You’ve gained enough experience in crypto trading to start using multiple platforms, invest in numerous cryptocurrencies, and rely on multiple networks in your crypto trading activity. You are making the best out of the current bull market, always looking for new ways to increase your earnings by discovering promising digital assets and diversifying your crypto portfolio.
If you value your privacy and want to keep your crypto assets safe, it’s highly possible that you are also using MetaMask wallet, which is a great option for both beginners and experienced traders.
And with the constant growth of various networks, you now want to add Arbitrum to MetaMask to take advantage of the primary benefits offered by this solution.
But how do you do that?
Well, this step-by-step guide will offer you two ways to add Arbitrum mainnet to your MetaMask wallet. Stick with us to learn more about this process.
About MetaMask
MetaMask is one of the most popular crypto wallets in the market, with over 1 million active users acquired since its launch in 2016. It works as a web browser extension available on the top browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, Brave, and Microsoft Edge.
The MetaMask crypto wallet enables users to interact with the Ethereum network and its entire ecosystem, supporting various cryptocurrencies, including all ERC-20 tokens.
MetaMask can be downloaded by accessing the official MetaMask website and downloading the browser extension. Furthermore, the wallet is also available as a mobile app on Android and iOS.
On MetaMask, users can store, purchase, or sell thousands of tokens, including ERC-20 and ERC-721 (Non-Fungible Tokens), which may be the most popular. It is essential to note that MetaMask supports all ERC-20 and ERC-721 tokens. The crypto wallet also supports Ledger, so those who want to keep their assets even safer than on MetaMask will be able to move their funds seamlessly and trade them through the wallet.
What Is Arbitrum and How Does It Work?
Arbitrum is an L2 (Layer-2) scaling solution developed on top of Ethereum. It focuses on fast smart contract transactions and lower gas fees. Basically, the Arbitrum blockchain delegates various complex tasks from the base Layer 1 to the second chain so that the base gets a little lighter. But why was it needed?
Well, Ethereum is one of the most popular networks in the market, if not even the most popular. However, this popularity also comes with concerning network congestion. And with network congestion, there come the tremendous transaction costs.
Now, Arbitrum (along with other scaling solutions) comes to make Ethereum’s work easier by taking some of its tasks. Basically, Arbitrum aims to reduce the data storage on Ethereum by taking transactions and processing them off-chain before settling them on-chain through the use of blockchain rollups.
This way, Ethereum no longer needs to validate separate transactions, as it can confirm a “rolled up” group of transactions. And this helps Ethereum to process transactions faster.
To achieve this, Arbitrum uses a particular type of rollups, called optimistic rollups. Simply (and shortly) put, optimistic rollups rely on an “optimistic assumption” that most transactions are valid. Thus, it compresses them to reduce gas fees and optimise the block space.
Why Add Arbitrum Network to MetaMask?
Both MetaMask and Arbitrum come with their significant advantages, and just imagine what these advantages can do when they are combined. Simply put, they do wonders, and many users decide to add Arbitrum to MetaMask in order to benefit from all these features and perks.
Integrating Arbitrum with MetaMask can offer new possibilities for those using MetaMask, allowing users to interact with the Ethereum network more efficiently and cost-effectively. Basically, when you use Arbitrum, you actually use Ethereum through Arbitrum, thus you benefit from Ethereum’s ecosystem while also achieving lower gas fees and higher scalability.
How to Add Arbitrum to MetaMask
In this guide, we will offer two main ways to add Arbitrum to MetaMask wallet: through the web browser extension and through the mobile app. Each option is extremely easy to follow and straightforward, and the differences are not so significant overall. You can choose whichever way suits your plan, as MetaMask will sync your available networks on all your devices.
Add Arbitrum to MetaMask – Desktop (Browser Extension)
Step 1: Log into MetaMask
First, you will have to log into your MetaMask account. If you don’t have the browser extension yet, go to the official website and install MetaMask. Then, you can access it, choose to create an existing wallet or create a new one, and set up a password.
Step 2: Click on the Network Dropdown Menu
After you log in, you will notice the MetaMask dashboard. When you first log into MetaMask, you will be automatically introduced in the Ethereum mainnet. However, underneath the MetaMask icon, you will notice a dropdown option. Click on that.
Step 3: Click on “Add Network”
In the dropdown menu, you will notice other networks you have already added. Underneath them, you will have a button that allows you to add a new network. Click on that.
Step 4: Select “Arbitrum One”
Select Arbitrum One out of the options available. If you don’t see it, you can also add the network manually by entering the RPC URL.
Step 5: Approve the Process
Afterward, you will have to approve the process. Before doing this, check once more if you’ve chosen the right network. You can look at the network details, such as the Chain ID and the network name. For Arbitrum, the details would include:
- Display name: Arbitrum One;
- Chain ID: 42161;
- Network URL: https://arbitrum-mainnet.infura.io/v3;
- Currency symbol: ETH;
- Block explorer URL: https://arbiscan.io.
Step 6: Switch to Arbitrum One
You will then be able to switch to Arbitrum One, and you’re all set!
Add Arbitrum to MetaMask – Mobile
Step 1: Log into MetaMask
On mobile, you will also have to log into your MetaMask account. Open MetaMask and enter your password.
Step 2: Tap on the Network Dropdown
Then, tap on the dropdown menu from the upper section of the screen.
Step 3: Tap on “Add Network”
Afterward, you can tap on “Add Network” to be able to connect Arbitrum to MetaMask.
Step 4: Select Arbitrum One
Select Arbitrum One or add it through one new RPC URL.
Step 5: Confirm the Process
Confirm the process after checking the details. They should be the same as those on the MetaMask extension.
Step 6: Switch to Arbitrum
After you confirm the Arbitrum bridge, you will be able to switch to Arbitrum One.
Accept the terms to finish the process. Then, you will be able to use Arbitrum on MetaMask. You will then be able to see the Contract address on the MetaMask welcome page.
FAQ
How do I add Arbitrum to MetaMask?
To add Arbitrum to MetaMask, you will have to log in, click on “Add network” in the dropdown menu, and select Arbitrum.
Is Arbitrum One network the same as Arbitrum?
Basically, yes. Arbitrum One is the first version of the Arbitrum network. It was also followed by Arbitrum Nova and Arbitrum Nitro. Each comes with improved features related to smart contracts, transaction fees, and the overall Arbitrum ecosystem.
Is Arbitrum an ERC20 token?
Yes, ARB, the native token of Arbitrum, is an ERC-20 governance token that allows users to participate in Arbitrum’s DAO governance protocol.
Can I use ETH on Arbitrum?
Yes, you will actually be required to use ETH on Arbitrum to pay for transaction fees. You can also add Arbitrum tokens to MetaMask.
What Chain is Arbitrum on?
Arbitrum was built on top of the Ethereum blockchain. This means that it is compatible with the dApps (Decentralized Applications) available on Ethereum, as well as the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) networks, and many others.
In Conclusion
MetaMask is a prominent crypto wallet, offering numerous valuable features and keeping users close thanks to its user-friendly interface and wide support for thousands of tokens. To benefit from its advantages while also making the best out of the Ethereum ecosystem, some might want to add Arbitrum to MetaMask.
Adding Arbitrum to your MetaMask wallet is extremely easy, as the platform is pretty intuitive. You will only have to log in, click on “Add Network” in the network menu, and select Arbitrum. After you also confirm the process in the pop-up window, you will be good to go.
