MetaMask stands as a premier decentralized cryptocurrency wallet, widely recognized as the most popular non-custodial wallet available today. While it natively supports the Ethereum blockchain, Ether (ETH), and ERC-20 tokens on the Ethereum Mainnet, you must manually add these assets to your wallet to view and manage them.
Beyond Ethereum, MetaMask is compatible with numerous Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatible networks and their respective tokens. However, to interact with tokens on these alternative blockchains, you must first configure the network and then manually add the token.
This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough for adding any custom token to your MetaMask wallet, covering both automatic and manual methods.
Why You Might Need to Add a Custom Token
You may need to add a token manually if it does not appear automatically in your wallet. This is common for newer tokens, tokens on less popular networks, or assets that are not yet listed on the aggregated community lists that MetaMask uses for its automatic detection feature.
Understanding how to manage your token visibility gives you full control over your digital asset portfolio.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding a Token
Method 1: Automatic Token Detection
MetaMask offers an experimental "Token Detection" feature that automatically finds and adds popular ERC-20 tokens already held in your wallet on the Ethereum Mainnet.
Step 1: Open and Unlock MetaMask
Launch the MetaMask browser extension by clicking its icon and enter your password to unlock your wallet.
Step 2: Ensure You Are on Ethereum Mainnet
The automatic feature only works on the Ethereum network. Click the network selector at the top of the extension and choose "Ethereum Mainnet" from the list.
Step 3: Enable Token Detection
Click your account profile icon and select Settings. Navigate to the "Experimental" tab and toggle the "Use Token Detection" switch to the ON position.
Step 4: Refresh Your Token List
Return to the main wallet view. Scroll down and click Refresh List. MetaMask will now scan your wallet and automatically add detected tokens.
Note: This method only works for tokens you already own on the Ethereum network. If a token isn't detected, it may not be on a supported community list or you may not yet hold a balance.
Method 2: Manual Token Import
The manual method is the most reliable way to add any token, on any supported network, to your MetaMask wallet. It requires the token's contract address.
Step 1: Find the Token’s Contract Address
The contract address is a unique identifier for the token on its native blockchain. You can find it on reputable data aggregators like CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko, or directly on a blockchain explorer like Etherscan (for Ethereum) or BscScan (for BNB Smart Chain).
- Navigate to a site like CoinMarketCap.
- Search for the token by name.
- On the token's page, locate the contract address listed under the "Info" section.
- Click the copy icon to copy the address to your clipboard. Ensure you copy the correct address for the network you are using (e.g., Ethereum vs. BSC).
👉 Explore more strategies for verifying contract addresses
Step 2: Switch to the Correct Network in MetaMask
The token will only appear correctly if you are on its native network. Use the network selector at the top of your MetaMask wallet to choose the appropriate blockchain (e.g., Ethereum Mainnet, Polygon Mainnet, BNB Smart Chain). If the network is not listed, you will need to add it first.
Step 3: Initiate the Import Process
On your wallet's main asset screen, scroll to the bottom and click Import tokens.
Step 4: Add the Token Using the Contract Address
- Switch to the "Custom Token" tab.
- Paste the contract address you copied into the "Token Contract Address" field.
- The "Token Symbol" and "Token Decimal" fields should populate automatically.
- Click Add Custom Token.
- On the confirmation screen, click Import Tokens.
The token and your balance will now be visible in your wallet.
How to Add a Token on the MetaMask Mobile App
The process on the mobile app is very similar to the desktop extension.
- Copy the Contract Address: Obtain the correct contract address for your token and network from a trusted source.
- Select the Network: Tap the network name at the top of the app's home screen and ensure the correct network is selected.
- Start Importing: On the asset screen, tap Import Tokens.
- Paste the Address: Tap the "Custom Token" tab, paste the contract address, and wait for the details to auto-fill.
- Complete the Import: Tap Import to add the token to your wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I see my token after adding it?
First, double-check that you are on the correct network for that token. If the network is correct, confirm that you used the precise contract address. Even a single wrong character will prevent the token from appearing correctly.
Is it safe to add any custom token?
Adding a token itself is safe and does not grant any permissions to spend your assets. However, you must always ensure you are using a legitimate contract address from a verified source. Adding a malicious address will only show incorrect information in your wallet.
What is the difference between adding a token and adding a network?
Adding a network (like Polygon or BSC) configures your wallet to connect to that specific blockchain. Adding a token makes a specific asset on an already-added network visible in your wallet's interface. You need to do both to interact with a token on a new network.
Why doesn't the automatic detection feature find all my tokens?
The automatic feature relies on community-maintained lists of known tokens. Newer, less common, or fraudulent tokens will not be on these lists and must be added manually.
Do I need to add a token to receive it?
No. If someone sends a token to your MetaMask wallet address on the correct network, you will receive it even if it's not visibly listed. Manually adding the token simply allows you to view, send, and manage it within the interface.
What should I do if the token decimal doesn't auto-populate?
If the token details do not auto-fill after pasting the contract address, it may indicate an incorrect address or a problem with the token contract itself. Triple-check the address against a reliable source.
Key Takeaways and Final Tips
Adding custom tokens is an essential skill for any MetaMask user navigating the multi-chain world of cryptocurrency. The automatic detection feature offers convenience for Ethereum-based assets, while the manual method using a contract address provides universal compatibility across all EVM networks.
Always prioritize security by rigorously verifying contract addresses before importing them. This simple practice protects you from scams and ensures you are interacting with the genuine digital asset.
With this knowledge, you can confidently manage your entire portfolio of digital assets within your MetaMask wallet.