How to connect the Avalanche network to MetaMask?

One of the main features advanced in blockchain technology is interoperability, the art of different blockchains communicating with each other. Interoperability is essential when it comes to exchanging data and assets such as non-fungible tokens (NFT) or cryptocurrencies while enjoying the best of two or more platforms to save on fees, for example, or trade faster.

The Avalanche blockchain is an interoperable, versatile platform and cryptocurrency network that addresses scalability, security and decentralization issues with a unique proof-of-stake (PoS) governance type. It was developed by Ava Labs, a New York-based research and development company, to launch decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain applications for businesses.

It is powered by its native token, AVAX, and has smart contract functionality that puts it in direct competition with Ethereum. The PoS platform’s smart contracts primarily support decentralized applications (DApps) and autonomous blockchains with fast transaction processing times, a reward structure that incentivizes participation, and advanced interoperability.

Avalanche interaction with Ethereum and its DeFi ecosystems is facilitated by the crypto wallet MetaMask, a software used by as many as 10 million people. It can be downloaded as a browser extension on Chrome and Firefox or as an iOS and Android mobile phone app. Before interacting with Ethereum’s blockchain and DApps, users need to add the Avalanche network to their MetaMask wallet, and this guide will show them how to do that.

How to set up MetaMask?

MetaMask is a cryptocurrency wallet that allows users to connect to DApps in addition to storing Ether (ETH) and ERC-20 tokens. Connecting MetaMask to Avalanche allows AVAX users to enjoy all DApps Ethereum has to offer without leaving the Avalanche network. The Avalanche interoperability also makes the network more accessible for developers to build upon since it shares its smart contract programming language, Solidity, with Ethereum.

It should be noted that there are three blockchains on the Avalanche network: Exchange Chain (X-Chain), Contract Chain (C-Chain) and Platform Chain (P-Chain).

The Avalanche X chain’s primary use is to send and receive AVAX and cannot be used on Web3 platforms or added to Web3 wallets such as MetaMask. The P chain is the metadata blockchain on Avalanche that coordinates validators, keeps track of active subnets – sovereign networks that define their own rules regarding membership and tokenomics – and enables the creation of new subnets.

Only Avalanche standard smart contract C-Chain wallet is compatible with MetaMask, an important piece of information to keep in mind, since if you choose the wrong chain when adding Avalanche to MetaMask, you may lose your coins.

Therefore, to transfer AVAX from an Avalanche wallet, a user’s tokens must be in the C-Chain wallet or use an exchange wallet integrated with C-Chain, such as Binance. If the token does not reside on the C chain, it can easily be transferred internally from one of the other two Avalanche blockchains by paying a small transaction fee.

MetaMask can be added as an extension to Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Brave browser and iOS or Android on mobile from the MetaMask website; However, in this article, the Chrome extension will be reviewed.

Users must verify the legitimacy of the MetaMask website to avoid being tricked by scams and compromised websites. It is highly recommended to download the correct extension from the official website.

From the MetaMask website, click “Download for Chrome” and “Add to Chrome” to add the extension. Additional steps are listed below:

1. Install the MetaMask Chrome extension and click “Get Started” on the MetaMask welcome page.
2. You can import your existing cryptocurrency wallet, but you must enter your wallet’s seed phrase; then click on “Import Wallet”.
3. You can also set up a new wallet by clicking the “Create a wallet” button. Here you need to create a secure password to access the wallet from your device.
4. Important information about your seed set will be displayed on the next page and you must pay special attention to it. The seed phrase, or recovery phrase, is a crucial security feature and backup for your cryptocurrency wallet. It will allow you to access your token wallet even if you lose or forget your password.
5. Then click the lock button to see the seed set. Note the words in the correct order, store them safely offline, and never share them with anyone. Your assets could be at risk if someone compromises your device and gains access to your seed phrase.
6. The system will ask you to repeat the seeding on the next page; make sure you choose the words in the correct order.
7. Click “Confirm” to complete and then “All Done” to access your new wallet.

The process described above will connect MetaMask to Ethereum automatically. However, you will need to complete the steps highlighted below to add the Avalanche network to MetaMask.

How to set up the Avalanche network on MetaMask?

Connecting MetaMask to Avalanche is a fairly straightforward process. After logging into the MetaMask wallet, click on the Ethereum mainnet drop-down menu and select Custom RPC, as shown below.

You will be redirected to the “Add a network” page, where you will need to add the following information:

You can see the “Add a Network” requirements for using MetaMask on Avalanche here:

Click “Save” to complete the process. You are now ready to use MetaMask on Avalanche and all its DeFi and Web3 applications.

How to send AVAX tokens to MetaMask?

After connecting the Avalanche network to MetaMask, you can send your AVAX coins from an Avalanche wallet to the MetaMask wallet. Remember that only the C chain is compatible with MetaMask.

1. Log into your Avalanche wallet and transfer tokens to the C-Chain blockchain if they are on the P or X-Chain blockchains.
2. Just click on “Cross Chain” on the left menu bar and select “C-Chain” as the destination chain.
3. Enter the amount you wish to transfer and click “Confirm”. A small transaction fee will be added to the final amount.
4. You can now send your AVAX coins to MetaMask by clicking “Send” from the left menu.
   
5. Select “C Contract” as the source chain and enter the amount you want to send to MetaMask.
   
6. Now go to your MetaMask wallet and copy the address, which you paste into the Avalanche wallet in the “To Address” field.
   
7. Check if you have enough gas for the transaction fee.
8. Confirm and complete the transaction.
9. Once the transaction is confirmed, you will be able to see the AVAX coins in your MetaMask wallet.

What other wallets are compatible with Avalanche?

MetaMask is surely the versatile DeFi wallet for running smart contracts and DApps; However, AVAX can be transferred, stored, staked and exchanged in other cold and hot wallets. With over 90 million verified users worldwide, the Coinbase wallet is a secure and easy-to-use hot wallet to exchange, earn and store AVAX. Security is enhanced through the software’s two-factor authentication, making it a safe wallet to use for both beginners and advanced users.

Trust Wallet is another hot wallet that supports all DeFi applications including NFT storage, Web3 functions, staking, exchange and purchase. It supports Avalanche C-Chain in addition to many other blockchains so that DApps can easily connect to AVAX. This hot wallet is one of the most used among Web3 enthusiasts due to its user-friendly interface and versatility.

Ledger Nano S or X cold wallets both support Avalanche, and users can access and store their AVAX tokens through any Avalanche chain address. Cold wallets are recommended over hot wallets, as the private keys to access the cryptocurrency are stored offline on a hardware device, making it difficult for hackers and malicious actors to steal them.