Arbitrum is a leading Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum, designed to enhance transaction speed and reduce costs while maintaining Ethereum's security. This guide will walk you through how to add Arbitrum to your MetaMask wallet, explore its benefits, and highlight supported decentralized applications (DApps).
What Is Arbitrum?
Arbitrum is an EVM-compatible Layer 2 rollup that processes transactions off-chain before bundling them onto Ethereum. Key features include:
- Trustless Security: Inherits Ethereum’s security model.
- Ethereum Compatibility: Supports unmodified EVM contracts and ETH transactions.
- Scalability: Processes thousands of transactions per second (TPS) off-chain.
- Low Fees: Dramatically reduces gas costs compared to Ethereum mainnet.
How Fees Work on Arbitrum
Arbitrum uses ETH for gas fees (no native token required). Transactions are cheaper and faster, making it ideal for DeFi, NFTs, and other Ethereum-based activities.
Smart Contracts and DApps on Arbitrum
Smart Contracts
Arbitrum supports the same smart contracts as Ethereum, enabling seamless migration for developers. Popular projects like Uniswap, Aave, and Curve have already deployed on Arbitrum to leverage its scalability.
Supported DApps
Top Ethereum DApps expanding to Arbitrum include:
- Uniswap (Community-approved deployment)
- SushiSwap
- Balancer
- Etherscan (Block explorer integration)
These integrations drive adoption and reduce congestion on Ethereum.
Wallets Supporting Arbitrum
Many wallets natively support Arbitrum, including:
- MetaMask (Browser/extensions)
- Trust Wallet
- Coinbase Wallet
👉 Explore more Arbitrum-compatible wallets
Important: Always use a token bridge (e.g., Arbitrum Bridge) to transfer assets between Ethereum and Arbitrum to avoid fund loss.
Step-by-Step: Add Arbitrum to MetaMask
- Open MetaMask (Download here if needed).
- Click the network dropdown (top-right; defaults to "Ethereum Mainnet").
- Select "Custom RPC".
- Enter Arbitrum’s network details:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Network Name | Arbitrum |
| New RPC URL | https://arb1.arbitrum.io/rpc |
| Chain ID | 42161 |
| Currency Symbol (ETH) | ETH |
| Block Explorer URL | https://arbiscan.io/ |
- Click Save. You can now switch between Ethereum and Arbitrum via the network dropdown.
FAQs
Q: Can I use my existing Ethereum address on Arbitrum?
A: Yes! Your MetaMask address works across both networks.
Q: Is Arbitrum safer than other L2 solutions?
A: Arbitrum’s fraud proofs and Ethereum anchoring make it highly secure.
Q: How do I bridge tokens to Arbitrum?
A: Use the official Arbitrum Bridge or trusted third-party bridges like Synapse.
Q: Why are my tokens not showing after bridging?
A: Ensure you’ve switched MetaMask to the Arbitrum network and added the token contract manually if needed.
Ready to Explore Arbitrum?
Now that you’ve added Arbitrum to MetaMask, you can:
- Trade on Uniswap with lower fees.
- Stake in Aave V3.
- Transfer NFTs seamlessly.
For further questions, join our Telegram community or explore full wallet listings. Happy transacting!