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How to Add Polygon to MetaMask in Under 60 Seconds

Updated: May 29

MetaMask is a well-known digital wallet that makes managing your cryptocurrency assets straightforward. Acting as a bridge to the Ethereum blockchain, it allows users to engage seamlessly with decentralized applications (dApps). Yet, many newcomers are surprised to find that Polygon—an important layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum—does not come pre-configured in MetaMask. This absence can hinder new users from benefiting from Polygon's advantages, such as reduced transaction fees and faster processing times. In this guide, you will learn to add the Polygon network to your MetaMask wallet in less than a minute, enabling you to explore the numerous dApps available on this dynamic platform.


Understanding Polygon's Absence in MetaMask


The reason MetaMask defaults to the Ethereum Mainnet is that it is the most widely used blockchain. Consequently, other networks like Polygon and Binance Smart Chain are not included by default. This design choice aims to simplify the user experience in a rapidly changing landscape.


However, as the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem expands, gaining familiarity with integrating other networks is vital. Polygon, for instance, enhances user experiences by providing transactions that are up to 90% cheaper than Ethereum and processing times that can be under two seconds. These features make it an attractive option for users looking to optimize their cryptocurrency interactions.


Simple Steps to Manually Add the Polygon Network


Adding the Polygon network to your MetaMask wallet is a quick and easy process. Just follow these steps:


  1. Open MetaMask: Launch your MetaMask extension on your browser. Make sure you are logged into your account.


    • Network Name: Polygon

    • New RPC URL: https://Polygon-rpc.com

    • Chain ID: 137

    • Currency Symbol: MATIC

    • Block Explorer URL: https://polygonscan.com

  2. Access Network Settings: Click on the circular account icon at the top right of the MetaMask interface. From the dropdown list, select 'Settings'.


  3. Select Networks: In the Settings menu, find and click on 'Networks'.


  4. Add a Network: Press the 'Add Network' button to input the Polygon network details.


  5. Input Network Details: Fill in the fields as follows:


  6. Save the Network: After entering the information, click 'Save'. You should now see Polygon added to your MetaMask wallet!


By completing these steps, you can switch easily between Ethereum and Polygon networks, enhancing your interaction with dApps on either platform.


Integrating with Chainlist.org or OnPolygon.org


If you want an even simpler method, websites like Chainlist.org or OnPolygon.org let you connect to the Polygon network with just a few clicks. These user-friendly interfaces remove the need for manual data entry.


Adding via Chainlist.org:


  1. Visit Chainlist.org: Open your browser and head to Chainlist.org.


  2. Search for Polygon: Use the search bar to type “Polygon” and locate the network.


  3. Connect to MetaMask: Click the 'Connect' button.


  4. Approve the Network: MetaMask will ask you to add the network. Review the details and click 'Approve' to finish.


Using Chainlist.org can save you time and help you avoid mistakes from manual entry errors.


Adding via OnPolygon.org:


  1. Go to OnPolygon.org: Open your favorite browser and navigate to OnPolygon.org.


  2. Click ‘Add Polygon to MetaMask’: This button will start the process for automatically adding the network.


  3. Follow Prompts: MetaMask will show you the necessary details. Simply click 'Approve' to complete the addition.


Both platforms offer a simplified approach to connecting various networks to your wallet.


Funding Your Wallet with USDT on Polygon


After adding Polygon to your MetaMask wallet, the next step is to fund your wallet. Many users choose to use USDT (Tether), a stablecoin that is pegged to the US dollar, for its stability and convenience in transactions on the Polygon network.


Steps to Fund Your Wallet:


  1. Purchase USDT: If you don’t already have USDT, you can buy it on exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, or Kraken. Be sure to choose the option for the Polygon (MATIC) network if it's available.


  2. Withdraw to MetaMask: After purchasing, start a withdrawal from your exchange account. Choose the Polygon network in the withdrawal options and enter your MetaMask wallet address.


  3. Confirm the Transfer: Complete the transfer and wait for it to process. Transactions on the Polygon network usually take just a few minutes.


Once USDT is transferred successfully, you will be ready to explore the various dApps available on the Polygon network!


Discovering dApps (Quickswap, OpenSea, Aave)


With USDT in your wallet, you can dive into the exciting opportunities that the Polygon ecosystem offers. Here are a few popular dApps to consider:


1. Quickswap


Close-up view of a vibrant decentralized exchange interface
Close-up view of a vibrant decentralized exchange interface

Quickswap is a decentralized exchange (DEX) built on the Polygon network. It allows users to swap tokens quickly and efficiently. You can benefit from gas fees that are often less than 1% of those on Ethereum, enabling you to trade seamlessly.


2. OpenSea


OpenSea is the largest marketplace for non-fungible tokens (NFTs), offering a user-friendly interface for buying, selling, and trading digital art and collectibles. By using Polygon, you can experience significantly lower transaction costs while exploring a vast selection of NFTs.


3. Aave


Aave is well-known in the DeFi space as a leading lending and borrowing protocol. It has extended its services to the Polygon network, allowing users to lend their cryptocurrencies for interest or borrow assets against collateral, all with notably lower fees and quicker transaction times.


These examples illustrate just a fraction of the diverse dApps available on the Polygon network. Each platform presents unique opportunities for trading, earning, and engaging in the decentralized web.


Getting Started with Polygon on MetaMask


Adding the Polygon network to your MetaMask wallet is a crucial step for anyone keen to maximize the advantages of this layer-2 solution. Whether you're trading on Quickswap, exploring NFTs on OpenSea, or lending on Aave, every dApp opens doors to a world of decentralized finance.


By following these straightforward methods, you can set up Polygon in under 60 seconds and embark on your DeFi journey. Start today and unlock the full potential of the Polygon network on MetaMask!

 
 
 

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