Adding BSC Chain to Metamask: A Comprehensive Guide
In today's digital age, cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology have become an integral part of our lives. Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency created on a decentralized blockchain, but it led to the development of other blockchains for different purposes, such as Ethereum's for smart contracts and Binance Smart Chain (BSC) for faster transaction times. BSC is one of the most popular altcoins in existence today, allowing users to quickly access their favorite DeFi projects without worrying about high gas fees or slow transactions on the Ethereum network.
One of the primary ways to interact with these blockchains and cryptocurrencies is through a digital wallet that can hold multiple types of assets across different networks. Metamask is an open-source, multi-chain cryptocurrency wallet accessible via desktop browsers, mobile apps, and hardware wallets that enables users to send and receive cryptocurrencies on various blockchain networks.
In this article, we will guide you step by step through the process of adding the Binance Smart Chain (BSC) network to your Metamask wallet so you can access BSC-based tokens like BNB or BUSD. By the end of this tutorial, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of how to set up and configure your Metamask for seamless interaction with the Binance Smart Chain ecosystem.
Step 1: Installing Metamask
First off, ensure that you have Metamask installed on your browser or device. If it is not installed yet, follow these steps:
For desktop browsers: Download and install MetaMask from their official website (https://metamask.io/). After installation, open a new tab in any web browser, navigate to a Dapp (decentralized application) like PancakeSwap or Binance Smart Chain Explorer, and click the "Metamask" icon that appears at the top-right corner of your screen when you hover over the address bar. This will prompt Metamask for permission to access your personal data; give it permission by clicking "Allow."
For mobile devices: Download MetaMask from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android), and follow similar steps as above on a mobile browser.
Step 2: Initial Setup
Once Metamask is installed, you will be greeted by your wallet's initial setup page. Here are the basic steps to create an account for Binance Smart Chain:
1. Create or Select Wallet: Choose "Create New Account" if you have not used MetaMask before, otherwise select the relevant existing account from the drop-down menu.
2. Backup Your Keystore: To ensure you can recover your wallet in case of loss, backup your keystore file by clicking on the "Show Advanced Options" button and then selecting "Export Wallet Keystore." Store it securely but safely and remember not to share it with anyone else.
3. Choose a Password: Set a strong password for your MetaMask account. This is crucial because it serves as an extra layer of security.
4. Create Backup Phrase: Click on "Show Recovery Phrase" and write down the 12-word backup phrase in order. Keep this safe; you'll need it to recover your wallet if lost or stolen.
5. Agree to Terms: Agree to MetaMask's terms of service by clicking "I Agree."
6. Finish Setup: Now, click on the "Done" button and close out of any other windows. You are now ready to access your newly created account across different devices and browsers.
Step 3: Adding BSC Chain
Now that you're set up in MetaMask, it's time to add the Binance Smart Chain (BSC) network for interaction with its ecosystem of DApps and tokens. Follow these steps:
1. Open Metamask: Open a new tab or window in your web browser and load Metamask.
2. Select Network: Click on "Network" located at the top right side of the MetaMask UI, then click "Add Network" from the dropdown menu.
3. Enter Details for BSC: Enter the following details:
Name: Binance Smart Chain Mainnet
Chain ID (RPC URL): 97
Network: Binance Smart Chain
4. Done Adding Network: Once you've entered all this information, click "Save" in MetaMask to finish adding the network.
5. Switch to Network: Now, open any BSC DApp like PancakeSwap or Quickswap. You should see the new BSC chain listed when clicking on the “Network” button again. Select it and you will be connected to the Binance Smart Chain mainnet ready for use.
Conclusion
By following this guide, you've successfully added the Binance Smart Chain (BSC) network to your MetaMask wallet. Now, you can engage with a wide range of decentralized applications and tokens on the BSC platform. Remember, it is crucial to keep your wallet secure by using strong passwords, protecting your recovery phrase, and not sharing your private keys or keystore files with anyone else. With this step-by-step guide, you're now ready to explore the exciting world of Binance Smart Chain (BSC) through MetaMask!