You can’t add Solana to MetaMask because the Solana blockchain is not compatible with the EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine). The MetaMask wallet only supports EVM-compatible blockchains, such as Ethereum, Polygon and BNB Chain.
Still, if you’re wondering how to add Solana to MetaMask, you’ll most likely be interested in Solana wallets similar to MetaMask. In this article, we’ll explain why Solana is not compatible with MetaMask and feature Solana wallets that offer a similar user experience to MetaMask.
Why can’t I add Solana to MetaMask?
The reason why the MetaMask wallet doesn’t support the Solana blockchain is because the Solana blockchain is not based on the Ethereum Virtual Machine.
The EVM is the runtime environment for Ethereum smart contracts. It executes smart contracts and computes the new state of the Ethereum blockchain after each block is added.
The Ethereum Virtual Machine is a very complex topic, but you don’t need to have detailed knowledge of it if you’re just a regular cryptocurrency user. The important thing to know here is that some blockchains that support smart contracts are compatible with the EVM, while others aren’t. MetaMask can only be used with EVM-compatible blockchains.
Here’s a few examples:
Blockchains that are compatible with the EVM:
Blockchains that are not compatible with the EVM:
Will MetaMask ever support Solana?
At this moment, it appears very unlikely that the MetaMask wallet will support Solana, unless Solana somehow switches to an EVM-based design. We have to keep in mind that MetaMask is a product of ConsenSys, which is a development studio that is heavily focused on the Ethereum ecosystem. So far, ConsenSys has mostly focused on supporting projects that are working within the Ethereum framework.
MetaMask alternatives for Solana users
Even though it’s not possible to add Solana to MetaMask, there’s quite a few high-quality Solana wallets that you can use instead. We will feature two browser extension-based wallets that offer a similar workflow to MetaMask, and we’ll also highlight a hardware wallet option for those who are looking to safely store their SOL and Solana-based tokens over the long term.
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive overview of wallets for Solana, take a look at our list of the best Solana wallets.
Ledger Nano S Plus
The Ledger Nano S Plus is a hardware wallet designed to ensure secure storage of private keys and support a wide range of cryptocurrencies. Solana is included among the supported cryptocurrencies, making the Ledger Nano S Plus an excellent choice for securely storing SOL.
It’s important to note that the Ledger Nano S Plus, along with its associated Ledger Live software, currently lacks direct support for SPL tokens issued on the Solana network. Presently, only SOL is supported. However, you can connect your Ledger Nano S Plus to a wallet like Solflare to securely manage your SPL tokens.
The Ledger Nano S Plus is priced affordably and significantly enhances the security of your crypto assets. If your intention is to hold SOL for the long term, acquiring a Solana hardware wallet such as the Ledger Nano S Plus is a very worthwhile investment.
Phantom
Phantom is currently the leading wallet in the Solana ecosystem. Users can access Phantom through a mobile app on both iOS and Android, or as a browser extension compatible with Chrome, Firefox, and other widely used browsers. The fact that Phantom can be used as a browser extension makes it a great option to users who are familiar with MetaMask’s workflow.
Phantom offers seamless integration with SOL, SPL tokens, and Solana-based non-fungible tokens (NFTs), enabling users to conveniently manage their digital assets. Additionally, the wallet facilitates the process of earning extra SOL through staking.
In addition, the Phantom wallet offers support for Ledger hardware wallets, ensuring enhanced security for transactions involving SOL and other crypto assets based on Solana if you connect your hardware wallet.
Solflare
Solflare is wallet that was designed specifically with the Solana ecosystem in mind. It provides a comprehensive range of features that cover pretty much everything one would expect from a Solana wallet.
Solflare can be used to safely store SOL and SPL tokens, and it also provides NFT support as well SOL staking. If your intention is to participate in Solana NFT marketplaces or use other decentralized applications, Solflare emerges as a reliable choice.
One of the best features of Solflare is that incorporates unique security measures, safeguarding users against phishing attempts and unauthorized transactions. Furthermore, Solflare sets itself apart by providing direct customer support, a rarity among non-custodial cryptocurrency wallets.
The Solflare wallet is available as a mobile app for iOS and Android mobile devices, but it can also be used as a browser extension for Chrome, similarly to MetaMask. It’s also worth mentioning that Solflare supports Ledger and Keystone hardware cryptocurrency wallets.
The bottom line
Even though you can’t add the Solana network to MetaMask, there’s still many great alternatives to choose from. If you’re looking for a user experience that’s similar to MetaMask, we recommend that you pick either Phantom or Solflare as your Solana wallet.
Another alternative to consider is to use a wallet that supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, for example Trust Wallet. If you’re interested in exploring this option, check out our article comparing Trust Wallet vs. MetaMask.
