Arbitrum has emerged as one of the most promising Layer 2 scaling solutions for Ethereum, offering faster transactions and significantly lower fees. If you're using MetaMask — one of the most popular crypto wallets — adding Arbitrum support is a simple process that unlocks access to a growing ecosystem of decentralized applications (dApps), DeFi protocols, and NFT platforms. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to add Arbitrum to MetaMask, explain what Arbitrum is, and answer common questions users have when switching networks.
Whether you're new to blockchain or an experienced user, understanding how to interact with Layer 2 networks like Arbitrum is essential in today’s evolving Web3 landscape.
What Is Arbitrum Layer 2?
Arbitrum is a Layer 2 (L2) scaling solution designed to enhance Ethereum’s performance by processing transactions off the main chain while maintaining Ethereum’s security. It uses a technology called optimistic rollups, which bundles multiple transactions into a single batch and submits them to Ethereum, drastically reducing gas costs and congestion.
As an EVM-compatible (Ethereum Virtual Machine) chain, Arbitrum allows developers to deploy smart contracts and dApps with little to no modifications from their original Ethereum versions. This seamless compatibility makes it easy for both developers and users to transition between Ethereum and Arbitrum.
Key Benefits of Arbitrum
- Trustless Security: Inherits Ethereum’s robust security model — every transaction can be verified on-chain.
- EVM Compatibility: Runs unmodified Ethereum smart contracts and transactions.
- High Scalability: Processes thousands of transactions off-chain, easing congestion on Ethereum.
- Low Transaction Costs: Reduces gas fees by minimizing data stored on the Ethereum mainnet.
Because Arbitrum operates as an extension of Ethereum, assets and smart contracts can move freely between the two chains using bridges. This interoperability ensures flexibility without sacrificing decentralization or security.
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How to Pay Fees on Arbitrum
Unlike some other blockchains, Arbitrum does not have its own native token. Instead, all transaction fees are paid in ETH, the same cryptocurrency used on Ethereum. This simplifies the user experience — if you already hold ETH for Ethereum transactions, you can use the same balance on Arbitrum.
When you perform any action — sending tokens, interacting with dApps, or swapping assets — a small amount of ETH is deducted as a gas fee. These fees are typically a fraction of what you'd pay on Ethereum’s mainnet, making Arbitrum ideal for frequent traders and DeFi users.
While future L2 chains may choose different fee tokens, Arbitrum remains fully ETH-based for now, reinforcing its deep integration with the Ethereum ecosystem.
Smart Contracts on Arbitrum
Thanks to its EVM compatibility, Arbitrum supports the same smart contract standards as Ethereum, including ERC-20, ERC-721, and ERC-1155. Developers can deploy existing Ethereum contracts directly onto Arbitrum without rewriting code, enabling rapid adoption.
This compatibility means that projects facing high gas fees or slow confirmation times on Ethereum can migrate part or all of their operations to Arbitrum. Many expect a gradual shift where major protocols maintain presence on both Ethereum and Arbitrum, balancing decentralization with usability.
For users, this translates into more choices: access the same trusted dApps at lower cost and higher speed.
Popular dApps Moving to Arbitrum
The Arbitrum ecosystem is rapidly expanding, with many top-tier decentralized applications choosing to launch or expand onto the network:
- Uniswap – The leading decentralized exchange voted to deploy on Arbitrum, boosting liquidity and accessibility.
- SushiSwap, Aave, Curve, and Balancer – Major DeFi platforms now live on Arbitrum.
- Etherscan – Even blockchain explorers are supporting Arbitrum via Arbiscan, providing transparency and analytics.
These integrations are crucial for network growth. As more users interact with dApps on Arbitrum, transaction volume increases, reinforcing network effects and encouraging further development.
Lower fees also benefit Ethereum overall by reducing mainnet congestion — a win-win for the entire ecosystem.
Wallets That Support Arbitrum
Many crypto wallets now support Arbitrum, but MetaMask remains one of the most widely used due to its ease of use and broad compatibility. Adding Arbitrum manually to MetaMask takes just a few minutes and gives you full control over your L2 assets.
Before transferring funds, remember: never send tokens directly from Ethereum to Arbitrum without using a bridge. Doing so could result in permanent loss of funds. Always use official bridges like the Arbitrum Bridge to move ERC-20s, NFTs, or ETH safely between chains.
How to Add Arbitrum to MetaMask
Follow these step-by-step instructions to add Arbitrum One (the mainnet) to your MetaMask wallet:
- Open your MetaMask extension or mobile app.
- Click or tap on the network dropdown (top center or top right) showing “Ethereum Mainnet.”
- Select “Add Network” > “Add a Network Manually” (or “Custom RPC” in older versions).
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/
- Network Name:
- Click “Save” or confirm on mobile.
Once saved, your wallet will connect to the Arbitrum network. You can switch between Ethereum and Arbitrum anytime using the network selector.
To get started, transfer ETH via the Arbitrum Bridge — this ETH will cover your gas fees on the L2.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use the same MetaMask wallet for Arbitrum?
Yes. You can use your existing MetaMask wallet address on Arbitrum without creating a new one. Your private keys remain the same — only the network changes.
Do I need a special token to pay gas on Arbitrum?
No. Gas fees on Arbitrum are paid in ETH, just like on Ethereum. There is no separate token required.
How do I get ETH on Arbitrum?
You must bridge ETH from Ethereum using the official Arbitrum Bridge or compatible third-party bridges. Once bridged, that ETH can be used for transactions and dApp interactions.
Are transactions on Arbitrum reversible?
No. Like all blockchain transactions, actions on Arbitrum are irreversible. Always double-check recipient addresses and transaction details before confirming.
Is Arbitrum safe to use?
Yes. Arbitrum is built with strong security guarantees rooted in Ethereum. Its optimistic rollup design allows anyone to challenge invalid transactions, ensuring trustless validation.
What happens if I send tokens directly to my Arbitrum address on Ethereum?
Sending tokens directly without using a bridge will likely result in permanent loss. Always use a cross-chain bridge to move assets between Ethereum and Arbitrum.
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By adding Arbitrum to MetaMask, you unlock faster, cheaper access to the full power of Ethereum’s decentralized ecosystem. With major dApps onboard and growing community support, now is an excellent time to explore what Layer 2 has to offer.
Remember: always verify network details before saving custom RPCs, use trusted bridges for asset transfers, and keep your seed phrase secure. With these best practices in place, you're ready to make the most of Arbitrum’s scalable infrastructure.