Can I add Cardano Network to Metamask?
Unfortunately, you cannot add Cardano (ADA) on Metamask wallet directly.
Metamask is only compatible with Ethereum-based tokens (ERC-20) and Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) networks. In other words, you cannot run the iOS operating system on an Android device (and vice versa).
NOT ALL is LOST! As someone once said, There is always a WAY (or two)
How to Add Cardano to Metamask
Want to jump straight to the answer? Here are my two methods:
METHOD 1. Add Binance-PEG ADA
The first method involves converting your ADA to a metamask-compatible version (Binance-PEG ADA). The Binance-PEG version can be used on the Binance Smart Chain (BNB Chain).
Here is my 3-step process:
- Step 1: Add the Binance Smart Chain (BNB Chain) Network
- Step 2: Add the Binance-PEG Ada to your Metamask Wallet
- Step 3: Withdraw/Send your ADA using the Binance Smart Chain
METHOD 2. Add Cardano to a compatible wallet
The second method is using a Cardano-compatible Wallet. There are many to choose from. From hot (software wallets) like Trust Wallet, Yoroi Wallet, Daedalus, or Nami to hardware wallets like Ledger Nano X, Ellipal, or SafePal.
Note: Fortunately,Trust Wallet announced on July 19th, 2022, that it now supports Cardano (ADA). To use a similar wallet to Metamask, this is the option we will pick.
Here is my 3-step process:
- Step 1: Download a compatible Cardano Wallet (We will use Trust Wallet)
- Step 2: Search & Enable Cardano (ADA)
- Step 3: Withdraw/Send Cardano (ADA) to your Wallet
If you want to sleep like a baby at night, store your coins SAFELY in a Hardware Wallet like Ledger Nano X.
We will cover both methods in DETAIL in the following sections.
Best Cardano (ADA) Wallets
If you prefer to use the second method. Here are our recommended ADA Wallets.
Ledger NANO X
Type:
Cold (Hardware Wallet)
Coins Supported:
+ 5,500 Tokens
Native Support
High Reputation
Bluetooth Connection
Cross-Platform: IOS & Android, Desktop (W, OS, L)
ELLIPAL Titan
Type:
Hot (online) & Cold (Hardware)
Coins Supported: 40 Blockchains (10k+ Tokens)
Native Support
Easy-to-Use UX
Air-gapped: 100% offline
Anti-Tamper: Physical and supply chain protection
Trust Wallet
Type:
Hot (online)/Software
Coins Supported: 4.5M+ Assets supported
Native Support
User-friendly UX
Cross-Platform: Mobile (iOS & Android), Browser Extension* (Chrome, Brave, Opera, Edge).
*Note: The Trust Wallet browser extension is currently in Beta version and does not support Cardano (ADA).
Here’s how to add ADA to Metamask in a nutshell. If you want a DETAILED, step-by-step guide, here’s what we’ll cover:
Table of Contents:
1. Add Cardano to Metamask in 3 Steps
Cardano (ADA) is not compatible with Ethereum-based wallets. We can, however, use a workaround (Method 1) or other alternatives (Method 2).
In this section, you’ll learn two different methods to store ADA in your crypto wallet.
In METHOD 1 you’ll add the Binance-PEG ADA to Metamask.
In METHOD 2 you’ll learn to store ADA on Trust Wallet
- LOTS more!
I will not leave any stone unturned (If you are new, DON’T WORRY!)
Method 1 – How to add Binance-PEG ADA to Metamask
The first method you can use to add ADA to your Metamask Wallet is to convert your original ADA to an ADA version that can run on the Binance Smart Chain. In other words, converting ADA to Binance-PEG ADA.
Note: Bear in mind that this is not the original (native) ADA token. We always recommend holding the original digital asset (see Method 2: Trust Wallet).
What is a Binance-PEG Cardano Token?
The Binance-PEG Cardano Token is a token that runs on the Binance Smart Chain (BNB Chain). The Binance-PEG ADA is pegged 1:1 to the value of Cardano (ADA), which means that it has the same value as the native ADA token (1 ADA = 1 Binance-PEG ADA).
Also, Binance Pegged tokens are fully backed (100%) by the native coin in reserve, in our case Cardano (ADA). Anyone can audit these reserves publicly on the blockchain.
In other words, The Binance-PEG ADA is simply an ADA version that uses a different blockchain. In fact, you can easily swap your Binance-PEG ADA to ADA using a cross-chain bridge like the Binance Bridge.
If you understand this, let’s add ADA (Binance-PEG ADA) to your Metamask Wallet using the Binance Smart Chain (BNB Chain).
If you want to add Binance-PEG ADA on Metamask follow these steps:
1. The first thing we have to do is to add the Binance Smart Chain (BNB Chain) to your Metamask. By default, you have the Ethereum Mainnet.
2. Click on what says Ethereum Mainnet and then click the “add networks” button (copy the data exactly as you see below).
Network Name: Smart Chain
New RPC URL: https://bsc-dataseed.binance.org/
ChainID: 56
Symbol: BNB
Block Explorer URL: https://bscscan.com
3. Close the window and select the Smart Chain Network.
1. To add the Binance-PEG ADA token we need to ensure that we are using the right token contract address.
You can find the token contract address on coinmarketcap or BSCScan.
Binance-PEG ADA Contract Address: 0x3ee2200efb3400fabb9aacf31297cbdd1d435d47
Copy the address
2. The second thing is to unlock your Metamask wallet with your password
3. Then, on the initial screen go to import tokens. Select “add custom token”, paste the Binance-PEG ADA token address and click on “import token.” You should see the Binance-PEG ADA token displayed on your wallet.
STEP 3: Send/Withdraw ADA using the BNB Smart Chain
If your ADA sits on an exchange like Binance or another wallet, you will need to withdraw/send your ADA to your Metamask Wallet.
How to transfer ADA from Binance to Metamask?
Here are the steps to withdraw ADA from Binance to Metamask Wallet.
Note: Ensure that the Binance Smart Chain (BNB Chain) is enabled and set as your default network.
Binance: Go to wallet > fiat & spot > Next to ADA click on Withdraw > input metamask wallet* > select BSC (BEP20) > withdrawal amount > Click Withdraw.
*In Metamask, the wallet address is under your account name (initial page). Ensure you are on the right network (Smart Chain). Easy, RIGHT?
NOTE: Do not send Cardano (ADA) native tokens to your Metamask Binance-PEG ADA wallet address or you risk losing your funds. Despite having the same value, Cardano (ADA) and Binance-PEG ADA are distinct tokens running on different blockchains. If you’ve used Method 1, Only send ADA to your Metamask wallet via the Binance Smart Chain (BEP20).
METHOD 2 – How to add Cardano to Trust Wallet
The second method you’ll learn is to add Cardano (ADA) to a compatible Cardano Wallet like Trust Wallet.
Trust Wallet is a leading multi-chain crypto wallet that allows you to store your coins and NFTs in one place. Instead of 300 individual wallets with 300 different accounts and recovery phrases, you can manage everything under a single account. Trust Wallet does not store your keys or hold your funds (non-custodial).
This is the easiest method. And the one we recommend. It is usually preferable to have the native or original digital asset rather than the pegged or wrapped version.
Without further delay, let’s download and set up the Trust Wallet on your device
Note: Currently, Cardano (ADA) is only supported on mobile devices (ensure you have the latest version on iOS (6.16) or Android (5.1). If you prefer a browser/desktop wallet or simply want to check other solutions, head to the Alternatives Tab. In there we have listed a few crypto wallets that are compatible with Cardano Network
To add Cardano to Trust Wallet follow these steps:
Step 0: To get started, please install Trust Wallet (completely free). Download the mobile version (iOS; Android). We recommend the browser extension as well (Chrome; Brave; Opera; Edge).
The Trust Wallet Browser extension is currently in Beta. In the coming months, we will have a cross-platform Trust Wallet.
Step 1: Let’s download the Trust Wallet for the iOS device. Head to the apple store and search for Trust Wallet. Click on “Get.”
Step 2: Accept the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service by ticking the box
Step 3: The application might ask you to Set a 6-digit Passcode to add an extra layer of security.
Step 4: Back up your Secret Phrase. Read carefully the three options presented (E.g., If I lose my secret phrase, my funds will be lost forever, etc) and click on continue.
You will be shown a 12- word Secret Phrase on the next screen. It allows you to recover your wallet even if you lose your device or forget your password.
Step 5: Write down or copy these words in the right order and save them somewhere safe.
Congrats!
Once it is verified, the wallet should be up and running and ready to send, receive and store native ADA tokens.
STEP 2: Add Cardano to Trust Wallet
This step is pretty straightforward.
Open your Trust Wallet and click on Add Tokens
Search for Cardano (ADA) and enable the option Cardano ADA.
Note: Ensure you add the Cardano ADA native instead of other options like Binance-PEG ADA, Mini Cardano (MADA), or Cream Cardano (crADA).
Finally, click on “Done” and the Cardano Token will be listed on your Trust Wallet.
STEP 3: Send/Withdraw ADA to Trust Wallet
If your ADA sits on an exchange like Binance or another wallet, you will need to withdraw/send your ADA to your Trust Wallet.
How to transfer ADA from Binance to Trust Wallet?
Here are the steps to withdraw ADA from Binance to Metamask Wallet.
Binance: Go to wallet > fiat & spot > Next to ADA click on Withdraw > input Trust wallet Cardano (ADA) Address* > Select ADA Cardano Network > withdrawal amount > Click Withdraw.
*In Trust Wallet, the wallet address is under receive.
METHOD 3 – Alternatives
Here are alternative wallets you can use to store ADA. To store ADA away from online hackers, we recommend a hardware wallet like Ledger Nano X.
There are two types of crypto wallets:
- Software (Online) Wallets: Software wallets are connected to the internet and are useful to move funds quickly. Metamask and Trust Wallet are the most popular ones.
- Hardware (Offline) Wallets: Hardware wallets are the most secure way to store your coins and keep them away from hackers. The best hardware wallets for storing ADA tokens are Ledger Nano X, Ellipal Titan, and SafePal.
Alternative Cardano (ADA) Hot Wallets
Yoroi
Yoroi Wallet is a light wallet native to Cardano. It is developed by EMURGO, a leading blockchain technology company. Yoroi allows users to send, receive and store the Cardano coin ADA. It is simple, fast, and safe. You can use the Yoroi wallet on a browser extension (Chrome or Firefox) or mobile app (Android; iOS).
Daedalus Wallet
Daedalus is a full-node wallet for the Cardano blockchain. Unlike Yoroi or Nami wallets, Daedalus downloads a copy of the entire Cardano blockchain to validate each transaction. It is developed by Input Output (IOHK), a leading research firm founded by Charles Hoskinson, the father of Cardano.
Daedalus, unfortunately, only supports ADA and is only available for Desktop. You can download it here.
Nami
Nami is a browser-based wallet extension for Cardano. Nami wallet was created by Alessandro Konrad and Pascal Lapointe, early pioneers of Cardano NFTs. Nami allows to send, receive and store ADA tokens and Cardano NFTs. It can also delegate ADA tokens to stake pools and mint NFTs.
It is only available for Chrome, Brave, and Edge. Sorry Safari!
Best Cardano Hardware Wallets
To store your ADA, the safest way is to use a hardware wallet.
Ledger Nano X
Ledger Nano X is one of the most reputable cold/hardware wallets. It connects to your phone with Bluetooth and has a large screen to manage over +5,500 tokens and NFTs. It provides Cardano (ADA) support directly and can be used on Desktops (Windows, OS, and Linux) and mobile devices (iOS and Android).
Ellipal Titan
Ellipal Titan is both a Hot (online) and Cold (hardware wallet). It uses air-gapped technology (to keep your coins 100% offline), a metal seal (against physical attacks of any kind), and anti-tamper technology (automatically deletes the device’s data in case of a breach).
Ellipal Titan can be used with mobile devices (iOS and Android).
SafePal
SafePal is also a Hot (online) and Cold (hardware wallet). It supports more than 54 Blockchains (30k+ tokens). It employs air-gapped technology (which keeps your coins completely offline) and offers a fast, intuitive interface on all platforms.
SafePal is available for mobile devices (iOS and Android) and browser extensions like Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.
2. Conclusion
Cardano (ADA) network does not natively support the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). Which means that can’t be added directly to your Metamask Wallet.
Metamask can only be set up with EVM-compatible networks such as Ethereum, Avalanche, Binance Smart Chain, Polygon, etc.
However … Did you KNOW that Cardano is building an EVM sidechain (aka a Bridge) that connects Cardano with the Ethereum Network to allow assets to be moved freely?
It is called Milkomeda and is currently in beta. The Milkomeda Network allows EVM-compatible smart contracts to be executed on the Milkomeda bridge connected to the Cardano Blockchain.
Until the rollout is complete we recommend one of the following methods:
Method 1: Add Binance-PEG Ada to Metamask
- Step 1: Add the Binance Smart Chain (BNB Chain) Network
- Step 2: Add the Binance-PEG Ada to your Metamask Wallet
- Step 3: Withdraw/Send your ADA using the Binance Smart Chain
Method 2 (Recommended): Add Cardano (ADA) to Trust Wallet
- Step 1: Download Trust Wallet
- Step 2: Search & Enable Cardano (ADA)
- Step 3: Withdraw/Send Cardano (ADA) to your crypto Wallet
We hope you found this guide helpful! Check our FAQs if you have more questions
3. FAQs
How do I add ADA BEP20 to Metamask?
To add ADA BEP20 to Metamask follow these steps:
- 1. Add the Binance Smart Chain (BNB Chain) first.
- 2. Switch to Smart Chain
- 3. Click on import tokens and add Binance-PEG ADA (ensure you input the right contract address – you can get it from coinmerketcap)
- 4. Transfer your tokens to the Binance-PEG ADA Address
How do I add Cardano to Wallet?
To add Cardano (ADA) to a compatible Cardano Wallet follow these steps:
- 1. Find a Cardano Compatible Wallet (Trust Wallet, Yoroi, Ledger Nano X, etc)
- 2. Set up your Wallet
- 3. Search for Cardano (ADA) and enable the option Cardano ADA.
- 4. Transfer ADA to your Wallet
Which wallet supports Cardano?
There are a handful of crypto wallets to choose from.
You have software wallets like Trust Wallet (Browser & Mobile), Yoroi (Browser and mobile), or Daedalus (desktop only). And hardware wallets like Ledger Nano X (Browser & Mobile), Ellipal Titan (Mobile), and SafePal (browser & mobile).
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