Adding and managing tokens in MetaMask is a fundamental skill for anyone navigating the world of decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3. Whether you're receiving ERC-20 tokens from airdrops, participating in token sales, or simply diversifying your crypto portfolio, knowing how to display and organize your assets ensures full visibility and control over your holdings.
MetaMask supports a wide range of tokens across multiple blockchain networks, including Ethereum, BNB Smart Chain, Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism, Base, Linea, Avalanche, and zkSync. While many popular tokens appear automatically, others—especially lesser-known or newly launched ones—require manual addition. This guide walks you through every method available to add, view, hide, and verify tokens safely and efficiently.
Enhanced Token Detection
👉 Discover how to automatically detect new tokens in your wallet with just one click.
MetaMask offers enhanced token detection on select networks: Ethereum Mainnet, BNB Smart Chain, Polygon, Avalanche, Arbitrum, Optimism, Base, Linea, and zkSync. When enabled, this feature scans your wallet address and automatically displays any associated ERC-20 or equivalent standard tokens based on community-maintained token lists.
For new users, enhanced detection is turned on by default. Existing users can enable it manually:
- Open MetaMask (Extension or Mobile).
- Click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.
- Go to Settings > Security & Privacy.
- Toggle on "Enhanced Token Detection."
Once activated, return to your asset list and refresh the page. Any previously hidden or undetected tokens should now appear.
Note: Even with this setting disabled, basic token detection still works on Ethereum Mainnet. The "enhanced" version simply extends this functionality to additional networks.
While convenient, automatic detection comes with risks. Malicious actors may exploit fake or spoofed tokens to trick users. Always verify token legitimacy before interacting.
Manually Adding a Token Using Search
If automatic detection doesn’t show your token, use MetaMask’s built-in search function:
- Navigate to the Tokens tab in your wallet.
- Scroll down and click Import Tokens.
- Use the search bar to type part of the token name (e.g., “DAI”).
- Select the correct token from the suggestions.
- Click Next, then Import.
The token will now appear in your asset list.
This method works well for widely recognized tokens but may fail for newer or niche projects not included in MetaMask’s token lists.
How to Hide Tokens
To keep your wallet interface clean and avoid confusion from spam or irrelevant tokens:
- Go to the Tokens tab.
- Tap the token you want to hide.
- Click the three dots in the top-right corner.
- Select Hide.
Hidden tokens can be restored at any time by re-importing them via contract address.
Adding a Custom Token Manually
When a token doesn’t appear in search results, you can add it manually using its contract address:
- In the Tokens tab, tap Import Tokens.
- Switch to the Custom Token tab.
- Choose the correct network where the token exists.
- Paste the token contract address into the designated field.
- The token symbol and decimals should auto-fill.
- Click Import.
Ensure you’re on the right network—tokens exist only on specific blockchains. For example, a BEP-20 USDT must be added while connected to BNB Smart Chain.
Finding a Token’s Contract Address
The contract address is crucial for adding custom tokens. Here’s how to find it:
- Check official project websites or whitepapers.
Use block explorers like Etherscan, BscScan, or Polygonscan:
- Search for the token name.
- Copy the verified contract address from the token details page.
- Ask the sender for both the contract address and transaction hash.
⚠️ Warning: If someone claims they’ve sent you tokens but can’t provide either the contract address or transaction ID, they likely haven’t sent anything at all.
Adding Tokens via Block Explorers
Most major block explorers support direct integration with MetaMask:
- Visit Etherscan, BscScan, or similar.
- Search for your desired token.
- On the token page, click More > Add Token to MetaMask (Web3).
- Confirm in the MetaMask popup.
This method ensures accuracy since you’re pulling data from a verified source.
Using Coin Listing Sites to Add Tokens
Platforms like CoinGecko and CoinMarketCap offer seamless MetaMask integration:
- Search for the token on CoinGecko or CoinMarketCap.
- Locate the contract address section.
- Click the MetaMask fox icon next to it.
- Confirm the import request in your wallet.
👉 Learn how trusted platforms help you verify token authenticity before adding them.
On Mobile: Use the in-app browser within MetaMask Mobile to access these sites—only then will Web3 links function properly.
These platforms often list multiple contract versions across different networks. Use the dropdown menu to select the correct chain before importing.
Using MetaMask Portfolio Dapp
MetaMask Portfolio (portfolio.metamask.io) is an official tool that aggregates your balances across networks:
- Connect your wallet once.
- It automatically detects most of your tokens.
- View holdings, transaction history, and portfolio value in one dashboard.
It’s especially useful for users active across multiple chains who want consolidated tracking without manual imports.
👉 See how portfolio tracking simplifies multi-chain asset management today.
Core Keywords
- Add tokens to MetaMask
- MetaMask custom token
- Token contract address
- Enhanced token detection
- Hide tokens MetaMask
- Block explorer add token
- CoinMarketCap MetaMask integration
- Web3 wallet management
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why don’t I see my tokens in MetaMask?
A: Tokens may not appear due to disabled enhanced detection, incorrect network selection, or unlisted status. Try enabling token detection or manually importing via contract address.
Q: Is it safe to add unknown tokens to MetaMask?
A: Exercise caution. Fake tokens can mimic real ones and lead to phishing attacks. Only add tokens from trusted sources and verify contract addresses independently.
Q: Can malicious tokens steal my funds just by being visible?
A: Simply viewing a token does not compromise your wallet. Risk arises only when you approve transactions or connect to malicious dApps.
Q: What happens if I import a fake token?
A: Fake tokens won’t affect your balance unless you interact with them (e.g., approving swaps). You can hide them anytime under the Tokens tab.
Q: Do I need to pay gas fees to add a token?
A: No—importing a token is free. Gas fees apply only when sending or swapping tokens.
Q: Can I add non-ERC-20 tokens like NFTs?
A: This guide covers fungible tokens. For NFTs, ensure NFT detection is enabled in Settings > Privacy > NFTs.
With these tools and best practices, you can confidently manage your digital assets in MetaMask—keeping your portfolio accurate, secure, and easy to navigate across the evolving Web3 landscape.