πΊ How to Add Avalanche (AVAX) to MetaMask Add Avalanche to MetaMask
By the end you'll have the Avalanche C-Chain added to MetaMask and your AVAX balance showing.
MetaMask doesn't include Avalanche out of the box, so you add it yourself. It takes two minutes once you have the right details. The important part is using only verified network details, because the wrong RPC can show fake balances.
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1Set up MetaMask first
Install MetaMask (browser extension or app) and create your wallet. Write your Secret Recovery Phrase on paper and keep it offline.
This phrase is the master key to your money. Anyone who sees it can take everything, so never type it into a website or share it.
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2Open the network selector
Open MetaMask and click the network name at the top. By default it says Ethereum Mainnet. This dropdown is where you switch and add networks.
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3Choose "Add network"
Click Add network. If Avalanche shows up in MetaMask's suggested list, you can add it from there. If not, pick Add a network manually and fill in the details yourself.
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4Enter the verified C-Chain details
Type these exactly. The RPC URL is the address MetaMask uses to talk to the chain, so it must match the official one below.
Network name Avalanche C-Chain New RPC URL https://api.avax.network/ext/bc/C/rpc Chain ID 43114 Currency symbol AVAX Block explorer https://snowtrace.io Snowtrace is Avalanche's block explorer β a public window for looking up any transaction on the chain.
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5Save and switch over
Click Save. Then open the network selector again and choose Avalanche. MetaMask is now pointed at the Avalanche C-Chain.
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6See your balance and import tokens
Your C-Chain AVAX balance appears. If a token doesn't show automatically, click Import tokens and paste its official contract address. Get that address from a source you trust, never from a random message.
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7Shortcut: add it from Chainlist
Prefer one click? Go to chainlist.org, search Avalanche, connect your wallet, and click Add to MetaMask. Before you approve, check the popup shows Chain ID 43114.
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8Only the C-Chain works here
Avalanche has three chains. MetaMask only reads the C-Chain. AVAX held on the X-Chain or P-Chain won't show until you move it to the C-Chain first.
β οΈ Stay safe
- π MetaMask never asks for your Secret Recovery Phrase. Fake "enable 2FA" emails and countdown timers are phishing.
- π Use RPC details only from official sources. A scam RPC can show fake balances and push you into draining transactions β confirm Chain ID 43114.
- β½ Keep a little AVAX for gas. Every C-Chain transaction needs a small fee, so don't send away every last AVAX.
- πͺ Import tokens only by their official contract. A copycat token can share a name but hold no value.
β FAQ
- I added the network but my AVAX still isn't there. Why?
- Adding a network only lets MetaMask read that chain; it doesn't move any funds. Your AVAX appears once it is on the C-Chain and sent to your address. AVAX sitting on the X-Chain or P-Chain must be moved to the C-Chain first.
- Which Chain ID is correct for Avalanche?
- The Avalanche C-Chain uses Chain ID 43114. If a site or popup shows a different ID, stop and recheck the RPC details, because a wrong or scam RPC can display fake balances.
- Will MetaMask ever ask for my Secret Recovery Phrase to add a network?
- No. MetaMask never asks for your Secret Recovery Phrase by email, popup, support chat, or a 2FA prompt. Only type it when restoring your own wallet, and never anywhere else.
- Why does a token not show up after I switch to Avalanche?
- Many tokens don't appear automatically. Use Import tokens and paste the token's official contract address from a source you trust. A copycat token with a different contract has no real value.