Adding the Avalanche (AVAX) network to your MetaMask wallet opens the door to a high-performance, low-cost blockchain ecosystem designed for decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and scalable dApps. As one of the fastest-growing EVM-compatible chains, Avalanche offers transaction speeds exceeding 4,500 TPS and near-instant finality—making it a top choice for crypto enthusiasts and developers alike.
MetaMask, originally built for Ethereum, now supports any blockchain within the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) ecosystem—including Binance Smart Chain, Polygon, Fantom, and Avalanche. By connecting your MetaMask wallet to the Avalanche network, you gain seamless access to its DeFi protocols, staking opportunities, and token-swapping platforms.
This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of adding Avalanche to MetaMask, sending AVAX tokens securely, and optimizing your wallet for cross-chain functionality—all while avoiding common pitfalls.
Why Connect Avalanche to MetaMask?
Before diving into setup, it’s important to understand why integrating Avalanche with MetaMask is valuable:
- Low transaction fees: Compared to Ethereum, Avalanche offers significantly cheaper gas costs.
- High speed and scalability: Transactions finalize in under one second.
- EVM compatibility: Most Ethereum-based tools, dApps, and smart contracts work seamlessly on Avalanche.
- Access to DeFi and NFTs: Use platforms like Trader Joe, Benqi, or KyberSwap directly from your wallet.
The integration is simple, secure, and completely free—no third-party apps or downloads required.
👉 Discover how easy it is to start using high-speed blockchain networks today.
Step-by-Step: How to Add Avalanche Network to MetaMask
Step 1: Install and Set Up MetaMask
If you haven’t already installed MetaMask, begin by downloading the official extension:
- Open Google Chrome (or another supported browser).
- Visit the MetaMask official website and click “Download.”
- Choose the browser extension (e.g., Chrome) and install it.
- Once installed, click “Get Started.”
You’ll be prompted to either:
- Create a new wallet, or
- Import an existing wallet using a seed phrase.
🔐 Always ensure you're on the official MetaMask site to avoid phishing scams.
After selecting your option:
- Create a strong password for daily access.
- Carefully write down your 12-word recovery phrase in order.
- Confirm the seed phrase by selecting words in sequence.
- Click “All Done” once verified.
Your wallet will default to the Ethereum Mainnet. Now you're ready to add Avalanche.
Step 2: Add Avalanche Network Manually
MetaMask doesn’t list Avalanche by default, so you’ll need to add it manually using custom network settings.
- In your MetaMask extension, click the network dropdown (top-left).
- Select “Add Network.”
- Click “Add a Network Manually.”
Enter the following details for the Avalanche C-Chain (Mainnet):
- Network Name: Avalanche Mainnet C-Chain
- New RPC URL:
https://api.avax.network/ext/bc/C/rpc - Chain ID:
43114 - Currency Symbol: AVAX
- Block Explorer URL:
https://snowtrace.io/
Click “Save”.
Within seconds, MetaMask will connect to the Avalanche network. You’ll see “Avalanche Mainnet C-Chain” in the network selector.
✅ Pro Tip: Bookmark this configuration for future use on other devices.
Step 3: Verify the Connection
To confirm success:
- Check that the network name appears correctly in the top bar.
- Look for AVAX as your displayed asset (you may need to add it manually later).
- Try visiting a dApp like Trader Joe and connect your wallet.
You’re now live on Avalanche!
How to Send AVAX Tokens to MetaMask
Once connected, you can transfer AVAX tokens from another wallet or exchange to your MetaMask address—but caution is essential.
Important: Only Use the C-Chain
Avalanche uses three distinct blockchains:
- X-Chain: For creating and trading digital assets.
- P-Chain: Coordinates validators and subnet creation.
- C-Chain: Handles smart contracts and EVM execution (used by MetaMask).
👉 Learn how to safely transfer assets between chains with confidence.
MetaMask only interacts with the C-Chain. If you send AVAX via X-Chain without converting first, your funds may be lost.
Transfer Steps (From Avalanche Wallet)
- Log into your Avalanche Wallet.
- Check your balance under each chain.
If AVAX is on the X-Chain, go to Cross Chain > Export AVAX to C-Chain.
- Select C-Chain as destination.
- Enter amount and confirm (small fee applies).
- Once funds are on C-Chain, go to Send > C-Chain.
- Copy your MetaMask wallet address (click account icon → Copy Address).
- Paste it into the “To Address” field in the Avalanche wallet.
- Review gas fee and click Confirm.
The transfer typically completes in under 2 seconds.
Buying AVAX and Adding It to MetaMask
You can also buy AVAX directly through exchanges and send it to your MetaMask:
- Create an account on a major exchange like Binance, OKX, or Kraken.
- Purchase AVAX using fiat or crypto.
Withdraw AVAX to your MetaMask wallet:
- Select withdrawal option.
- Choose Avalanche (C-Chain) as network.
- Paste your MetaMask address.
- Confirm transaction.
Never send tokens using BSC, Polygon, or another chain unless explicitly supported.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Avalanche compatible with MetaMask?
A: Yes! Avalanche’s C-Chain is fully EVM-compatible, making it natively compatible with MetaMask.
Q: Can I lose my AVAX if I send it incorrectly?
A: Yes. Sending AVAX from X-Chain directly to MetaMask risks permanent loss. Always move tokens to C-Chain first.
Q: Do I need a separate wallet for Avalanche?
A: No. You can use MetaMask as your primary Avalanche wallet after adding the network manually.
Q: Why isn’t my AVAX balance showing in MetaMask?
A: You may need to manually add AVAX as a token. In MetaMask, go to “Import Tokens” and search for AVAX using contract address 0xB31f66AA3C1e785363F0875A1B74E27b85FD66c7.
Q: Are there gas fees on Avalanche?
A: Yes, but they are typically less than $0.01—much lower than Ethereum.
Q: Can I stake AVAX through MetaMask?
A: Not directly. Use staking platforms like StakeWise or Benqi after connecting your MetaMask wallet.
Core Keywords
Throughout this guide, we’ve naturally integrated key SEO terms including: add avalanche to metamask, avalanche network, metamask avax, connect avalanche wallet, avax c-chain, send avax to metamask, evm-compatible blockchain, avalanche mainnet.
These ensure visibility across search engines while maintaining readability and user intent alignment.
With your MetaMask now connected to Avalanche, you're empowered to explore fast, affordable, and innovative Web3 applications. Whether you're swapping tokens, providing liquidity, or collecting NFTs, this integration unlocks new possibilities in decentralized finance.
👉 Start exploring EVM-compatible networks with a trusted crypto platform today.