How to Connect MetaMask to Binance Smart Chain (BSC)

MetaMask is a versatile cryptocurrency wallet primarily designed for Ethereum blockchain interactions but also compatible with Binance Smart Chain (BSC). This guide walks you through the steps to connect MetaMask to BSC, enabling seamless BNB transactions and decentralized exchange (DEX) integrations like PancakeSwap.

Why Connect MetaMask to Binance Smart Chain?

BNB Transactions: Send, receive, and store BNB directly in MetaMask.
DEX Compatibility: Swap tokens on platforms like PancakeSwap.
Multi-Chain Flexibility: Manage Ethereum and BSC assets in one wallet.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Connect MetaMask to BSC

1. Install MetaMask & Create a Wallet

[Skip this step if you already have MetaMask installed.]

Visit the official MetaMask website.
Click Download Now and select Chrome Extension.
After installation, click Create a Wallet and securely note your 12-word recovery phrase.
Verify the phrase to complete setup.

2. Add Binance Smart Chain Network

Open MetaMask and click the profile icon (top-right).
Navigate to Settings > Networks > Add Network.
Fill in the following BSC Mainnet details:

Field	Value
Network Name	Smart Chain
New RPC URL	`https://bsc-dataseed.binance.org/`
Chain ID	56
Currency Symbol (optional)	BNB
Block Explorer URL	`https://bscscan.com`

Click Save. Your wallet will now display BNB balances.

3. Verify Connection

Check the top-right dropdown to confirm "Smart Chain" is active.
Your BNB balance will replace ETH in the wallet overview.

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Switching Between Networks

To toggle back to Ethereum:

Click the network dropdown (top-right).
Select Ethereum Mainnet.

FAQs

1. Can I use the same MetaMask wallet for Ethereum and BSC?

Yes! MetaMask supports multiple networks simultaneously.

2. Why isn’t BSC listed by default in MetaMask?

BSC requires manual addition because MetaMask defaults to Ethereum.

3. Is it safe to connect MetaMask to PancakeSwap?

Yes, but always verify the correct URL (https://pancakeswap.finance/) to avoid phishing.

4. What if my BNB balance doesn’t appear?

Ensure you’ve:

Added the correct BSC network details.
Deposited BNB into your wallet address.

5. Can I send ETH to a BSC address?

No. Always confirm the network matches the token type (e.g., ETH on Ethereum, BNB on BSC).

Conclusion

Connecting MetaMask to Binance Smart Chain unlocks access to BNB and BSC-based DeFi platforms. Follow the steps above to configure your wallet in minutes. For alternative methods, consider linking via PancakeSwap for automatic network detection.