One of the main advanced properties in blockchain technology is interoperability, the art of different blockchains communicating with each other.. Interoperability is crucial when it comes to exchanging data and assets like non-fungible tokens (NFTs) or cryptocurrencies enjoying the best of two or more platforms to save on commissions, for example, or make transactions faster.
The Avalanche blockchain is a versatile, interoperable platform and cryptocurrency network that addresses scalability, security, and decentralization issues 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 power blockchain decentralized finance (DeFi) and enterprise applications.
It is powered by its native token, AVAX, and has smart contract functionality that puts it in direct competition with Ethereum.. The PoS platform’s smart contracts primarily support decentralized applications (DApps) and autonomous blockchains with fast transaction processing times, a reward structure that incentivizes participation, and advanced interoperability.
Avalanche’s interaction with Ethereum and its DeFi ecosystems is facilitated by the MetaMask cryptocurrency walletsoftware used by up to 10 million people. It can be downloaded as a browser extension on Chrome and Firefox or as an app for iOS and Android mobile phones. Before interacting with the Ethereum blockchain and DApps, users need to add the Avalanche network to their MetaMask walletand this guide shows how to do it.
How to configure 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 the DApps Ethereum has to offer without leaving the Avalanche network.. Avalanche’s interoperability also makes the network more accessible to developers, as shares its smart contract programming language, Solidity, with Ethereum.
It should be noted that there are three blockchains in the Avalanche network: the Exchange Chain (X-Chain), the Contract Chain (C-Chain) and the Platform Chain (P-Chain).
The Avalanche’s X-chain is primarily used to send and receive AVAX and cannot be used on Web3 platforms or added to Web3 wallets such as MetaMask. The P-Chain is Avalanche’s metadata blockchain which coordinates the validators, keeps track of the active Subnets (sovereign networks that define their own rules regarding their members and tokenomics) and allows the creation of new Subnets.
Only Avalanche’s default smart contract C-Chain wallet is compatible with MetaMaskan essential fact to take into account since, if wrong chain is selected when adding Avalanche to MetaMask, coins may be lost.
Therefore, To transfer AVAX from an Avalanche wallet, a user’s tokens must be in the C-Chain wallet or use a C-Chain integrated exchange wallet, such as Binance. If the token does not reside on the C-Chain, it can be easily transferred internally from either of the other two Avalanche blockchains by paying a small fee per transaction.
MetaMask can be added as an extension to Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Brave and iOS or Android browsers on mobile from the MetaMask website; however, for the purposes of this article, it will be considered the Chrome extension.
Users must verify the legitimacy of the MetaMask website to avoid being tricked by scams and compromised web pages. strongly recommended download the correct extension from the official website.
From the MetaMask website, click “Download for Chrome” and “Add to Chrome” to add the extension. Here are the steps to follow:
- I know install the MetaMask extension for Chrome and click on “Begin” on the MetaMask welcome page.
- It can import existing cryptocurrency walletbut it must insert the seed phrase of the purse; then click on the “Import wallet” option.
- It is also possible ccreate a new wallet by clicking the “Create a wallet” button. here it should create a strong password to access the wallet from the device.
- Essential information about the seed phrase will appear on the next page., to which special attention should be paid. The seed phrase, or recovery phrase, is a crucial security feature and backup for the cryptocurrency wallet. This will allow access to the wallet with the tokens even if the password is lost or forgotten.
- Then it’s done click the lock button to see the seed phrase. Words should be noted in the correct order, stored safely offline, and never shared with anyone. Assets can be compromised if someone compromises the device and gains access to the seed phrase.
- The system will ask you to repeat seed phrase on the next page; and you have to make sure you select the words in the correct order.
- is clicked “Confirm” to finish and then “All done” to access the new wallet.
The process described above will automatically connect MetaMask to Ethereum. However, it must complete the steps highlighted below to add the Avalanche network to MetaMask.
How to configure Avalanche network in MetaMask?
Connecting MetaMask to Avalanche is a fairly straightforward process. Once logged into the MetaMask wallet, click on the Ethereum mainnet dropdown menu and select Custom RPCas it’s shown in the following.
This redirects to the page “Add a network”where it will have to add the following information:
You can view the “Add a Network” requirements for using MetaMask in Avalanche here:
is clicked “Save” to complete the process. You are all set to use MetaMask on Avalanche, as well as all your DeFi and Web3 applications.
How to send AVAX tokens to MetaMask?
After connecting the Avalanche network to MetaMask, AVAX coins can be sent from an Avalanche wallet to the MetaMask wallet. It is important to remember that only C-Chain is compatible with MetaMask.
- The Avalanche wallet is accessed and tokens are transferred to the C-Chain blockchain if they are on the P- or X-Chain blockchains.
- Simply click on “Cross Chain” in the left menu bar and select “C-Chain” as destination chain.
- Enter the amount you want to transfer and click “Confirm”. will add a small transaction fee to the final amount.
- Now they can send the AVAX coins to MetaMask by clicking “Send” in the menu on the left.
- Select “Contract C” as source string 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..
- Must check if you have enough gas for the transaction fee.
- I know confirm and finalize the transaction.
- Once Once the transaction is confirmed, the AVAX coins will be visible in the MetaMask wallet.
What other wallets are compatible with Avalanche?
MetaMask is surely the most versatile DeFi wallet for running smart contracts and DApps; Nevertheless, AVAX can be transferred, stored, staked and exchanged in other wallets on and offline. With over 90 million verified users worldwide, Coinbase wallet is a safe and easy-to-use online wallet to trade, earn and store AVAX. Security is enhanced through the software’s two-factor authentication, making it a secure wallet for both beginners and advanced users.
The Trust Wallet is another hot wallet that supports all DeFi programs, including NFT storage, Web3 capabilities, staking, swaps, and purchases.. It supports the Avalanche C-Chain as well as many other blockchains so that DApps can easily be bridged to AVAX. This online wallet is one of the most used among Web3 enthusiasts due to its easy-to-use interface and its versatility.
Ledger Nano S or X offline wallets support Avalanche, and users can access and store their AVAX tokens through all Avalanche chain addresses. Offline wallets are recommended over online wallets, as the private keys to access cryptocurrency are stored offline on a hardware device, making it more difficult for hackers and malicious actors to steal them.
Clarification: The information and/or opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views or editorial line of Cointelegraph. The information presented here should not be taken as financial advice or investment recommendation. All investment and commercial movement involve risks and it is the responsibility of each person to do their due research before making an investment decision.
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