockchain networks.
Interacting with DeFi DApps
Similar to NFTs, MetaMask and Polygon are both compatible with various DeFi protocols and applications. Examples include Aave, Curve, Balancer, and SushiSwap, to name a few. If you use any of these DeFi dApps, adding Polygon to MetaMask makes it easy to perform actions like lend, borrow, swap, farm, and stake. Consequently, you can invest and earn interest and rewards.
It’s important to note that Polygon is one of the safest services for managing dApps. You can leverage this reliable security when you add the platform to your MetaMask wallet. Furthermore, with the help of Polygon’s bridges, transferring assets from one DeFi dApp to another is effortless.
Managing your crypto
As explained before, after integrating Polygon into MetaMask, you can import your MATIC and other tokens. The advantage is that you can employ MetaMask features to manage your coins better. For instance, MetaMask allows customizing token approvals and adjusting gas fees. You can as well leverage the transaction security providers.
To illustrate, consider customizing token approvals. With MetaMask, it’s possible to limit how many tokens a dApp can transfer from your Polygon wallet. Such a feature minimizes risk should your dApp be compromised; otherwise, it’ll completely drain your tokens.
Swapping tokens
MetaMask comes with a swift built-in swap feature. So, when you connect Polygon, you can easily exchange your tokens with others. Particularly, decentralized exchanges on the Polygon network, like 1inch, Dfyn, and QuickSwap, are also compatible with MetaMask.
By default, you’ll exchange tokens on the above platforms on the Ethereum chain via MetaMask. With Polygon, however, you get to use sidechains, which allows lower congestion and cheap fees. If you want to transfer your tokens across networks — Ethereum to Binance Smart Chain, for example — Polygon’s bridges make it straightforward.
How to Use MetaMask and Polygon Safely
We’ve discussed the benefits of adding Polygon to MetaMask. You can only benefit from them, though, if you manage your funds safely. Since both platforms are connected, a breach in your MetaMask account can affect your Polygon wallet and vice versa. Hence, using them safely is paramount.
Check out some helpful tips below:
Avoid sharing your seed phrase
While creating your MetaMask account, you’ll set up a 12-word secret phrase. The platform will instruct you not to share this phrase with anyone, and it’s in your best interest to adhere. Without the need for your password, any individual who knows your secret word can log into your MetaMask account. Therefore, you can’t let it reach any third party. Don’t even share it with the MetaMask support team if they ask — but they certainly won’t.
Make use of strong passwords
This may sound cliche, but it needs saying. Access into your MetaMask and Polygon or Polygonscan accounts should require rigorous passwords. Particularly, use a long, complex, yet unique password.
Combine alphabets, numbers, symbols, and other characters. If you can’t memorize it, then store and retrieve it using a secure password manager. Google will automatically recommend strong passwords when creating accounts if you use Chrome. Applying such passwords is okay, as they’ll be linked to your Google account for easy retrieval.
Backup your seed phrase
We’ve talked about not sharing your seed phrase. Well, it’s also essential to stress backing it up. Ethereum seed phrases are usually not easy to memorize, meaning you must store them somewhere.
You can save it in a secure online vault or your email, but for total security, it’s best to take the offline route. It could also be secured by writing it down on a piece of paper and kept in a safe place. If you prefer digital options, your best bet is hardware devices like Trevor or Ledger.
Use the desktop more
The MetaMask mobile app is intuitive and more convenient than the website. However, it’s still advised to use the website on a desktop over accessing your wallet on your smartphone. Your smartphone can easily go missing compared to your laptop. If it’s a desktop installed at home, then, the probability is even lower. Nevertheless, if you still prefer mobile, ensure you use specific security settings in the MetaMask app.
Constantly update your browser extensions
Using MetaMask on a desktop is easier when you install the browser extension. Already, it’s recommended you use the Chrome extension when adding Polygon. You’re most likely aware that these add-ons require updates from time to time. So, always ensure your MetaMask extension is in the recent version at all times. That way, there’s less room for malicious actors to exploit.
Don’t keep browsing logs for long
Your browser history and cookies will harbor traces of your MetaMask activities. There’s no risk if no one ever accesses your logs, but that’s not guaranteed. So, be safe and periodically erase the cookies and browsing history from your web browser.
Whenever your MetaMask account isn’t in use, lock it
MetaMask has a lock feature you can access from the right corner of the browser extension. When going off your computer with people around, use the option to safeguard your account. Once activated, anyone who wants to access your MetaMask wallet must re-enter your password.
Leverage transaction security providers
Transaction security providers are services you can’t skip if you’re particular about securing your MetaMask wallet. They help you verify websites and smart contracts you add to your wallet. If you input any scam, phishing, or other malicious code, your MetaMask and Polygon accounts are at risk. Transaction security providers help avoid this by alerting you of any suspicious code. Some you may want to check out include EtherScan, CryptoScamDB, and DeFi Safety.
Use the token spending cap feature
As explained, the spending cap feature limits the number of tokens a dApp can transfer. Hence, it’s another option to keep your MetaMask and Polygon account safe from breaches if a dApp is controlled by malicious parties.
Bottom Line
Adding Polygon to MetaMask is straightforward. Simply install the browser extension and follow the steps outlined in this post to get it done. Afterward, you can enjoy the seamless crypto management and other advantages the integration offers. Notably, keep to the safety tips to avoid any account breach.
