π¦ How to Add Arbitrum to MetaMask Add Arbitrum One to MetaMask
Add the Arbitrum One network to MetaMask so your wallet can show Arbitrum balances and talk to Arbitrum apps.
Arbitrum One is a Layer 2 network that runs on top of Ethereum. It uses the same address format and pays gas in ETH, but fees are far lower. MetaMask doesn't list every network out of the box, so you tell it about Arbitrum once. There are three ways to do it; the first is the safest.
-
1Install and unlock MetaMask
Get MetaMask only from the official site, metamask.io, and keep it up to date. Open it and unlock it as usual.
Adding a network never needs your Secret Recovery Phrase. Anyone asking for it to βadd a networkβ is a scammer, and that loss can't be undone.
-
2Open Chainlist or Arbiscan and click Add
The easiest path fills in every detail for you, so there's no typing mistake. Reach Chainlist (chainid.network) or Arbiscan (arbiscan.io) by typing the address yourself, connect MetaMask, search Arbitrum One, and click Add to MetaMask.
-
3Review the details and Approve
MetaMask shows a popup with the network details. Read them, then click Approve or Confirm. When it offers to switch to the network, accept.
-
4Or pick it from MetaMask's own list
Many MetaMask versions already know Arbitrum. Open the network selector at the top, find Arbitrum One in the popular-networks list, click Add, and Approve.
-
5Manual fallback: add a custom network
If neither path works, add it by hand. Open the network selector, choose Add a custom network, and enter these values exactly:
- π Network name: Arbitrum One
- π RPC URL: https://arb1.arbitrum.io/rpc
- π Chain ID: 42161
- π° Currency symbol: ETH
- π Block explorer: https://arbiscan.io
Then click Save. MetaMask doesn't maintain this list for you, so double-check each value before saving.
-
6Verify the Chain ID is 42161
Confirm the added network shows 42161 (Arbitrum One). A different number means a different chain: 42170 is Arbitrum Nova, a separate network you usually don't want here.
-
7Get ETH onto Arbitrum for gas
Adding the network doesn't give you any funds. To transact you need ETH on Arbitrum to pay gas. Use the official bridge at bridge.arbitrum.io (you pay Ethereum L1 gas; deposits take roughly 10 to 15 minutes), or withdraw from an exchange that supports the Arbitrum network.
-
8Practice with a small amount first
Move a small amount first to learn the flow before sending larger sums. Note that withdrawing back from Arbitrum to Ethereum through the canonical bridge takes about 7 days.
β οΈ Stay safe
- π¦ Install MetaMask only from metamask.io; reach Chainlist or Arbiscan by typing the address, not from a DM or ad.
- π Verify the Chain ID is 42161, not 42170 (Arbitrum Nova) or another chain.
- π£ A surprise token in your wallet is a phishing trap; don't visit its βclaimβ site or approve it.
- π Never type your Secret Recovery Phrase to add a network.
- π When sending across networks, confirm the receiving side expects the Arbitrum network.
β FAQ
- Do I need ARB tokens to use Arbitrum?
- No. Gas on Arbitrum One is paid in ETH, the same as on Ethereum. ARB is the governance token, not the fuel for transactions.
- What's the difference between Arbitrum One and Arbitrum Nova?
- They are two separate chains. Arbitrum One has Chain ID 42161; Arbitrum Nova has Chain ID 42170. Most apps and bridges use Arbitrum One, so check the Chain ID before adding.
- A token I never bought appeared in my wallet. Is it free money?
- Treat it as a scam. Visiting the linked 'claim' site or approving the token can trigger a drainer that empties your wallet. Adding a network never requires you to approve any token.
- Why does moving funds from Arbitrum back to Ethereum take so long?
- The canonical bridge has a challenge window of about 7 days for withdrawals from Arbitrum to Ethereum. That delay is part of how the rollup stays secure. Deposits the other way arrive in roughly 10 to 15 minutes.
π Related
Information only, not advice to use any particular tool or to invest.