This page explains how to manage tokens inside MetaMask, and how to use its built-in portfolio features. The focus is practical: how to add custom tokens, hide the spam, fix common display problems, and keep your token approvals tidy. I use MetaMask daily across desktop and mobile, so these notes come from hands-on testing and a few mistakes I learned from (yes, I once approved a contract I should not have). What I have found is that small habits—checking a contract address or limiting allowances—save a lot of hassle.
If you are new, start with the extension or mobile install guides: install-metamask-extension and install-metamask-mobile-app.
Short answer: both the extension and the mobile app show tokens, but the experience differs.
Extension (desktop): Tokens appear under the Assets tab. Adding a custom token is straightforward but the extension lacks a consolidated portfolio chart that mobile includes. Good for frequent DeFi work with browser dApps. (More on connecting to networks: connect-to-networks.)
Mobile: Includes a Portfolio view that aggregates balances and shows basic charts. The mobile dApp browser makes adding tokens on the go easier. If you mostly use a phone, this is where you will check balances most often.
| Feature | Extension | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Add custom token | Yes | Yes |
| Hide tokens | Yes | Yes |
| Portfolio aggregation | Limited | Aggregated view |
| Built-in dApp browser | No (uses injected provider) | Yes |
| Quick disconnect of sites | Yes | Yes |
This covers common searches like add custom token metamask and add token metamask. Follow these steps before pasting any contract address.
And yes: you can add most ERC-20 style tokens the same way on any EVM-compatible network.
Want to add a BEP-20 token on BSC? Switch to BSC first, then follow the same import steps. For AVAX tokens use the Avalanche network and the same import flow (search for add avax token metamask if you need a checklist). For Polygon, switch to Polygon and then add the token (search add polygon token metamask). If a token is legitimate but not auto-detected, the contract method always works.
Search queries like token not showing metamask are common. Try this checklist in order:
If none of that helps, check out advanced connectivity guides like add-custom-network and mobile-desktop-sync.
Spam tokens are annoying. MetaMask lets you hide individual tokens, and adjust automatic token detection.
But remember: hiding tokens only removes visual clutter. It does not revoke approvals or stop contracts from interacting with your address.
MetaMask mobile provides a portfolio view that sums balances and shows recent performance. The extension offers asset balances per account and price indicators for recognized tokens.
Common portfolio issues (metamask portfolio issue):
If accuracy matters, cross-check with a block explorer or a dedicated portfolio tracker. For deeper tracking, see token-management and tokens-portfolio.
Token allowance is one of those features that gives DeFi power and also risk. Approving a contract allows it to spend tokens on your behalf. Unlimited allowances are convenient for frequent swaps but increase exposure.
Practical steps I follow:
I once left an unlimited approval for a small token and regretted it. Lesson learned: review approvals after trades.
NFTs are treated separately from fungible tokens. MetaMask can display NFTs on supported networks; if a questionable collection appears, hide it using the NFT or collection settings. For more on handling collectibles see nft-management.
Who this works for:
Who should consider other options:
Q: Is it safe to keep crypto in a hot wallet?
A: Hot wallets are convenient for daily DeFi activity. They are inherently less secure than cold storage. Use small operational balances for swaps and a hardware wallet for long-term holdings.
Q: How do I revoke token approvals?
A: Disconnect the dApp in MetaMask and use a revoke tool or the blockchain explorer to revoke allowances. Walkthrough: token-approvals-revoke.
Q: What happens if I lose my phone?
A: If you have your seed phrase, restore your wallet on another device using create-restore-wallet. Without the seed phrase or private keys, you cannot recover the funds. Read more on backup options: backup-cloud-vs-paper.
Managing tokens and your in-wallet portfolio is mostly about attention to detail: confirm contract addresses, stay on the correct network, and keep approvals tight. If you want a step-by-step setup walkthrough for desktop or mobile, check these guides: install-metamask-extension, install-metamask-mobile-app, and create-restore-wallet. And if you handle larger sums, consider combining MetaMask with a hardware wallet; see connect-ledger for integration notes.
If you ran into a specific metamask portfolio tracking problem, try the troubleshooting checklist above and follow the network-specific guides like add-bsc-network or add-polygon. Want more detailed how-to steps on approvals and revocations? Visit token-management-approvals and keep your tokens working for you, safely.