How to Add Arbitrum to MetaMask: A Complete 2025 Guide

Integrating Arbitrum with MetaMask unlocks a faster, more affordable way to interact with Ethereum-based decentralized applications. As one of the leading Layer 2 scaling solutions, Arbitrum reduces congestion on the Ethereum mainnet by processing transactions off-chain and settling them efficiently back to Ethereum—offering users lower gas fees, quicker confirmations, and full compatibility with existing tools.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about connecting Arbitrum to your MetaMask wallet, including automatic and manual setup methods for both desktop and mobile, adding ARB-20 tokens, using the Arbitrum bridge, and exploring why this network is worth your attention in 2025.

Why Use Arbitrum with MetaMask?

Before diving into setup steps, it's important to understand why Arbitrum has become a go-to choice for Ethereum users:

• Lower Transaction Fees: Experience significantly reduced gas costs compared to Ethereum mainnet.
• Faster Transactions: Benefit from near-instant finality without sacrificing security.
• Ethereum-Level Security: Built on top of Ethereum, Arbitrum inherits its robust consensus and protection mechanisms.
• Seamless dApp Compatibility: Most Ethereum dApps are already deployed or easily portable to Arbitrum.
• Growing Ecosystem: From DeFi platforms to NFT marketplaces, Arbitrum hosts an expanding suite of innovative projects.

These advantages make Arbitrum a smart upgrade path for anyone already using MetaMask for Ethereum interactions.

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How to Add Arbitrum to MetaMask

Adding Arbitrum One to your MetaMask wallet is quick and straightforward. You can do it automatically via Arbiscan or manually by entering network details.

Option 1: Automatic Setup Using Arbiscan

The easiest way to add Arbitrum is through Arbiscan.io, the official block explorer.

1. Visit arbiscan.io
2. Scroll down to the bottom of the homepage
3. Click the "Add Arbitrum One Network" button (it includes a MetaMask icon)
4. Confirm the network addition in your MetaMask popup
5. Switch networks directly from the MetaMask interface

MetaMask will auto-fill all required fields:

• Network Name: Arbitrum One
• RPC URL: https://arb1.arbitrum.io/rpc
• Chain ID: 42161
• Currency Symbol: ETH
• Block Explorer: https://arbiscan.io

This method ensures accuracy and eliminates manual entry errors.

Option 2: Manual Setup in MetaMask (Desktop)

If you prefer control or the auto-detect feature isn’t working:

1. Open your MetaMask extension
2. Click the current network (e.g., "Ethereum Mainnet")
3. Select "Add Network" > "Add a network manually"

4. Enter the following details:

   • Network Name: Arbitrum One
   • New RPC URL: https://arb1.arbitrum.io/rpc
   • Chain ID: 42161
   • Currency Symbol: ETH
   • Block Explorer URL: https://arbiscan.io
5. Click "Save"

You’re now connected to Arbitrum One.

Option 3: Adding Arbitrum on Mobile

The process on the MetaMask mobile app mirrors the desktop version:

1. Open the MetaMask app
2. Tap the network dropdown at the top
3. Tap "Add network"
4. Search for "Arbitrum One" and select it, or choose "Custom Networks"
5. Enter the same network parameters as above
6. Tap "Add" and switch to the new network

Once added, you can browse Arbitrum-powered dApps just like on Ethereum.

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Add Arbitrum Sepolia Testnet to MetaMask

Developers testing smart contracts or building dApps should add the Arbitrum Sepolia Testnet:

1. In MetaMask, go to Settings > Networks > Add Network

2. Input the following:

   • Network Name: Arbitrum Sepolia Testnet
   • RPC URL: https://sepolia-rollup.arbitrum.io/rpc
   • Chain ID: 421614
   • Currency Symbol: ETH
   • Block Explorer URL: https://sepolia.arbiscan.io
3. Save the configuration

To get test ETH, use a faucet like those listed on official Arbitrum documentation or developer portals.

How to Import ARB-20 Tokens into MetaMask

ARB-20 tokens are Arbitrum’s version of Ethereum’s ERC-20 standard. To view them in your wallet:

1. Ensure your MetaMask is set to the Arbitrum One network
2. Scroll down and click "Import Tokens"
3. Paste the token’s contract address (found on project websites or Arbiscan)
4. Let MetaMask auto-populate symbol and decimals
5. Click "Next" > "Import Tokens"

Alternatively, visit CoinGecko or CoinMarketCap, find your desired token, and click the MetaMask extension button if available.

Now your ARB-20 tokens will appear under your assets list.

Transfer ETH to Arbitrum Using the Arbitrum Bridge

To use dApps on Arbitrum, you’ll need ETH for gas fees. Here’s how to move funds securely:

1. Go to bridge.arbitrum.io
2. Connect your MetaMask wallet
3. Select Ethereum → Arbitrum One
4. Choose ETH (or compatible ERC-20 tokens)
5. Enter the amount and click "Move Funds to Arbitrum One"
6. Confirm the transaction in MetaMask

⚠️ Note: Initial deposits from Ethereum incur Layer 1 gas fees. Withdrawals take ~7 days due to fraud-proof windows.

After confirmation, switch your MetaMask network to Arbitrum One—you’ll see your balance updated shortly.

Core Benefits of Using Arbitrum in 2025

As blockchain adoption grows, scalability remains critical. Here’s why Arbitrum stands out:

✅ Lower Costs

Gas fees on Arbitrum average pennies versus dollars on Ethereum during peak times.

✅ High Throughput

Processes thousands of transactions per second by batching operations off-chain.

✅ Full EVM Compatibility

Developers deploy Solidity-based contracts seamlessly—no rewrites needed.

✅ Strong Developer & Community Support

Backed by Offchain Labs and embraced by major DeFi protocols like Uniswap and Aave.

✅ Interoperability Focus

The Nitro upgrade improved cross-chain messaging, enabling smoother asset and data transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Arbitrum safe to use with MetaMask?

Yes. Arbitrum uses Ethereum’s proven security model through optimistic rollups, ensuring high trustworthiness while improving performance.

Q: Do I need a separate wallet for Arbitrum?

No. MetaMask supports multiple networks—including Arbitrum—within a single wallet interface.

Q: Why are my funds not showing after bridging?

Double-check that your MetaMask is set to the Arbitrum One network. Also, allow up to 10 minutes for balance updates post-deposit.

Q: Can I stake ETH on Arbitrum?

Not directly. Staking occurs on Ethereum’s beacon chain. However, you can use liquid staking derivatives (like rETH or stETH) on Arbitrum-based DeFi apps.

Q: Are there any risks when using Layer 2 bridges?

While reputable bridges like Arbitrum’s are secure, always verify URLs and never share private keys. Withdrawal delays exist due to security protocols.

Q: What happens if I send tokens to the wrong network?

Transactions cannot be reversed. Always confirm the recipient address and network before sending funds.

Final Thoughts

Integrating Arbitrum into your MetaMask wallet is a simple yet powerful step toward optimizing your Web3 experience in 2025. With minimal setup, you gain access to cheaper transactions, faster speeds, and a thriving ecosystem—all while maintaining Ethereum-grade security.

Whether you're exploring DeFi, trading NFTs, or developing dApps, leveraging Layer 2 solutions like Arbitrum ensures you stay ahead in a competitive blockchain landscape.

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