Getting Started With MetaMask on Polygon

Updated 2/26/2024

MetaMask is a widely used crypto wallet app and browser extension that enables users to interact with Web3 projects. In just a few simple steps, anyone can set up a MetaMask wallet and begin exploring the Polygon ecosystem.

There are tens of thousands of dApps (decentralized applications) running across the Polygon Proof-of-Stake (PoS) network. With the ecosystem explorer, you can browse projects across all Polygon protocols (including Polygon zkEVM) and select what's right for you. There's a lot to see, so let’s get you started!

Setting Up

If you don't already have MetaMask, setting one up is a breeze:

1. MetaMask is available to download and install on a variety of platforms, with two main flavors: desktop browser (Chrome, Firefox, Brave, and Microsoft Edge) and mobile (iOS and Android). Select the one that’s right for you from the official website.
2. After you've downloaded and installed the extension or app, launch and click 'Get Started.'
3. If this is your first time creating a MetaMask wallet, click the 'Create a Wallet' button. You can also use a Secret Recovery Phrase to import your existing MetaMask wallet.
4. In order to improve MetaMask, you have the option of sharing anonymous usage data with MetaMask. This can be turned off at any time by going to Settings and unchecking the box.
5. Create a password. MetaMask will then share with you your Secret Recovery Phrase, which serves as the master key to your wallet and will let you regain access to your account if you lose the password.
6. Click 'Next' to see your 12-word seed phrase. Verify it by selecting each word in the correct sequence. Click "Confirm."
7. We recommend that users keep their seed phrase offline and in a secure location. Sharing it with someone is the same as handing over your wallet.
8. You've now completed the setup process for your MetaMask wallet. Click 'All Done.'

Connecting to Polygon

MetaMask is set up for use on Ethereum by default. You will need to connect the Polygon network first.

Connect Manually

1. On mobile, click the hamburger icon in the top left. Go to Settings and scroll down to Networks. On the browser, the network selection window is usually in the top right.

On desktop, simply click the 'Add network' button under the drop-down network menu at the top right corner. Refer to the below screenshot:

2. Click "Add network" and fill in the following information:

• Network Name: Polygon Mainnet
• New RPC URL: https://polygon-rpc.com
• Chain ID: 137
• Currency Symbol: MATIC
• Block Explorer URL: https://polygonscan.com

3. Click “Save.”
4. You are now connected to Polygon PoS!

Connect Automatically

1. On polygonscan, go to the bottom of the page, and click  "Add Polygon Network."
2. A MetaMask notification will appear. Click “Approve” to proceed.
3. In the network dropdown list, you'll go straight to Polygon PoS Mainnet.
4. Done!

Adding Assets

You will need to manually add tokens other than MATIC if you want them to be visible in the wallet UI. Be aware that tokens that haven't been imported yet can still be sent to your wallet's address:

1. Whether you are on the browser or mobile app, there is a link to “Import Tokens” on the bottom of the screen.

2. You can use the search field to find your token and import it.
3. If you are the hands-on type or the token you are adding is new or exotic, there is the manual way. On the Import Tokens page of the wallet, go to Custom Token.
4. You will need to find the Token Contract Address. The best way is to follow links from the project’s official site to polygonscan and look at the Contract field. You can also use a reputable price source like CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko to look up your token and change the network to Polygon in the Contract section of the description.

5. MetaMask should automatically fill in the rest of the information after you've copied the token's contract address into the form. If it doesn’t, give it a name and the number of digits after the decimal point you want to be displayed (“2” to see “$15.99”) and click Add Custom Token.
6. You should now be able to see the token's balance in your wallet.

Remember: never share your seed phrase and be aware of scammers. You are solely responsible for your wallet and no third-party can help you recover it. With that in mind, have fun exploring the Polygon ecosystem! 

Tune into our blog for the latest explainers and news from the Polygon ecosystem.

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