Balance or Token Not Showing in MetaMask — Fixes

Quick checklist (fast fixes)

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.

Confirm the account address (top of the extension/mobile). Compare it with the address on a public block explorer.
Switch the network (Ethereum Mainnet vs Polygon vs BSC vs an L2). Many missing tokens are just on a different chain.
Add the token manually using its contract address (see how-to-import-token).
Restart the browser or mobile app; reconnect via WalletConnect if used.
If you use a hardware wallet, check the connection and selected account (see connect-ledger).

And yes, most of the time you’ll find the token on the other network. Simple, but common.

Why MetaMask shows 0 balance or missing tokens

Below are the usual root causes. I break them down like a mechanic — cause first, then the tools you need.

Wrong network or RPC

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.

You're in the wrong account/address

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 not added or hidden

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.

Tokens are on another chain or L2

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.

Node/Provider lag and caching

Public RPCs get overloaded. When that happens balances don't update and transactions appear stuck or missing.

Scams, malicious RPC, or contract issues

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.

Step-by-step fixes (do these in order)

Follow this order. It saves time.

1) Confirm address on a block explorer

Copy your MetaMask address. Open a public block explorer and paste the address. If the explorer shows a balance, MetaMask's UI is the issue. If the explorer shows zero, your assets are not at that address.

(If you don't know which explorer to use, check the chain dropdown in MetaMask to determine the network.)

2) Switch networks or add the correct network

Click the network dropdown and switch to other networks you use.
If the network isn't listed, add it via add-custom-network or the chain-specific guides like add-polygon or add-bsc.

Why this matters: tokens live on chains. Switch chains and the UI will show them.

3) Import the token manually

In MetaMask, go to "Assets" → "Import tokens" and paste the token contract address.
If you don't know the contract address, find it on the block explorer for the chain in question.

Read more on token handling at token-management and a step-by-step import guide at how-to-import-token.

4) Reset MetaMask state and re-sync

Resetting the account clears local transaction history (not your private keys or balances). Use this if balances are not updating after network/RPC switches.
On the extension, Settings → Advanced → Reset Account. On mobile, sign out and sign back in or reinstall if necessary.

See extension-troubleshooting and mobile-sync-troubleshooting for device-specific steps.

5) Check hardware-wallet connections

If you use a Ledger or Trezor via MetaMask, ensure the device is unlocked and the correct app is open (Ethereum app for EVM chains).
Try reconnecting and re-selecting the account in MetaMask (see connect-ledger and connect-trezor).

Advanced checks and examples from real use

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:

Verify the token's contract hasn't changed or been deprecated.
Check pending transactions — a failed deposit can leave you with zero balance until the chain confirms.
If you bridged, check the bridge transaction on the source and destination chains.

Security checks before you act

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.

Troubleshooting table (symptom → likely cause → fix)

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

FAQ

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.

Conclusion and next steps

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.