MetaMask as a wallet and browser extension is fully compatible with any ERC-20 standard token. By now, you’ve probably loaded your new account with ETH, poked around the Metaverse, and began trading for other well-known ERC-20 tokens. As you slither further and further down the rabbit hole, you may want add custom tokens attached to niche projects to your wallet.
🚨 Please do your research before adding any token to your MetaMask wallet. As anyone can create an ERC-20 token, only interact with reputable projects.
What should you do when you can’t find your custom token in the drop-down list?
You may have noticed that MetaMask’s token list isn’t exhaustive (a total of 387,972 ERC-20 tokens and 10,603 ERC-721 tokens have been minted on Ethereum.) Don’t fret. You can still add tokens that don’t automatically appear in the provided search list. This tutorial will explain two easy ways to add custom tokens to your MetaMask wallet.
Adding Custom Tokens to MetaMask Wallet from Etherscan
MetaMask displays your ERC20 standard tokens on your account page. During this demo, I have .0125 ETH and 12 SAI in my account.
- Open your in-app browser
- Go to Etherscan
- Search for your custom token
- Scroll down and retrieve the token’s contract address
- Go back to your wallet
- Select “Add Token”
MetaMask automatically updates the “token symbol” and “tokens of precision” - Viola! Your custom token should appear in your wallet alongside your other tokens.
Adding Custom Tokens to MetaMask Wallet Using CoinGecko
Another way to add tokens to your wallet is by using CoinGecko. Head to the browser, search for your custom token, click on the Fox head logo, and it will be added to your wallet.
- Open your in-app browser
- Search CoinGecko
- Search for your custom token
- Scroll down and retrieve the token’s contract address
- Click the MetaMask fox logo
- Select “Add Token.”
- Your custom token should appear in your wallet alongside your other tokens.
Using MetaMask’s Token Detection Feature
MetaMask’s newest token detection enhancement is available for you to have a more comprehensive look at your wallet. By aggregating community-built lists, we aim to take a step in the right direction toward dynamic token detection that is moredecentralizedandsecure. Our new feature can auto-detect tokens featured on two or more token lists.
This feature is off by default, is currently experimental, and is only available on Ethereum Mainnet. You can enable this feature by going to “Settings” and toggling it on. In both the mobile app and desktop extension, you can find this under “Experimental.”
Once enabled, you should see a more complete set of the tokens in your wallet that have non-zero balances.
Voila! Enjoy the view of all of your ERC-20 tokens in your MetaMask Wallet. Check out 100+ apps that you can use right now.
ProTips:
🦊🦊🦊🦊 Create as many accounts as you’d like on MetaMask, but beware… you cannot delete them. Consider naming your accounts to help you remember their specific use.
Having several accounts is a pretty good practice. When Airdrops occur, they occur by accounts, not by identity. An airdrop is when a protocol gives out free tokens worth money. For example, when UniSwap issued an airdrop, some people with multiple accounts received tokens worth several thousands of dollars.
🐦 Create a new account if you plan on posting it on Twitter for possible Airdrops. Sharing your public address is equivalent to sharing your home address—sharing it with friends is fine, but posting it on Twitter would be unwise. Create a new account to take advantage of incredible airdrop possibilities.
🤙🏾 If you have lost your seed phrase, move your tokens to a new wallet with a new seed phrase ASAP. Someone could find your seed phrase written on a napkin in your junk drawer, reload your MetaMask account, and send all of your funds to their wallet. You can’t reset your seed phrase for technical reasons. So, if you’ve lost possession of your seed phrase, consider your digital assets in grave danger. You will need to create a new MetaMask Wallet and then send your digital assets to that vault as soon as possible. This means having two MetaMask Wallets at once.
To do this, you can either use a second browser (Firefox vs. Chrome) or if your browser supports “profiles”, each profile gets its own extensions. So you can have two different MetaMasks open on two different windows. Once you have a new profile in your browser, you can install the MetaMask extension on that profile, and then set up a fresh wallet. From there, you will want to create as many accounts as you want, copy their addresses, and then go back to your old vault and get to sending out all the assets you can.
☝🏾 Your tokens in your Ethereum Main Network wallet will not appear on any of the test networks. Only (valueless) test net tokens will appear on test nets. If you don’t see your ERC-20 tokens in your wallet, don’t freak out. Check to make sure you are on the Ethereum Main Network.
Series Disclaimer:
This series article is intended for general guidance and information purposes only for beginners participating in cryptocurrencies and DeFi. The contents of this article are not to be construed as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult with your advisors for all legal, business, investment, and tax implications and advice. ConsenSys is not responsible for any lost funds. Please use your best judgment and practice due diligence before interacting with smart contracts.
