How to Add Your Custom Token to MetaMask

After deploying your token to the blockchain, it exists on the network but won't automatically appear in your MetaMask wallet. You need to manually import it so you can see your balance and send/receive tokens. This guide will walk you through the simple process of adding any custom token to MetaMask.

Why You Need to Add Tokens Manually

MetaMask doesn't automatically display every token in your wallet because there are millions of tokens on each blockchain. Showing all of them would clutter your interface and slow down the wallet. Instead, MetaMask only shows tokens you've explicitly added or tokens you've received.

This is a one-time process per token. Once added, your token will always appear in MetaMask when you're on the correct network.

What You'll Need

Before you start, make sure you have:

• MetaMask installed (browser extension or mobile app)
• Your token's contract address (you got this when you deployed the token)
• Connected to the correct network (Ethereum, Polygon, BSC, etc.—matching where your token lives)
• Your wallet unlocked and ready to use

Finding your contract address: If you used a platform like Thirdweb, it was shown after deployment. You can also find it on block explorers like Etherscan (Ethereum), Polygonscan (Polygon), or BSCScan (BNB Smart Chain) by looking up your deployment transaction.

Step-by-Step: Adding Your Token

Step 1: Open MetaMask and Go to Assets

Open your MetaMask wallet and make sure you're on the correct network. For example:

• If your token is on Ethereum, switch to Ethereum Mainnet
• If it's on Polygon, switch to Polygon network
• If it's on BNB Smart Chain, switch to BNB Smart Chain network

You'll see your assets/tokens listed. Scroll down and look for the button that says "Import tokens" (desktop) or "Add Token" (mobile). Click it.

Step 2: Switch to the "Custom Token" Tab

MetaMask will show you two options: "Popular tokens" (pre-loaded list) and "Custom Token". Click on "Custom Token" since your new token won't be in the popular list yet.

Step 3: Enter Your Token Contract Address

Paste your token's contract address into the "Token Contract Address" field. This is the address that starts with "0x" followed by a long string of letters and numbers.

Important: Copy the address exactly as it appears. A single wrong character will prevent MetaMask from finding your token.

After pasting, MetaMask will usually auto-populate the "Token Symbol" and "Token Decimal" fields by reading the contract. If it does, great! If not, you'll need to enter them manually.

Step 4: Verify Token Details (If Auto-Filled)

When MetaMask auto-fills the details, verify they match your token:

• Token Symbol: Should match what you set (e.g., "MAT", "MYTOKEN")
• Token Decimal: Usually 18 for Ethereum/Polygon/BSC tokens, or 9 for Solana tokens
• Token Name: Should appear as the full name you set

If anything looks wrong, don't proceed. Double-check your contract address first.

Step 5: Add the Token

Once everything looks correct, click "Add Custom Token" (or "Import" on some versions). MetaMask will ask you to confirm. Click "Import Tokens" to finalize.

Note: This action is free and doesn't require a transaction. You're just telling MetaMask to display this token in your wallet.

Step 6: Verify Token Appears

After importing, you should see your token appear in your asset list. You'll see:

• Token symbol and name
• Your balance (how many tokens you own)
• Token value in your wallet's base currency (if available)

If you don't see a balance yet, that's normal if you haven't received any tokens. Once you receive tokens (from yourself or others), the balance will update automatically.

Adding Tokens on Mobile MetaMask

The process is similar on the MetaMask mobile app:

1. Open MetaMask app
2. Make sure you're on the correct network (tap network name at top to switch)
3. Tap "Assets" or swipe to see your tokens
4. Scroll to bottom and tap "Import tokens"
5. Tap "Custom Token" tab
6. Paste your contract address
7. Verify auto-filled details and tap "Add Custom Token"

Sharing Your Token with Others

Once your token is added to your wallet, others can add it too using the same process. Here's how to share it:

Method 1: Share the Contract Address

The simplest way is to share your token's contract address. Others can paste it into MetaMask's "Import tokens" feature just like you did.

Share it on:

• Your website or project page
• Social media (Twitter, Telegram, Discord)
• Documentation or whitepaper

Pro tip: Create a QR code of your contract address so people can easily scan it with their mobile wallet.

Method 2: Create a Direct Add Link

Some platforms let you create a direct link that opens MetaMask's import page with your token pre-filled. Check if your deployment platform (Thirdweb, etc.) offers this feature.

Method 3: Use a Block Explorer Link

Share your token's block explorer page (e.g., Etherscan, BSCScan). Users can click "Add to MetaMask" buttons on these pages if they're logged into MetaMask.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Token Not Appearing After Import

If your token doesn't show up:

• Check network: Make sure you're on the same network where your token is deployed
• Verify address: Double-check the contract address is correct (copy-paste to avoid typos)
• Refresh MetaMask: Sometimes a refresh helps. Close and reopen the extension
• Check balance: If you have 0 tokens, it might not show. Try sending yourself a small amount to test

MetaMask Can't Find the Token

If MetaMask says it can't find your token:

• Verify deployment: Check the block explorer to confirm your token exists and is verified
• Network mismatch: Ensure you're on the correct blockchain network
• Manual entry: Try manually entering token symbol and decimals if auto-fill doesn't work

Wrong Token Appearing

If a different token appears:

• Wrong address: You might have copied a different contract address. Verify it matches your deployment
• Scam tokens: Be careful—scammers create fake tokens with similar names. Always verify contract addresses

Token Shows Zero Balance

This is normal if:

• You haven't received any tokens yet
• You deployed the token but didn't mint any to yourself
• The tokens are in a different wallet address

To get tokens in your wallet, either:

• Send them from another address where you hold them
• If you control the contract, mint tokens to your address (advanced, requires contract interaction)

Security Best Practices

• Verify contract addresses: Always verify addresses on block explorers before importing
• Watch for scams: Scammers create fake tokens with names similar to popular projects. Double-check everything
• Only import what you trust: Don't import random tokens sent to you unsolicited
• Check block explorer: Before importing, check the token on Etherscan/Polygonscan/BSCScan to verify it's legitimate

Removing Tokens from MetaMask

If you want to remove a token from your MetaMask view (it won't delete the token from the blockchain):

1. Find the token in your asset list
2. Click on it to view details
3. Look for "Hide token" or a trash/remove icon
4. Confirm removal

You can always re-add it later using the same contract address.

Next Steps

Now that your token is in MetaMask, you can:

• Send tokens: Click your token, then "Send" to transfer to others
• Receive tokens: Share your wallet address so others can send you tokens
• View on explorer: Click the token to view it on block explorers
• List on DEX: Create a liquidity pool on Uniswap, PancakeSwap, etc. to make it tradeable

Check out our guide on How to List Your Token on PancakeSwap if you're using BNB Smart Chain.