How to Display Tokens in MetaMask

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Managing digital assets effectively begins with visibility—and in the world of decentralized finance (DeFi), seeing your tokens clearly in your wallet is crucial. MetaMask, one of the most widely used cryptocurrency wallets, supports a broad range of tokens, especially those built on standards like ERC-20. However, not all tokens appear automatically in your wallet interface. This guide walks you through how to display, add, and manage tokens in MetaMask—whether they're automatically detected or need to be added manually.

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Understanding Token Visibility in MetaMask

By default, MetaMask displays standard ERC-20 tokens that you own on supported networks such as Ethereum, Polygon, BNB Smart Chain, and others. While MetaMask doesn’t maintain an official whitelist of approved tokens, it enables users to view and interact with any valid ERC-20 token they hold.

Due to the vast number of tokens across various blockchains, not every token will show up immediately. Fortunately, MetaMask offers multiple methods for displaying hidden or unsupported tokens:

Let’s explore each method in detail.

Enhanced Token Detection

Enhanced token detection is a powerful feature that automatically identifies tokens held in your wallet address and adds them to your asset list. This functionality is available on major networks including:

For new users, this setting is typically enabled by default. Existing users can activate it by following these steps:

  1. Open MetaMask and click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.
  2. Navigate to Settings > Security & Privacy.
  3. Toggle on "Enhanced Token Detection."

Once activated, return to your assets page and refresh if needed. Most missing tokens should now appear.

Note: Standard token detection operates on Ethereum regardless of this setting. Enhanced detection simply extends the feature to additional networks.

While convenient, always remain cautious when unknown tokens appear. Scammers sometimes exploit this feature to display fake or malicious tokens.

Manually Adding Tokens via Search

If automatic detection fails, you can manually import tokens using MetaMask’s built-in search function.

Steps to Add a Token Using Search:

  1. Go to the Tokens tab in your wallet.
  2. Scroll down and click "Import tokens."
  3. Use the search bar to type in the token name (e.g., “DAI”).
  4. Select the correct token from the suggestions.
  5. Click Next, then Import.

The token will now appear in your wallet. Make sure you're on the correct network—switch using the network selector at the top if necessary.

⚠️ If your token doesn’t show up in search results, it may not be listed in community-curated token databases. In such cases, you’ll need to add a custom token using its contract address.

How to Hide Tokens

You can clean up your wallet view by hiding unwanted or spam tokens.

To hide a token:

  1. Go to the Tokens tab.
  2. Tap the token you want to hide.
  3. Click the three dots in the top-right corner.
  4. Select "Hide."

Hidden tokens can be restored later by re-importing them.

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Adding Custom Tokens Manually

For tokens not found in search—especially newly launched or niche projects—you can add them manually using their contract address.

Steps to Add a Custom Token:

  1. From the Tokens tab, click "Import tokens."
  2. Switch to the "Custom Token" tab.
  3. Select the correct network where the token exists.
  4. Paste the token contract address into the designated field.
  5. The token symbol and decimals should auto-fill—if they don’t, verify the address.
  6. Click Import.

Finding the Token Contract Address

To locate a token’s contract address:

🚨 Warning: If someone claims to have sent you tokens but cannot provide either:

…it’s likely a scam. Never trust unsolicited token drops.

Using Block Explorers to Add Tokens

Most major block explorers support direct integration with MetaMask.

Example Using Etherscan:

  1. Visit Etherscan.io (or equivalent for other chains).
  2. Search for the token name.
  3. On the token’s page, click "More" → "Add Token to MetaMask (Web3)."
  4. Confirm the prompt in your MetaMask extension.

This method ensures accuracy since block explorers display verified contract data.

Adding Tokens via Coin Listing Sites

Platforms like CoinGecko and CoinMarketCap allow one-click token imports into MetaMask.

How It Works:

  1. Search for your desired token on CoinGecko or CoinMarketCap.
  2. Locate the contract address section.
  3. Click the MetaMask fox icon next to it.
  4. Confirm the addition in your wallet.

📌 Important: On MetaMask Mobile, use the in-app browser for seamless integration. External browsers won’t trigger wallet connections properly.

Additionally, these sites often let you choose which network (e.g., Ethereum, Polygon) to add the token on—just click the three dots next to the address.

Using MetaMask Portfolio for Unified Tracking

MetaMask Portfolio is an official tool that aggregates your balances across multiple chains. Upon connecting your wallet, it automatically detects most of your tokens without requiring manual imports.

It’s ideal for users managing assets across several networks and looking for a clean, centralized dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why aren’t my tokens showing up in MetaMask?
A: Tokens may not appear due to disabled enhanced detection, incorrect network settings, or lack of listing in community databases. Try enabling detection or importing manually via contract address.

Q: Is it safe to add unknown tokens to my wallet?
A: Exercise caution. Only add tokens from trusted sources. Malicious tokens can mimic real ones and lead to phishing attempts or loss of funds.

Q: Can I get scammed by just viewing a fake token?
A: Simply viewing a token doesn’t compromise your wallet—but interacting with it (e.g., approving transactions) does. Never approve unknown contracts.

Q: What happens if I import a wrong contract address?
A: You’ll see incorrect balance data or no balance at all. No funds are at risk unless you send assets to that address or approve spending.

Q: Does adding a token cost gas?
A: No—importing a token is free. Gas fees only apply when sending or swapping tokens.

Q: Can I use MetaMask Mobile to add tokens from websites?
A: Yes—but only through the in-app browser. External browsers cannot communicate with your mobile wallet securely.

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By mastering these methods, you gain full control over how your tokens are displayed and managed in MetaMask—enhancing both usability and security in your Web3 journey.