Adding zkSync Era to MetaMask

You can add zkSync Era to MetaMask either through Chainlist, or by manually entering the relevant RPC details through the “Add Network” feature.

Key Takeaways

• zkSync is a Layer 2 Ethereum network that leverages the zero-knowledge protocol and rollup technology to speed up transaction processing time and save cost while maintaining the security standards on the main network.

• You can connect to zkSync Era, zkSync’s public network, via the MetaMask wallet and explore the available dApps and engage in p2p transactions. 

• MetaMask wallet connects to EVM networks using the network’s endpoints. It is used by over 10 million cryptocurrency investors.

In other articles, we’ve covered zkSync, the zkSync ecosystem, and even suggestions on how you can qualify for an airdrop in case the project decides to reward its community through an airdrop. To date, the zkSync ecosystem has welcomed a number of projects and has reportedly crossed $118 million on total value locked with over 10 million transactions executed on the network already.

A popular way to access the network is through the MetaMask wallet, which allows you to use any EVM network of your choice after completing the required setup. MetaMask is a fully constituted cryptocurrency wallet that supports the Ethereum blockchain, Layer 2 networks like zkSync, and standalone EVM blockchains, and is one of the most used wallets in DeFi, with over 10 million users.

The MetaMask wallet comes in browser extensions and applications that can be installed on mobile devices. Depending on your device, the procedure might be a little different. Here’s how you can install the MetaMask application on your device and add the zkSync Era network to your wallet.

Installing MetaMask on Desktop Devices

First, download the MetaMask extension for your web browser.

You can download the extension from the MetaMask website, which works on Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Brave, Opera, and Firefox browsers.

Install the extension for your browser and proceed to set up your account.

Setting Up Your Wallet

MetaMask allows you to create a new wallet or install your old MetaMask accounts or existing accounts from other wallets. To import your old wallets, your wallet’s private key or seed phrase will be required.

To import your old wallet using your seed phrase, open the MetaMask wallet and select “Import wallet”, and proceed to enter your recovery phrase in the form that pops up. Set up your wallet password and complete the process by clicking “Import”.

For new users, you can create a new wallet by clicking “Create a wallet”. Set up your password and click “Create”.

Read the following security information carefully and proceed to copy your wallet’s security phrase. Do not store this seed phrase online. Instead write down this phrase and store it safely (use crypto steel if possible). Your wallet is now ready for use.

You can also import your old wallets using private keys. Open the wallet (with an account already added). Click on the icon on the top right corner of your screen, select “Import account” and enter your private key in the form. Click “Import” to complete, and your old wallet will be added to your MetaMask account.

Adding zkSync Era to MetaMask

To access zkSync Era, you will need to add the network to your MetaMask wallet. To manually add the network, follow the following steps:

Log into your MetaMask, click on the network bar in the top right corner, and select Add Network from the drop-down. 

In the form that pops up, fill in the following accordingly;

• Network Name: zkSync Era Mainnet

• RPC URL: https://mainnet.era.zksync.io

• Chain ID: 324

• Currency Symbol: ETH

• Block Explorer URL: https://explorer.zksync.io/

Click ‘Save’,and the zkSync network can now be accessed via your MetaMask wallet. Simply click the drop-down menu beside the circle Icon at the top right corner of your wallet and select zkSync network from the menu when you are switching from another network.

Adding zkSync Era to Your MetaMask Wallet Through Chainlist

Another way to add the zkSync Era to your MetaMask wallet is via the ChainList application. Chainlist pools together a comprehensive list of EVM networks and allows users to add them to their wallets through a few simple steps.

You can follow this guide to get started:

1. Visit the ChainList platform and connect your MetaMask Wallet.

2. Search “zkSync” in the search bar at the top of the page.

3. Tap “Add to MetaMask” and the verified zkSync Era information will be automatically added to your extension.

You can now connect to zkSync network dApps from the MetaMask extension. You may visit the dApp’s website from your Chrome browser to connect to the zkSync network. Meanwhile, MetaMask mobile app users can access the zkSync network via the dApp browser by clicking the menu at the top left corner and selecting “Browser” from the drop-down. 

Details of your  zkSync wallet will be shown once you make the switch. The native token of the zkSync network is ETH at the time of writing, and this is indicated alongside other zkSync assets in your wallet if any. You can also add custom tokens to your wallet.

Adding Custom Tokens to MetaMask

One way to add custom tokens to your zkSync wallet is by bridging them to zkSync and obtaining the asset’s parameters from the zkSync Explorer.

First, bridge the assets from the main network to  zkSync Era through zkSync’s bridge and ensure that the asset is supported on both networks.

When you switch to the zkSync network, MetaMask automatically detects and registers some custom assets. If this is not available for your asset, you can proceed to add them manually.

View your wallet on the zkSync Explorer. The asset’s contract address can be obtained from the wallet balance section of the address page.

You can also add custom tokens without visiting your address page on the explorer, and to do this, we will need to obtain the asset’s contract address from the zkSync explorer.

First, navigate to the asset profile from the network’s explorer. We will use MUTE as an example. MUTE is the native token of Mute.io, a DeFi platform on zkSync Era.

Step 1: Locate the MUTE Token on the Explorer

Visit the zkSync Explorer and click on the caret beside Block Explorer from the landing page, and select Token List from the drop-down menu. 

The Token list page shows the asset name, contract address, and other details that will be needed to register the token in your MetaMask wallet. Copy the contract address for MUTE.

Step 2: Add MUTE to Your Wallet

Go to your MetaMask wallet home page and scroll down to the bottom of the asset list. Click “Import tokens” and proceed to enter the asset’s details in the form that pops up.

Paste the contract address for MUTE in the designated input box, and the other details will load automatically, although you can also enter them manually. Once done, click “Add Custom Tokens” to complete.

Step 3: Proceed to Transact MUTE From Your MetaMask Wallet

Your balances for the added token can be seen in your MetaMask wallet. You can also send and receive the asset as usual. Do note that these transactions will take place on the Layer 2 network.

To use your token on the mainnet, you will need to bridge them via the zkSync bridge. When bridging, ensure that you have enough ETH on your source wallet to pay for the bridging fee.

Adding zkSync Era to MetaMask Mobile Wallet

As briefly mentioned above, you can also access the MetaMask wallet from mobile devices, and the application is available on the Google Play Store and the Apple Store.

The wallet setup procedure is similar to that described for the desktop browser extensions, with some minor modifications.

Step 1: Wallet Creation

Follow the procedure described for the browser extensions to create new MetaMask wallet accounts or import your existing wallet to the mobile wallet. As mentioned above, do read the security tips that follow and store your wallet’s seed phrases offline and in a secure location, using crypto steel if possible.

Step 2: Adding the zkSync Era Network to Your Mobile Wallet

To add the zkSync network, navigate to the network menu by clicking on “Wallet” from the top of your wallet homepage.

Click “Add a network” from the menu that pops up, and navigate to “Custom network” before adding the zkSync network details provided above. Click “Add” to add the network.

Now you can access the zkSync network from your mobile wallet.

Step 3: Other Controls

On the top left of the screen, there are additional options available from the breadcrumb menu bar. These include features like tracking your previous activity, sharing your public address, and viewing your wallet address history on the explorer. There is also an option to lock your wallet, which essentially logs you out and requires you to enter your password to unlock it. 

The MetaMask dApp Browser

MetaMask mobile wallet has an in-built dApp browser that enables you to explore decentralized applications from your mobile device. Switch to zkSync and select “Browser” from the bottom of the screen.

Enter the link to the platform on the search bar to visit the dApp and you’ll be able to connect your MetaMask wallet to the dApp. Do keep track of what applications you’ve connected your wallet to, and what permissions you’ve granted them. 

Final Thoughts

Now that you have the zkSync network added to your MetaMask wallet, you’re now able to explore the zkSync ecosystem and the application running on the blockchain, hold your zkSync Era network tokens, and transact with your peers on the network. However, always consider other factors that might cause breaches and maintain your account security. Also, always verify the authenticity of provided links before accessing them from your dApp browser.

Also, be wary of the signed smart contracts and how they interact with your wallet. As a standard, apply caution while interacting with high-level computing protocols and make your own research before investing in any cryptocurrency. Note that this article is only informative and not financial advice.