This page shows how to add Avalanche (AVAX C-Chain) to MetaMask on desktop and mobile, plus practical notes on DeFi, hardware wallets, and common mistakes. MetaMask is a software wallet (hot wallet) and non-custodial: you control private keys and a seed phrase that must be backed up offline. I've been using MetaMask daily for months across multiple EVM-compatible chains, so these steps reflect hands-on testing and real transfers (small test amounts first).
Why add it? If you want to use Avalanche dApps, stake, or swap tokens on C-Chain, setting the correct network in MetaMask is the required first step.
Use these exact values when creating a custom network in MetaMask. Always verify Chain ID and RPC URL before saving.
If you want to run your own node or use a paid RPC provider, see custom RPC/network settings.
But don't forget: sending funds on the wrong chain is an easy mistake. Always check the network label before confirming a transaction.
MetaMask mobile (iOS and Android) supports adding custom networks too. The UI is slightly different, but the values above are identical.
And if you haven't installed the mobile app yet, see the mobile setup guide for onboarding steps.
Hardware wallets can be used as the key signer while MetaMask handles network connectivity and the UX. For Avalanche + Ledger:
But note: mobile hardware connections vary by OS and firmware and often require pairing via Ledger Live or Bluetooth. For complete instructions, consult ledger-with-metamask-guide and connect-hardware-to-metamask-mobile.
Because C-Chain is EVM-compatible, MetaMask appears to dApps in the same way it does on other EVM networks: injected provider support, approvals, and signed transactions. That means you can:
In my experience the swap feature inside MetaMask is convenient for quick trades on Avalanche, but I compare quoted output with dedicated aggregators before executing larger swaps.
And always keep MetaMask and your browser/app updated to the latest versions.
| Task | Desktop Extension | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|
| Add custom RPC | Full support (Settings > Networks) | Full support (Settings > Networks) |
| dApp browser | Browser-injected provider (open web dApps) | Built-in dApp browser (more one-tap flows) |
| Hardware-wallet UX | Smooth USB/WebUSB experience | Works but can require Bluetooth/companion apps |
| Deep-link / QR flows | Limited | Native support (easier for WalletConnect) |
This table helps decide which form factor suits daily DeFi use. Desktop gives easier hardware-wallet integration; mobile gives frictionless dApp access.
Who MetaMask is for:
Who should look elsewhere:
If you want to combine hardware security with MetaMask, check hardware-wallets-with-metamask.
Q: Is it safe to keep crypto in a hot wallet?
A: Hot wallets are convenient for day-to-day DeFi. They carry more exposure than cold storage. Keep only what you plan to use and store large amounts in hardware or offline wallets.
Q: How do I revoke token approvals on Avalanche?
A: Use on-chain allowance-revoke tools or the dApp's revoke UI and follow our step-by-step guide: token-allowances-and-revoke.
Q: What happens if I lose my phone?
A: Restore MetaMask on a new device using the seed phrase. No seed phrase, no restore. See seed-phrase-backup-recovery.
Q: How do I add an AVAX token that doesn't show up automatically?
A: Add it as a custom token using the token's contract address (see add-custom-token-to-metamask).
Adding Avalanche (AVAX C-Chain) to MetaMask is a small setup step that unlocks many DeFi opportunities on an EVM-compatible chain. Use the RPC values above, verify Chain ID 43114, test with a small transfer, and follow the security checklist.
If you still need basic onboarding, start with the install guide or mobile setup. For hardware-wallet workflows, see ledger-with-metamask-guide.
Want a compact checklist? Copy the TL;DR values, perform a tiny test transfer, and confirm dApp connectivity before moving larger amounts.