If you searched for "metamask wallet showing 0 balance" or "metamask wallet not showing tokens," try this quick list first. These fixes resolve most problems in under five minutes.
And yes, most of the time you’ll find the token on the other network. Simple, but common.
Below are the usual root causes. I break them down like a mechanic — cause first, then the tools you need.
MetaMask is multi-chain but it shows balances per network. If you're on Ethereum Mainnet you won't see tokens held on Polygon, BSC, Avalanche, or Layer 2s. Also, a misbehaving RPC node (your provider) can return stale data so the UI shows 0.
MetaMask lets you create multiple accounts. The address in the UI must match the address that holds the tokens. (I've sent assets to the wrong account before — learn from my mistake.)
Token contracts don't auto-appear always. If a token is new or custom, MetaMask may not list it. Users also accidentally hide tokens from the UI.
You might have bridged tokens to a different chain, used a Layer 2 swap, or deposited via a dApp that operates on an L2. If you don't switch networks, MetaMask looks empty.
Public RPCs get overloaded. When that happens balances don't update and transactions appear stuck or missing.
Less common but real: a malicious RPC or tricked dApp can change display behavior, or a token contract may have changed (moved liquidity, renaming, burn). If a token contract has had a major change, balances could appear zero because the token no longer exists at that address.
But don't panic. Most cases are simple fixes.
Follow this order. It saves time.
(If you don't know which explorer to use, check the chain dropdown in MetaMask to determine the network.)
Why this matters: tokens live on chains. Switch chains and the UI will show them.
Read more on token handling at token-management and a step-by-step import guide at how-to-import-token.
See extension-troubleshooting and mobile-sync-troubleshooting for device-specific steps.
I once swapped tokens on an L2 and then couldn't find them on the extension. The fix was switching to the L2 network and adding the token contract. Another time, a custom RPC I was pointed to returned empty balances — switching to a public RPC fixed it immediately.
Other advanced checks:
Don't paste your seed phrase anywhere. Ever. If you suspect a malicious RPC or dApp asked you to change settings, disconnect and revoke approvals. You can revoke approvals from your dApp history or use the guide at revoke-approvals.
If a dApp prompted a custom token import, verify the contract address on-chain. Scammers will send fake tokens with misleading names.
For phishing and scams, consult phishing-scams-and-email-frauds.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Quick fix |
|---|---|---|
| metamask wallet showing 0 balance | Wrong network / RPC | Switch network or change RPC (see add-custom-network) |
| metamask wallet not showing tokens | Token not imported or hidden | "Import Token" with contract address (how-to-import-token) |
| metamask coins missing after swap | Swapped on L2 or different chain | Switch to the L2/chain or check bridge tx |
| Balances update slowly | RPC node overloaded | Change RPC or wait / reset account |
Q: Is it safe to keep crypto in a hot wallet?
A: Hot wallets are convenient for daily DeFi use and swaps. They trade-off convenience for increased exposure. For large, long-term holdings use a hardware wallet; for day-to-day DeFi interactions MetaMask is fine if you follow security best practices (security-best-practices).
Q: How do I revoke token approvals?
A: Use the revoke interface in MetaMask-connected dApps or a revoke tool. Check revoke-approvals for step-by-step instructions. I once revoked an unlimited approval after a malicious contract prompt — saved me a lot.
Q: What happens if I lose my phone?
A: Your funds are safe as long as you have your seed phrase (recovery phrase). Restore on a new device using import-and-recovery. Never share the seed phrase.
Q: Why did MetaMask show 0 after a swap?
A: Usually because you stayed on the old network. Switch networks or check the swap transaction on-chain.
If you landed here searching for "metamask coins missing" or "metamask wallet balance not updating," start with the network and address checks. Most problems are resolved by switching chains, importing the token contract, or resetting the local state. If you need device-specific help, see setup-mobile or extension-troubleshooting. For ongoing token hygiene and to reduce future surprises, bookmark token-management and security-best-practices.
But if you've done all this and the block explorer also shows zero, re-check your transaction history and recovery options (don't rush to share your seed phrase). If you need guided steps, follow the linked how-to pages above.
Need more troubleshooting? Check the related guides: accounts-addresses, reset-remove, and how-to-import-token.