How to Add Polkadot to Metamask in 2023 [Like a Pro]

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by: Marc Arbonés

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Are you wondering if it’s possible to add DOT to your Metamask Wallet? Look no further!

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly (In 4 DETAILED Steps) how to add DOT to Metamask and manage your DOTs like a pro.

Here is what you’ll learn:

1. A 3 Simple and DETAILED step-by-step process to add Polkadot (DOT) on Metamask

2. Alternative ways to store Polkadot

3. Lots More!

If you’re ready, let’s get started!

Want to jump straight to the answer? Unfortunately, you cannot add Polkadot to Metamask wallet directly. If you hold some DOT, you cannot use the Polkadot Network to send DOT to your Metamask Wallet.

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).

However, NOT ALL is LOST! There is always a way

The only way to add DOT to Metamask is by using a Metamask-compatible network. This involves using a different DOT version than the native one.

How to Add POLKADOT to Metamask?

The easiest way to add DOT to your Metamask wallet is by using a DOT version that can run on the BNB Chain (Binance Smart Chain). This is a wrapped version called Binance-PEG DOT. 

Here’s a quick 4-Step guide:

STEP 1. Launch Metamask App and Unlock it

STEP 2. Add the Binance Smart Chain (BNB) Network

STEP 3. Add the Binance-PEG DOT to your Metamask

STEP 4. Withdraw/Send DOT to your Wallet

Note: Bear in mind that this is not the native DOT version. If you want to interact with the Polkadot ecosystem (DeFi, GameFi, and NFT applications) you will need to download a standalone wallet like Parity Signer or a multi-coin wallet like Trust Wallet.

If you want to sleep like a baby at night, we recommend you store your coins safely on a Hardware Wallet like Ledger Nano X. 

Here’s how to add DOT to Metamask in a nutshell. If you want a DETAILED, step-by-step guide, here’s what we’ll cover:

  1. Can you add Polkadot to your Metamask?
  2. How to add Binance-PEG DOT to Metamask in 4 DETAILED Steps
  3. Conclusion
  4. FAQs
    1. Which wallet works with Polkadot?
    2. How do I add wallet to Polkadot?
    3. How do I add a DOT address to Metamask?

1. Can you Add Polkadot to Metamask?

As previously mentioned in the introduction, adding Polkadot to Metamask is not possible. Metamask is essentially an Ethereum wallet that “only” allows Ethereum-compatible networks like BNB Chain, Avalanche, Fantom, etc.

Polkadot blockchain uses a different infrastructure called Substrate, which allows for building custom blockchain networks, and a different programming language (Javascript and Rust) than Ethereum, which is built on Solidity. 

In simple terms, to add DOT to Metamask we need a network that uses a similar infrastructure and “programming language” as Ethereum. For instance, the BNB Chain.

This guide will show you how to add the Binance-PEG DOT (wrapped version) to Metamask.

2. How to add Binance-PEG DOT in 4 Steps

The Binance-PEG DOT is the BNB Chain version of Polkadot (DOT). It is a token pegged 1:1 (1 DOT = 1 Binance-PEG DOT) to the value of Polkadot (DOT).

IMPORTANT:  It is worth repeating that the DOT-pegged (wrapped) versions like the Binance-PEG DOT are not Polkadot’s native DOT Token. 

If you want to interact with the Polkadot Ecosystem, you must use its native version. Otherwise, a wrapped version is a good option.

You can hold DOT natively on standalone wallets like Parity Singer, Moonbeam Wallet, and Polkawallet. On multi-coin wallets like Trust Wallet. And store them safely on hardware wallets like Ledger Nano X, Ellipal, and SafePal. 

However, if you wish to use popular DeFi apps such as Uniswap, AAVE, and OpenSea, you will need a wrapped version such as Binance-PEG DOT.

If you understand this, let’s add DOT (Binance-PEG DOT) to your Metamask Wallet using the Binance Smart Chain (BNB Chain). This is a straightforward four-step process.

I will not leave any stone unturned (If you are new, DON’T WORRY!)

STEP 1: Launch your Metamask Wallet

The first step is to launch your Metmask browser extension if you’re on a laptop, or your Metmask mobile app if you’re on an Android or iOS device. Let’s do it!

Unlock Metamask Wallet

STEP 2: Add the Binance Smart Chain (BNB Chain)

1. The second thing we have to do is to add the Binance Smart Chain (BNB Chain) to your Metamask. By default, you have the Ethereum Mainnet.

Add Binance Smart Chain to Metamask

2. Click on says Ethereum Mainnet followed by the “add networks” button. You can add the BNB Chain automatically by selecting BNB Smart Chain (previously Binance Smart Chain Mainnet) or manually by clicking on add network manually and pasting the following data:

  • BNB Chain RPC:
    • Network Name: Binance 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 BNB Smart Chain Network.

STEP 3: Add the Binance-PEG DOT to your Metamask Wallet

Now we are ready to add the Binance-PEG DOT to Metamask

Add Polkadot to Metamask

1. To add the Binance-PEG DOT token we need to ensure that we are using the right token contract address. 

You can find the token contract address on coinmarketcap (under contracts) or BSCScan (where it says contract). 

Binance-PEG DOT Contract Address: 0x7083609fce4d1d8dc0c979aab8c869ea2c873402

Copy the address!

2. Then, on the initial screen go to import tokens. Select “add custom token”, paste the Binance-PEG DOT token address and click on “import token.” You should see the Binance-PEG DOT token displayed on your wallet. 

STEP 4: Send your DOT using the Binance Smart Chain

If your DOT sits on an exchange like Binance or another wallet, you might be wondering how to withdraw/send your Polkadot to Metamask Wallet.

How to transfer DOT from Binance to Metamask?

Here are the steps to withdraw DOT from Binance to Metamask Wallet. Ensure that the Binance Smart Chain (BNB Chain) is enabled as your default network. 

Transfer DOT from Binance to Metamask

Binance: Go to wallet > fiat & spot > Next to DOT 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 DOT native tokens to your Metamask Binance-PEG DOT wallet address or you risk losing your funds. Despite having the same value, Polkadot (DOT) and Binance-PEG DOT are distinct tokens running on different blockchains. Only send Polkadot to your Metamask wallet via the Binance Smart Chain (BEP20). 

3. Conclusion

Polkadot (DOT) 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. 

The only way to add Polkadot to your Metamask wallet is by using a wrapped version that can be used on an Ethereum-compatible network like the BNB Chain. 

We can do that with a simple 4-step process:

  • Step 1: Launch the Metamask Wallet
  • Step 2: Add the Binance Smart Chain (BNB Chain) Network
  • Step 3: Add the Binance-PEG DOT to your Metamask Wallet
  • Step 4: Withdraw/Send your DOT using the Binance Smart Chain
Note: Do not confuse the Binance-PEG DOT with Polkadot’s DOT native version. 

We hope you found this guide helpful! Check our FAQs if you have more questions. 

4. FAQs

Which Wallet works with Polkadot? 

The best option is to store your Polkadot on a hardware wallet like Ledger Nano X, Ellipal Titan, or SafePal. 

If you are constantly interacting with the Polkadot ecosystem, you should consider multi-coin wallets such as Trust Wallet or standalone wallets like Parity Singer, Moonbeam Wallet, Polkadot.js, and Polkawallet.

To add a wallet to Polkadot.js follow the steps below: 

  1. Download the Polkadot.js browser extension
  2. Launch the browser extension and click on + add an account
  3. Go to the Polkadot.js.org official site and click on apps wallet (hosted)
  4. Click on “Yes Allow this application access”
  5. Send or Receive Tokens

The only way to add a DOT address to Metamask is by using a Metamask-compatible network like the Binance Smart Chain (BNB Chain). This involves using a different DOT version (wrapped version) than the native one.

If you want to add a native DOT address to Metamask consider getting a Polkadot-compatible wallet. 

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AUTHOR

Marc Arbonés
Marc is a millennial economist, systems thinker, crypto investor (since 2017), crypto writer, and peak performance consultant. He is the Editor and Founder of Altcoins Mastery, where he supports creators and investors in capitalizing on a "fairer" financial system powered by Crypto, DeFi, and web 3.0.
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