Polygon (often called Matic) is an EVM-compatible chain with far lower gas fees than Ethereum mainnet for many everyday DeFi actions. If you plan to swap tokens frequently, use Polygon-native dApps, bridge assets, or stake on-chain validators, adding the network to your software wallet makes those interactions smooth and direct.
I use a hot wallet for daily activity and keep larger positions offline. That split works well for me. Why? Because you get convenience without putting everything at risk.
There are three common ways to connect Polygon (Matic) to MetaMask:
Which should you pick? Manual add gives you control. Auto-add from a dApp is faster (but check values first). And yes, always verify the Chain ID and RPC URL before approving.
Follow these steps on desktop (extension) or mobile app.
(Image placeholder: MetaMask add network screen — alt: screenshot of MetaMask "Add Network" form)
If a dApp tries to add Polygon for you, MetaMask shows a prompt with the same fields. Review them (especially Chain ID and RPC URL) before approving.
Use the following core values when adding Polygon manually.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Network Name | Polygon Mainnet |
| New RPC URL | https://polygon-rpc.com |
| Chain ID | 137 |
| Currency Symbol | MATIC |
| Block Explorer URL | https://polygonscan.com |
Alternative public RPCs exist, but choose reputable endpoints. (If you rely on a third-party RPC, be aware of privacy and availability trade-offs.)
MATIC is the native currency of Polygon. When you switch to the Polygon network in MetaMask your MATIC balance appears at the top of the account page. Short and simple.
To add a Polygon ERC-20 token:
Why not paste addresses from random Discord posts? Because token contract addresses can be faked. Always copy from a trusted explorer or the official project page.
(Image placeholder: MetaMask token import screen — alt: screenshot showing "Import tokens" dialog)
If a token doesn't show despite a correct address, check that you're on Polygon (Chain ID 137) and that the token exists on that chain.
Can't connect to Polygon MetaMask? Try these checks (short list first):
If problems persist:
But what if a connection freezes during a dApp call? That often means the RPC responded slowly — try switching RPCs and repeat the transaction. And if you ever see an unknown token approval pop up, do not approve it.
See the full troubleshooting checklist: /troubleshooting-connect.
Adding a custom RPC gives the endpoint visibility into your requests. That can include your public addresses or which dApps you query. Treat unknown RPCs the same way you treat unknown websites.
Practical steps I follow:
Also, protect your seed phrase. If you lose it, recovery is the only way to regain access to your accounts. See /backup-recovery-seed for options.
Who this software wallet is best for:
Who should look elsewhere (or add extra precautions):
Q: Is it safe to keep crypto in a hot wallet?
A: Hot wallets are convenient and essential for active DeFi use. They are more exposed than cold storage. In my experience I keep a small operational balance in a hot wallet and the rest offline. That balance depends on how often I transact.
Q: How do I revoke token approvals?
A: MetaMask can disconnect a site, but revoking token allowances is an on-chain action. Use a reputable approval-revoke tool or check the token page on polygonscan and submit a revoke transaction. See /token-approvals-revoke for step-by-step guidance.
Q: What happens if I lose my phone?
A: If you have your seed phrase, you can restore your accounts on a new device. If you don't have the seed phrase or a backup, funds may be unrecoverable. See /lost-phone-recovery and /backup-recovery for recovery options.
Adding Polygon (Matic) to MetaMask is straightforward and useful for lower-cost DeFi actions. If you want a guided, screenshot-driven setup, start with the extension or mobile install pages: /install-metamask-extension or /install-metamask-mobile-app.
If you run into connection problems, work through the troubleshooting checklist above and consult /troubleshooting-connect. Want to tighten security before you use Polygon? Back up your seed phrase now and consider pairing with a hardware wallet for larger transactions.
Ready to add the network? Follow the manual steps above or accept a dApp add prompt — just double-check the Chain ID and RPC URL before approving.