Summary
MetaMask is a cryptocurrency wallet that can be downloaded on Chrome and Firefox as a browser extension or as an app on iOS and Android devices. It allows users to store and transfer digital currencies through a simple interface.
The MetaMask wallet allows users to interact with DeFi ecosystems on Ethereum and other blockchain networks, such as Binance Smart Chain, Polygon, and Avalanche. This guide will walk you through how to connect your MetaMask wallet to the Avalanche network.
If you are already using Avalanche Network, note that only the C Series wallet is compatible with the MetaMask wallet. So, to transfer AVAX from an Avalanche wallet, your tokens must be in your C-Series wallet. You can also transfer AVAX to a MetaMask wallet from a trading platform that has a built-in Series C wallet, such as Binance.
the introduction
To interact with the Avalanche blockchain and decentralized applications, you need a compatible cryptocurrency wallet, such as MetaMask. But before you can use Avalanche tokens in your MetaMask wallet, you must add the Avalanche network to your wallet. This guide will show you how to do that.
How to set up MetaMask wallet?
If you already have a MetaMask wallet, skip to the next section to learn how to connect your wallet to Avalanche and add AVAX tokens. If you don't have a MetaMask wallet yet, follow these steps to set it up.
1. Download and install the MetaMask extension on Chrome, iOS or Android browser through the official MetaMask website. Make sure you are using the official website before downloading the extension.
2. MetaMask's fox icon should appear on the welcome page after installation. Click [Start].
3. Click [Create Wallet] to create your own MetaMask wallet, or click [Import Wallet] to import an old wallet using the seed phrase.
4. You will be asked if you want to share anonymous usage data with MetaMask to help develop the extension. Regardless of your choice, this will not affect your use of MetaMask.
5. Now, create a secure password for your wallet.
6. Before starting, you need to backup the seed phrase of your wallet. This will allow you to recover your wallet if you lose access to your device or forget your password. If you are not familiar with how a cryptocurrency wallet works, be sure to watch the video and read the information. When you are ready, click [Next].
7. Next, you will get your seed phrase. Click to reveal the words and write them in the correct order. You should keep your seed phrase in a few secure offline locations, and never share it with anyone.
8. To make sure you back up the initial phrase correctly, you should repeat it by marking the words at the bottom in the correct order. Click [Confirm] to continue.
9. Your MetaMask wallet is now ready to use. Click [Done] to go to your wallet.
10. You can install your MetaMask wallet in your Chrome browser for easy access. Click the puzzle icon, then the pin icon next to [MetaMask] to pin it to the toolbar.
How to connect Avalanche to MetaMask wallet?
By default, the MetaMask wallet is connected to the Ethereum mainnet. To add Avalanche to your wallet, you must add its network details to the extension.
1. Open your wallet extension and click on the network drop-down menu.
2. Click [Add Network].
3. You will be redirected to the [Add Network] page. Copy and paste the following details, then click [Save].
4. Your MetaMask wallet is now connected to the Avalanche network.
How to send AVAX tokens to MetaMask wallet?
After connecting the Avalanche network, you can now send your Avalanche (AVAX) tokens from another Avalanche wallet to your MetaMask wallet.
There are three blockchains on the Avalanche Network: the trading platform chain (X-chain), the contract chain (C-chain), and the platform chain (P-chain).
Note that only Series C is compatible with the MetaMask wallet, which means you can only use Series C to transfer AVAX to your MetaMask wallet. So, be careful! If you select the wrong string, you may lose your tokens.
1. Log in to your Avalanche wallet and check where your AVAX tokens are by clicking on the [Balance] box at the top.
If your AVAX tokens are in a Series X wallet, you must transfer them to a Series C wallet before you can send them to a MetaMask wallet.
1.1. Click [Cross-Chain Interoperability] in the left menu bar.
1.2. Specify [string C] as the destination string. Next, enter the amount you wish to transfer from your Series X wallet, and click [Confirm]. Note that you will need to pay a small transaction fee.
2. Now, go to [Submit] in the left menu bar.
3. Select [C] as the source string. And enter the amount you want to send to the MetaMask wallet.
4. Now go to your MetaMask wallet and copy the address.
5. Go back to your Avalanche wallet, find the [Destination Address] field, and paste the MetaMask wallet address. Check the transfer fees on the network, and click [Confirm] to transfer. Once the transaction is confirmed, AVAX tokens will appear in your MetaMask wallet.
How to send AVAX tokens to Binance's MetaMask wallet?
You can also send AVAX tokens from the Binance trading platform to your MetaMask wallet.
1. Log in to your Binance account and go to [Wallet Overview]. Click [Withdraw].
2. Select [AVAX].
3. Go to your MetaMask wallet and copy the address.
4. Now, go back to Binance and paste your MetaMask address into the [Address] field. Then select the network and enter the transfer amount. Make sure you select a compatible network, otherwise you may lose your assets. Click [Withdraw] to continue.
5. You must confirm that you understand the potential risks associated with withdrawing assets before proceeding. Please read carefully and check the box before clicking [Confirm].
6. A pop-up window will appear containing the withdrawal details. You should check the details carefully before proceeding.
7. Next, you will be asked to verify your transfer using two-factor authentication devices. Click [Send], and the AVAX tokens will be sent to your MetaMask wallet.
Concluding thoughts
Although MetaMask was initially built for Ethereum, you can now use it across multiple blockchains, including Avalanche, Binance Smart Chain, Polygon, and others. Knowing how to add each network manually will allow you to explore different DeFi platforms and DApps for each blockchain, such as PancakeSwap, Uniswap, SushiSwap, and OpenSea.
