One of the main properties advanced in blockchain technology is interoperability, the art of different blockchains being able to communicate with each other. Interoperability is important when it comes to exchanging data and assets such as nonfungible tokens (NFTs) or cryptocurrencies while enjoying the best of two or more platforms to save costs, for example, or make transactions faster.
Blockchain Avalanche is an interoperable, versatile platform and cryptocurrency network that solves the problems of scalability, security and decentralization with a unique type of proof-of-stake (PoS) governance. It was developed by Ava Labs, a New York-based research and development company, to launch decentralized finance (DeFi) and enterprise blockchain applications.
It is powered by the original token, AVAX, and has smart contract functionality that puts it in direct competition with Ethereum. PoS platform smart contracts mainly support decentralized applications (DApps) and autonomous blockchains with fast transaction processing times, reward structures that incentivize participation, and advanced interoperability.
Avalanche’s interaction with Ethereum and the DeFi ecosystem is facilitated by the MetaMask crypto wallet, a software used by 10 million people. It can be downloaded as a browser extension in Chrome and Firefox or as an iOS and Android mobile app. Before interacting with the Ethereum blockchain and DApps, users need to add the Avalanche network to their MetaMask wallet, and this guide will show you how to do that.
How to set up MetaMask?
MetaMask is a cryptocurrency wallet that allows users to connect with DApps in addition to storing Ether (ETH) and ERC-20 tokens. Connecting MetaMask to Avalanche allows AVAX users to enjoy all Ethereum DApps have to offer without leaving the Avalanche network. Avalanche’s interoperability also makes the network more accessible to developers because it shares the smart contract programming language, Solidity, with Ethereum.
It should be noted that there are three blockchains in the Avalanche network: Exchange Chain (X-Chain), Contract Chain (C-Chain) and Platform Chain (P-Chain).
The main use of Avalanche X-chain is to send and receive AVAX and it cannot be used on Web3 platforms or added to Web3 wallets like MetaMask. P-Chain is a metadata blockchain in Avalanche that coordinates validators, keeps track of active Subnets – sovereign networks that define their own rules regarding membership and tokenomics – and allows the creation of new Subnets.
Only the Avalanche default smart contract C-Chain wallet is compatible with MetaMask, important information to remember since, if you choose the wrong chain when adding Avalanche to MetaMask, you may lose your coins.
Therefore, to transfer AVAX from the Avalanche wallet, the user’s token must be in the C-Chain wallet or use an exchange wallet integrated with C-Chain, such as Binance. If the token does not reside on C-Chain, it can be easily transferred internally from the other two Avalanche blocks by paying a small transaction fee.
MetaMask can be added as an extension to Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Brave browser and iOS or Android on mobile from the MetaMask website; However, for the purposes of this article, Chrome extensions will be considered.
Users should verify the legitimacy of the MetaMask website to avoid being deceived by scams and compromised web pages. Downloading the correct extension from the official website is highly recommended.
From the MetaMask website, click “Download for Chrome” and “Add to Chrome” to add the extension. The other steps are listed below:
- Install the MetaMask Chrome extension and click “Get Started” on the MetaMask welcome page.
- You can import an existing cryptocurrency wallet, but you must enter the wallet seed phrase; then click on the “Import wallet” option.
- You can also set up a new wallet by clicking the “Create wallet” button. Here, you need to create a secure password to access the wallet from your device.
- Important information about your seed phrase will be displayed on the next page, and you should pay special attention to it. A seed phrase, or recovery phrase, is an important security and backup feature for your cryptocurrency wallet. This will allow you to access your wallet with your token even if you lose or forget your password.
- Next, click the lock button to see the seed phrase. Write down the words in the right order, save them safely offline, and don’t share them with anyone. Your assets may be at risk if someone compromises your device and gains access to your seed phrase.
- The system will ask you to repeat the seed phrase on the next page; make sure you choose the words in the correct order.
- Click “Confirm” to complete and then “All Done” to access your new wallet.
The above process will automatically connect MetaMask to Ethereum. However, you must complete the steps highlighted below to add the Avalanche network to MetaMask.
How to setup Avalanche network in MetaMask?
Connecting MetaMask to Avalanche is a fairly simple process. Once you’ve logged into your MetaMask wallet, click on the Ethereum mainnet drop-down menu and select Custom RPC, as shown below.
You will be redirected to the “Add network” page, where you need to add the following information:
You can see the “Add network” requirements for using MetaMask in Avalanche here:
Click on “Save” to complete the process. You are now ready to use MetaMask in Avalanche and all DeFi and Web3 applications.
How to send AVAX tokens to MetaMask?
After connecting the Avalanche network to MetaMask, you can send your AVAX coins from your Avalanche wallet to your MetaMask wallet. Note that only C-Chain is compatible with MetaMask.
- Log into your Avalanche wallet and transfer your tokens to the C-Chain block if they reside in the P- or X-Chain block.
- Just click “Cross Chain” on the left menu bar and select “C-Chain” as the destination chain.
- Enter the amount you want to transfer and click “Confirm.” A small transaction fee will be added to the final amount.
- You can now send your AVAX coins to MetaMask by clicking “Send” from the left menu.
- Select “Contract C” as the source chain and enter the amount you want to send to MetaMask.
- Now go to the MetaMask wallet and copy the address, which will be pasted into the Avalanche wallet in the “To Address” field.
- Make sure you have enough gas for the transaction fee.
- Confirm and complete the transaction.
- After the transaction is confirmed, you will be able to see your AVAX coins in your MetaMask wallet.
Are other wallets compatible with Avalanche?
MetaMask is definitely a versatile DeFi wallet for smart contracts and DApps; However, AVAX can be transferred, stored, staked and exchanged in other cold and hot wallets. With over 90 million verified users worldwide, the Coinbase wallet is a safe and easy-to-use hot wallet for exchanging, earning and storing AVAX. Security is enhanced through software-based two-factor authentication that makes the wallet safe to use for both beginners and advanced users.
Trust Wallet is another hot wallet that supports all DeFi programs, including NFT storage, Web3 capabilities, staking, swapping and buying. It supports Avalanche C-Chain in addition to many other blockchains so that DApps can be connected to AVAX easily. This hot wallet is one of the most used among Web3 enthusiasts due to its user-friendly interface and versatility.
Ledger Nano S or X cold wallets support Avalanche, and users can access and store AVAX tokens through all Avalanche chain addresses. Cold wallets are recommended over hot wallets, because the private keys to access cryptocurrency are stored offline on the hardware device, making it difficult for hackers and malicious actors to steal them.