As decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and Web3 applications continue to grow, blockchain users often need to interact with multiple networks beyond Ethereum mainnet. Chainlist provides a reliable and streamlined way to add Ethereum-compatible (EVM) networks to your MetaMask wallet in just a few clicks.
In this guide, you will learn what Chainlist is, how it works with MetaMask, and how to use it to connect to various blockchain networks safely and efficiently.
What Is Chainlist?
Chainlist is an open-source platform that provides a curated list of Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) networks and their accurate RPC configuration details. It was created by the community behind Defillama and is widely trusted by developers and Web3 users.
Each listing includes:
- Network name
- Chain ID
- Native currency
- RPC URLs
- Block explorer links
Chainlist simplifies the process of manually adding new networks to MetaMask by enabling one-click integration.
What Is MetaMask?
MetaMask is a widely used cryptocurrency wallet and gateway to decentralized applications. It allows users to store, send, and receive tokens while interacting with dApps across various blockchains. By default, MetaMask is configured to work with the Ethereum mainnet. However, it supports multiple EVM-compatible networks when configured properly.
To interact with other chains such as Binance Smart Chain (BNB Chain), Avalanche, Fantom, Arbitrum, Optimism, or Polygon, users must manually input network settings — unless they use a tool like Chainlist.
Why Use Chainlist with MetaMask?
Using Chainlist to connect EVM networks with MetaMask offers several benefits:
- Saves time: No need to search for RPC URLs or verify chain IDs manually.
- Reduces risk: Avoids incorrect or malicious configurations by relying on verified data.
- Supports multiple chains: Easily add dozens of EVM networks from a single dashboard.
- Free and accessible: No account or payment required.
How To Use Chainlist with MetaMask
Step 1: Visit the Official Chainlist Website
Go to https://chainlist.org. Make sure the URL is correct to avoid phishing clones. The site is straightforward and free of advertisements.
Step 2: Connect Your MetaMask Wallet
- Click the “Connect Wallet” button in the top right corner of the homepage.
- A MetaMask pop-up will appear asking for connection approval.
- Select your wallet account and click “Next”, then “Connect”.
Once connected, Chainlist will identify which networks are already added to your MetaMask wallet.
Step 3: Search for a Blockchain Network
Use the search bar to find the network you wish to add. You can search by name (e.g., Polygon, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Celo, etc.) or by chain ID if you know it.
The search results will display the verified details for the network, including its native currency and official RPC.
Step 4: Add Network to MetaMask
- Click the “Add to MetaMask” button next to the desired network.
- MetaMask will prompt you to approve the new network configuration.
- Review the network name, RPC URL, Chain ID, symbol, and block explorer.
- Click “Approve”, then “Switch Network” if you want to immediately start using it.
Common Networks Available on Chainlist
Here are some popular EVM-compatible networks you can find on Chainlist:
| Network | Chain ID | Native Token | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Binance Smart Chain | 56 | BNB | DeFi, DEXs, GameFi |
| Polygon (Matic) | 137 | MATIC | Scalable dApps, NFTs |
| Arbitrum One | 42161 | ETH | Layer 2 scaling for Ethereum |
| Optimism | 10 | ETH | Fast, low-cost L2 solution |
| Avalanche C-Chain | 43114 | AVAX | dApps and DeFi at scale |
| Fantom Opera | 250 | FTM | High-performance smart contracts |
All of these can be added to MetaMask via Chainlist without manual input.
Is Chainlist Safe?
Chainlist is considered safe by the crypto community because:
- It is open-source and maintained by reputable developers.
- All networks listed are publicly verified.
- It does not store user data or wallet information.
However, always double-check the URL and avoid connecting your wallet to unverified or spoofed versions of the site.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If the “Add to MetaMask” button is not responsive, refresh your browser and ensure MetaMask is unlocked.
- Always verify that MetaMask is running the latest version to support all Chainlist features.
- If a network fails to load RPC data, visit the official documentation of that blockchain for an alternative RPC endpoint.
Final Thoughts
Chainlist makes managing multiple EVM-compatible networks in MetaMask simple, fast, and secure. As the Web3 ecosystem expands, interacting with various chains becomes essential. Whether you are trading tokens, minting NFTs, or exploring DeFi, having accurate and reliable access to blockchain networks is critical.
With just a few clicks, Chainlist allows you to expand your MetaMask wallet’s capabilities and streamline your experience across the multi-chain world.
