How to Add Arbitrum to MetaMask

Arbitrum Overview

Arbitrum stands out as a leading Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum, holding a significant share of the total value locked (TVL) across the Ethereum Layer 2 sector. It’s engineered to accelerate Ethereum transaction speeds and lower transaction costs.

Arbitrum processes transactions off-chain before recording them on the Ethereum mainnet, delivering up to 40,000 transactions per second (TPS), compared to Ethereum’s usual 20–40 TPS. This performance boost is enabled by Optimistic Rollup technology, which allows for faster and more cost-effective transactions than the Ethereum mainnet.

The Arbitrum ecosystem is rapidly expanding, with increasing on-chain activity. The network supports a wide range of decentralized applications (dApps), including DeFi platforms, NFT marketplaces, and blockchain-based games. Its diverse application landscape and growing user base make Arbitrum a top choice for developers and users seeking efficient, low-cost blockchain solutions.

MetaMask is a leading Web3 wallet for accessing Ethereum and other EVM-compatible blockchains. With millions of active users, MetaMask offers a simple, direct way to interact with the Arbitrum ecosystem by configuring the Arbitrum RPC.

How to Add the Arbitrum Network to MetaMask

To get started with Arbitrum on MetaMask, first install the wallet, then add the Arbitrum network. Follow these detailed steps:

Step 1: Install MetaMask

If you haven’t already, download and install MetaMask from the official website. The installation is straightforward: follow the prompts to set up your crypto wallet. MetaMask is available as a browser extension for desktops and as a mobile app for Android and iOS.

Step 2: Access MetaMask Settings

Once MetaMask is installed and set up, open the extension or app. Click your account icon in the upper right corner, then select "Settings" from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Add a New Network

Within the settings menu, find and select "Networks." Then, click the "Add Network" button to begin adding Arbitrum.

Step 4: Enter Arbitrum Network Details

To connect MetaMask to the Arbitrum network, enter the following information into the respective fields:

• Network Name: Arbitrum One
• Arbitrum RPC URL: https://arb1.arbitrum.io/rpc
• Chain ID: 42161
• Currency Symbol: ETH
• Block Explorer URL: https://arbiscan.io

After entering all the required details, click "Save" to confirm and add the Arbitrum network to MetaMask.

Step 5: Switch to the Arbitrum Network

To start using Arbitrum, close the settings menu. Then, click the network dropdown at the top of MetaMask and select "Arbitrum One" from the available networks. Your wallet is now connected to Arbitrum.

Using Arbitrum with MetaMask

With Arbitrum added to MetaMask, you’re ready to use it for various activities, such as interacting with dApps and transferring tokens on the network.

Sending and Receiving Tokens

To send tokens on Arbitrum, open MetaMask and click "Send." Enter the recipient’s address and the amount. Before confirming, ensure you have enough ETH for the transaction fees. Click "Next," then "Confirm" to complete the transfer.

To receive tokens, share your wallet address with the sender. To find your address, click your account name in MetaMask—this automatically copies the address.

Conclusion

Adding Arbitrum to MetaMask is a simple process that dramatically improves your experience with DeFi and dApp platforms. Arbitrum delivers faster, lower-cost transactions than Ethereum, making it an attractive choice for crypto users. By following these steps and setting up the Arbitrum RPC correctly in MetaMask, you can seamlessly connect your wallet to Arbitrum and explore its fast-growing scaling ecosystem.

FAQ

How do I add the Arbitrum network in MetaMask?

Open the network dropdown in MetaMask, select "Add Network," and enter the Arbitrum details: Chain ID 42161, symbol ARBITRUM, and the RPC URL.

What is the address of the Arbitrum RPC endpoint?

Arbitrum One’s RPC endpoint uses Chain ID 42161, Arbitrum Nova is 42170, and Sepolia testnet is 421614. You can find specific RPC addresses in official Arbitrum documentation or from node providers like QuickNode and Tenderly.

How do I resolve MetaMask transaction issues after connecting to Arbitrum?

Ensure MetaMask is connected to Arbitrum, verify you have sufficient gas, and confirm your wallet address is correct. After checking, retry the transaction.

Are Arbitrum and Ethereum mainnet RPC configurations different?

Yes. Arbitrum uses separate node addresses since it’s a Layer 2 solution for Ethereum. The Arbitrum RPC endpoint (e.g., https://arbitrum.infura.io) differs from the Ethereum mainnet endpoint (https://mainnet.infura.io). Chain settings and IDs are also distinct.

Why are MetaMask gas fees on Arbitrum lower than on Ethereum?

As a Layer 2 solution, Arbitrum significantly reduces transaction costs. Gas fees on Arbitrum are typically 90%–95% lower than Ethereum, making it much more cost-effective.

How can I confirm MetaMask is connected to the Arbitrum RPC node?

Check the network name in MetaMask—it should display "Arbitrum One." Sending a small transaction can also verify your connection to the Arbitrum network.

What are the differences between public and private Arbitrum RPC nodes?

Public Arbitrum RPC nodes are free but may be unreliable. Private nodes offer greater reliability and performance, but require payment.