How to Add Cardano to MetaMask in 5 Easy Steps (2024)

MetaMask has extended its utility beyond just Ethereum (ETH) and its tokens. For Cardano enthusiasts looking to leverage MetaMask’s user-friendly platform, the process involves a few workaround steps due to the inherent differences in blockchain technology. If you are looking to add Cardano to MetaMask, you’ve come to the right place.

This guide aims to demystify the process, outlining how you can add Cardano to MetaMask in 2024 through the use of wrapped tokens. 

Can you directly add Cardano to the MetaMask wallet?

No, you cannot directly add Cardano to MetaMask in its native form because MetaMask is primarily designed to support Ethereum and Ethereum-based tokens (ERC-20, ERC-721, etc.). Cardano operates on its own blockchain with a different technology and consensus mechanism, making it incompatible with Ethereum’s infrastructure.

However, you can manage ADA within MetaMask by using a wrapped version of ADA on the Ethereum blockchain, such as Wrapped ADA (wADA). This involves converting ADA to a wrapped token that is compatible with Ethereum’s ERC-20 standard, allowing it to be added and managed within MetaMask.

This process typically involves using a bridge or a service that facilitates the wrapping and unwrapping of ADA to and from its wrapped ERC-20 counterpart.

Before adding Cardano to MetaMask, familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of ADA by exploring our beginner’s guide to the Cardano blockchain.

Adding Cardano to MetaMask: A guide

Here are a few steps that you must try if you’re looking to add Cardano to MetaMask. Take a look:

Step 1: Install MetaMask

To get started, ensure you have a compatible web browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Brave installed on your device. Then, visit the official MetaMask website and proceed to download the MetaMask browser extension or install the mobile app from your device’s app store. 

After installation, launch MetaMask, where you’ll have the option to create a new wallet or import an existing one. Be sure to follow best security practices by setting a strong password and safely storing your recovery phrase in case you need to recover your wallet.

Step 2: Add the Binance Smart Chain Network

In this step, you’ll need to configure MetaMask to connect to the BSC. Begin by obtaining the necessary network details from the Binance Academy website, specifically under the guide titled “Connecting MetaMask to Binance Smart Chain.” 

These details include the Network Name, RPC URL, ChainID, Symbol, and Block Explorer URL. Once you have these details, go to your MetaMask wallet and access the settings by clicking on your account icon. 

Scroll down to the “Networks” section, click “Add Network,” and input the BSC network details you obtained from Binance Academy.

Here is a detailed list of the BSC network information that you must include:

• Network name
• New Remote Procedure Call (RPC) URL
• ChainID
• Symbol
• Block Explorer URL

 Finally, click “Save” to add the BSC network to MetaMask.

Understand how Cardano stands up against Ethereum

by reading our detailed comparison of these two Layer 1 blockchain solutions.

Step 3: Find Cardano’s token address

To add Cardano as a token on the BSC, you must first locate the contract address for the wrapped version of Cardano. You can easily do this by searching for “Cardano  Binance Smart Chain contract address” on popular token listing platforms. Once you’ve identified the contract address, copy it to your clipboard, as you’ll need it in the next step.

Step 4: Add Cardano as a token in MetaMask

With the Cardano contract address copied, return to your MetaMask wallet. Ensure that you are currently connected to the BSC network. Click on the “Assets” tab and locate the “Add Token” button. 

Select “Custom Token” and paste the Cardano contract address into the “Token Contract Address” field. MetaMask will automatically populate the Token Symbol and Decimals of Precision fields. Click “Next” to review the token details, and then click “Add” to complete the process.

Step 5: Transfer wADA to MetaMask

Now that you’ve successfully added the wrapped Cardano to your MetaMask wallet, it’s time to transfer tokens to it. Navigate to a cryptocurrency exchange that supports the BSC, such as Binance. 

Log in to your exchange account and proceed to the wallet or withdrawal section. Choose to withdraw wrapped Cardano, ensuring you select the BSC network for the withdrawal. Enter your MetaMask wallet address as the recipient, confirm the withdrawal, and patiently wait for the transaction to be processed. The tokens should soon appear in your MetaMask wallet on the BSC, ready for you to manage and use as needed.

Congratulations! You have completed the process of adding and transferring wrapped Cardano to your MetaMask wallet on the BSC, allowing you to engage with Cardano within the MetaMask environment with ease.

Gain insights into Cardano’s future outlook, including market trends and predictions, by discovering how ADA is expected to fare in 2024.

Tips to follow when adding Cardano to MetaMask

When adding Cardano to MetaMask, it’s crucial to follow these four tips carefully to ensure a smooth and secure process:

1. Find the contract address

Obtain the accurate contract address for the wrapped ADA token you intend to add. This information is crucial for adding the token to MetaMask and should be sourced from a reliable and official platform to avoid scams. Incorrect addresses can lead to lost funds.

Explore the long-term potential of Cardano and whether ADA can reach the milestone of $1000 by 2040.

2. Conduct transactions carefully

When transferring wADA to or from your MetaMask wallet, double-check the addresses, network, and transaction details. Mistakes can be costly and irreversible. Also, be mindful of network fees, which can vary significantly depending on the blockchain and its current congestion level.

3. Security measures

Before engaging in any transactions or adding networks and tokens to your MetaMask wallet, ensure your browser and the MetaMask extension are up to date to protect against vulnerabilities. Always conduct these activities in a secure environment, free from malware and phishing threats.

4. Network and gas fee awareness

Be aware of the specific network’s gas fees and conditions before conducting transactions. Wrapped ADA transactions will incur gas fees related to the blockchain they are on (e.g., Ethereum or BSC), which can fluctuate significantly based on network congestion. Planning transactions during off-peak hours might save on costs. 

Following these steps will help ensure that you successfully add ADA to your MetaMask wallet in a secure manner, allowing you to interact with decentralized applications and services within the supported blockchain ecosystem.

Delve into the legal considerations surrounding Cardano and learn why its classification may matter to investors.

Final words

Adding Cardano (ADA) to MetaMask expands your crypto management capabilities, allowing you to engage with the Ethereum ecosystem using ADA in a wrapped format. This process, while not direct, opens up a world of possibilities for ADA holders, including participating in DeFi, NFT marketplaces, and other Ethereum-based applications. 

Remember, the key to a smooth experience is understanding the nuances of wrapped tokens, staying vigilant about security, and being mindful of network-specific considerations such as gas fees.