MetaMask supports multiple EVM-compatible chains but connects to only one network at a time. When using DApps or managing assets on different chains, you need to switch to the corresponding network. This article covers MetaMask network switching methods and common scenarios.
Why Does MetaMask Need Network Switching?
MetaMask is a multi-chain wallet, but it's designed to activate one network at a time. Assets on different blockchain networks are independent:
- Ethereum Mainnet: ETH and ERC-20 tokens
- BSC: BNB and BEP-20 tokens
- Polygon: MATIC and Polygon tokens
- Arbitrum: ETH (Arbitrum) and Arbitrum tokens
- Optimism: ETH (Optimism) and OP chain tokens
After switching networks, MetaMask displays the asset balances on the corresponding chain. Your wallet address is the same across all EVM chains, but balances on each chain are independent.
How to Switch Networks in MetaMask?
Desktop Browser Version
- Click the network selector at the top of MetaMask (showing the current network name, e.g., "Ethereum Mainnet")
- See all added networks in the dropdown list
- Click the target network
- MetaMask switches automatically
- The interface refreshes to show assets on that chain
Mobile App Version
- Open the MetaMask app
- Tap the network name at the top center
- Select the target network from the list
- Switch complete
Switching is instant — no extra steps or waiting required.
How to Add a New Network to MetaMask?
If the network you want to switch to hasn't been added yet, you need to add it first.
Method 1: Manual Addition
- Click the network selector
- Click "Add Network"
- Select "Add a network manually"
- Fill in network parameters (Network Name, RPC URL, Chain ID, Currency Symbol, Block Explorer URL)
- Click "Save"
Method 2: Via Chainlist
- Open chainlist.org in your browser
- Search for the network you want to add
- Click "Connect Wallet" to connect MetaMask
- Click "Add to MetaMask"
- Approve in the MetaMask popup
Method 3: DApp Auto-Request
Many DApps detect your current network and request a switch if it doesn't match:
- The DApp prompts "Please switch to XXX network"
- MetaMask pops up a network switch confirmation
- If you don't have that network, MetaMask automatically offers to add it
- Confirm to complete both addition and switch
Common Network Parameters
BSC (BNB Smart Chain)
- Chain ID: 56
- RPC:
https://bsc-dataseed1.binance.org - Currency Symbol: BNB
- Explorer:
https://bscscan.com
Polygon
- Chain ID: 137
- RPC:
https://polygon-rpc.com - Currency Symbol: MATIC
- Explorer:
https://polygonscan.com
Arbitrum One
- Chain ID: 42161
- RPC:
https://arb1.arbitrum.io/rpc - Currency Symbol: ETH
- Explorer:
https://arbiscan.io
Optimism
- Chain ID: 10
- RPC:
https://mainnet.optimism.io - Currency Symbol: ETH
- Explorer:
https://optimistic.etherscan.io
Avalanche C-Chain
- Chain ID: 43114
- RPC:
https://api.avax.network/ext/bc/C/rpc - Currency Symbol: AVAX
- Explorer:
https://snowtrace.io
What to Watch After Switching Networks?
Token Display
After switching, tokens added on other networks won't appear. You need to re-add tokens you want to view under the current network.
DApp Connections
After switching you may need to refresh DApp pages. Some DApps auto-detect network changes. If a DApp doesn't support your current network, it may show an error.
Gas Fee Tokens
Different networks use different native tokens for gas:
- Ethereum and Layer 2: ETH
- BSC: BNB
- Polygon: MATIC
- Avalanche: AVAX
Make sure you have enough native tokens for gas after switching. Withdraw small amounts from Binance to the corresponding network address.
Safety Tips
When switching and adding networks, keep these safety points in mind:
- Verify network parameters: Ensure RPC URLs and chain IDs are correct — wrong RPCs may connect to malicious nodes
- Use official RPCs: Prioritize officially provided RPC nodes
- Be cautious with unknown networks: Don't add networks from unknown sources
- Match DApp network requirements: Ensure your network matches the DApp to avoid operating on the wrong chain
- Confirm transfer networks: When sending from an exchange to MetaMask, ensure the withdrawal network matches your current MetaMask network
- Clean up unused networks: Delete networks you no longer use in settings to keep the list tidy
Does switching networks affect assets on other networks?
No. Switching only changes MetaMask's display view and interaction chain — assets on each chain are completely independent. Your ETH on Ethereum won't disappear because you switched to BSC.
Why did my balance change after switching?
Because balances on different networks are independent. You might have 1 ETH on Ethereum but 0.5 ETH on Arbitrum. After switching, the current network's balance is displayed.
Can I see all network assets at once?
MetaMask doesn't natively support multi-network asset overview. Use portfolio tracking tools like DeBank or Zapper to view all your on-chain assets across chains. Download the Binance App (iOS users refer to the iOS installation guide) — these apps make multi-chain asset management convenient.
How many networks can MetaMask handle?
There's no strict limit, but too many networks may slow down switching. Adding 10-20 commonly used networks works perfectly fine in practice.
How to switch between testnet and mainnet?
MetaMask hides test networks by default. Enable "Show test networks" in Settings > Advanced, then Goerli, Sepolia, and other testnets appear in the network list for switching.