Short answer: MetaMask is built around Ethereum and EVM-compatible chains. It supports Ethereum out of the box and can connect to most EVM-compatible networks (including Layer 2s) via built-in options or by adding a custom RPC. It does not natively support non-EVM chains like Solana or Cardano (except via experimental plugins or bridging). I’ve been using this setup daily and I’ll explain how it behaves, what you can safely add, and where you’ll hit limits.
MetaMask is a non-custodial software wallet that speaks Ethereum's JSON-RPC API. That matters. If a blockchain implements the same RPC interface and account model (EVM-compatible), MetaMask can usually talk to it by adding the right network settings.
In my experience, that makes day-to-day DeFi work predictable: same address, different networks, different assets.
Which networks does MetaMask support out of the box? Ethereum mainnet is the default. Testnets and a few popular L2s may appear depending on your app version. Most other EVM-compatible chains (Polygon, BSC, Avalanche, Fantom, etc.) are added via the Add Network flow.
How to add a custom network (step by step):
(If you prefer a click-through option, see the dedicated guide on adding a custom network: [/add-custom-network].)
And remember: always copy RPC and Chain ID from the network’s official docs or a trusted source.
L2s like Arbitrum and Optimism and zk-rollups such as zkSync Era are EVM-compatible (or EVM-like) and therefore can be added to MetaMask. The experience varies:
MetaMask will show gas fees in the network’s native token. For L2s you typically pay much lower gas. But bridging into and out of L2s can take time (and sometimes fees). Link to practical L2 instructions: [/layer2] and [/add-optimism-arbitrum].
Which blockchains does MetaMask support? Short: EVM-compatible ones. Which ones it does not support? Solana, Cardano, Bitcoin, XRP Ledger, Stellar and many others that do not use the Ethereum JSON-RPC interface are not natively supported.
Will MetaMask support Solana or Cardano? Not natively. There are experimental projects and "Snaps" that attempt to extend MetaMask to other architectures, but these are not production-level replacements for native Solana or Cardano wallets. If you use Solana-first dApps or staking, use a wallet built for that chain (see /solana-tron-near).
But you can still interact with wrapped versions of non-EVM tokens that exist on EVM chains (wrapped SOL, wrapped XLM, etc.), and MetaMask will handle those as ERC-20-like tokens once bridged.
Both MetaMask extension and MetaMask mobile allow adding and switching networks. Differences to expect:
If you rely on dApp browsers on mobile, you’ll often use WalletConnect to link MetaMask to mobile sites — see [/walletconnect-and-mobile-browser].
Adding networks is convenient. But it has risks.
Practical rules: only add networks using official docs, double-check Chain IDs and RPC URLs, and avoid approving TXs you don’t understand. For a deeper security checklist, see [/security-best-practices] and [/revoke-approvals].
| Network category | Example chains | MetaMask support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethereum mainnet | Ethereum | Default | Native, fully supported |
| Popular L2s | Arbitrum, Optimism, zkSync Era | Yes (built-in or custom RPC) | Add network, bridge funds to L2 |
| EVM-compatible chains | Polygon, BSC, Avalanche, Fantom | Yes (custom RPC) | Same address across chains; tokens are chain-specific |
| Non-EVM chains | Solana, Cardano, Bitcoin, XRP Ledger | No native support | Possible wrapped tokens or experimental Snaps; use native wallets for full features |
Who should use MetaMask for multi-chain work:
Who should look elsewhere:
Q: What network does MetaMask support? A: MetaMask natively supports Ethereum and lets you add most EVM-compatible networks via Add Network (custom RPC). It does not natively support non-EVM chains like Solana or Cardano.
Q: What networks does MetaMask support for zkSync (zksync wallet metamask)? A: zkSync Era is EVM-compatible; you can add it to MetaMask via its RPC details and bridge funds into zkSync. Check the official zkSync docs and add the chain safely.
Q: Which MetaMask network supports HEX crypto? A: HEX is an ERC-20 token on Ethereum. Use Ethereum mainnet in MetaMask and add HEX by contract address (see [/tokens-management]). If you see HEX deployed to other EVM chains, you must add the corresponding token contract on that chain.
Q: Will MetaMask support Solana or Cardano? A: Not natively. There are experimental plugins and community projects, but for full Solana or Cardano support use a native wallet designed for those chains.
Q: Will MetaMask support ETH Merge or ETH POW? A: MetaMask follows network chains. It supported Ethereum after the Merge. If a separate ETH POW chain exists, you can add it as a custom network if a public RPC and Chain ID are available — but it’s not provided by default.
Q: Is it safe to keep crypto in a hot wallet? A: Hot wallets are convenient but carry higher exposure to phishing, device compromise and social engineering. For serious amounts, use hardware wallets and practice good seed phrase hygiene (see [/backup-and-recovery-options]).
Q: How do I revoke token approvals? A: MetaMask’s UI shows connected sites; revoking token allowances often requires a token-approval tool or block explorer contract interaction. See our step-by-step guide [/revoke-approvals].
Q: What happens if I lose my phone? A: Losing a device doesn’t mean losing funds if you have your seed phrase safely backed up. Use your seed phrase to restore on a new device (see [/restore-wallet] and [/backup-and-recovery-options]).
MetaMask is a practical, EVM-first hot wallet for users who spend most of their time in Ethereum-based DeFi and Layer 2s. It gives you flexibility (custom RPCs, L2 access) while keeping the same key/address across supported chains. But don’t assume cross-chain means cross-safety — verify RPCs, understand bridges, and keep larger balances in hardware wallets.
Ready to add a network or connect to an L2? Start with the step-by-step guides: [/add-custom-network], [/layer2], and [/walletconnect-and-mobile-browser]. If you need help managing tokens across chains, see [/tokens-management] or review security steps at [/security-best-practices].
But one last thing: check the official network docs before you paste any RPC URLs. Your name and funds depend on it.