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 while enjoying the best of two or more platforms to save on fees, for example, or make transactions faster.

He avalanche blockchain is an interoperable, versatile and cryptocurrency network that addresses scalability, security, and decentralization issues with a single type of proof-of-stake (PoS) governance. It was developed by Ava Labs, a New York-based research and development company, to launch decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain business applications.

It is powered by its native token, AVAXand has smart contract functionality that puts it in direct competition with Ethereal. PoS platform smart contracts mainly support decentralized applications (DApps) and autonomous block chains with fast transaction processing times, a reward structure that encourages participation, and advanced interoperability.

Avalanche’s interaction with Ethereum and its DeFi ecosystems is facilitated by the MetaMask crypto wallet, software 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 engaging with the Ethereum blockchain and DApps, users need to add the Avalanche network to their MetaMask wallet, and this guide will show you how.

How to configure MetaMask?

MetaMask is a cryptocurrency wallet that allows users to connect with DApps in addition to storing Ether (ETH) Y 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 it 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 primary use of the Avalanche X-chain is to send and receive AVAX and it cannot be used in Web3 platforms or add-ons to Web3 wallets like MetaMask. P-Chain is the metadata blockchain on Avalanche that coordinates validators, keeps track of active subnets, sovereign networks that define their own rules regarding their membership, and tokenomics — and allows the creation of new subnets.

Only Avalanche’s default smart contract C-Chain wallet supports MetaMask, an essential piece of information to be aware of as selecting the wrong chain when adding Avalanche to MetaMask can result in you losing your coins.

Therefore, to transfer AVAX from an Avalanche wallet, a user’s tokens must be in the C-Chain wallet or use an exchange wallet integrated with C-Chain, 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 transaction fee.

MetaMask can be added as an extension to Chrome, Firefox, Opera, brave browser and iOS or Android on mobile devices from the MetaMask website; however, for the purposes of this article, it will be considered the Chrome extension.

Users should verify the legitimacy of the MetaMask website to avoid being tricked by scams and compromised web pages. It is strictly recommended to download the correct extension from the official website.

From the MetaMask website, click “Download for Chrome” and “Add to Chrome” to add the extension. Additional steps are listed below:

1. Install the MetaMask Chrome extension and click “Get Started” on the MetaMask welcome page.
2. You can import your existing cryptocurrency wallet, but you will need to log into the wallet seed phrase; then click on the “Import wallet” option.
3. You can also set up a new wallet by clicking the “Create a wallet” button. Here, you have to create a strong password to access the wallet from your device.
4. The essential information about your seed phrase will be displayed on the next page and you should pay special attention to it. The seed phrase, or recovery phrase, is a crucial security feature and backup for your cryptocurrency wallet. It will allow you to access your wallet with your tokens even if you lose or forget your password.
5. Then click the lock button to see the opening sentence. Take note of the words in the correct order, save them safely offline and never share them with anyone. Your assets may be at risk if someone compromises your device and gains access to your seed phrase.
6. The system will ask you to repeat the seed phrase on the next page; be sure to select the words in the correct order.
7. Click “Confirm” to finish and then “All done” to access your new wallet.

The process described above will automatically connect MetaMask to Ethereum. However, you 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 you are logged into the MetaMask wallet, click on the Ethereum mainnet dropdown menu and select Custom RPC, as shown below.

You will be redirected to the “Add a network” page, where you will need to add the following information:

You can view the “Add a Network” requirements for using MetaMask in Avalanche here:

Click “Save” to complete the process. You are now ready to use MetaMask on Avalanche and all your DeFi and Web3 applications.

How to send AVAX tokens to MetaMask?

After connecting the Avalanche network to MetaMask, you can send your AVAX coins from an Avalanche wallet to your MetaMask wallet. Remember that only the C-Chain is compatible with MetaMask.

1. Login to your Avalanche wallet and transfer your tokens to the C-Chain blockchain if they reside on the P- or X-Chain blockchains.
2. Just click “Cross String” on the left menu bar and select “String C” as the destination string.
3. Enter the amount you want to transfer and click “Confirm”. A small transaction fee will be added to the final amount.
4. You can now send AVAX coins to MetaMask by clicking “Send” in the left menu.
   
5. Select “Contract C” as the source string and enter the amount you want to send to MetaMask.
   
6. Now go to your MetaMask wallet and copy the address, which you will paste into the Avalanche wallet in the “To address” field.
   
7. Check if you have enough gas for the transaction fee.
8. Confirm and finalize the transaction.
9. Once the transaction is confirmed, you will be able to see the AVAX coins in your MetaMask wallet.

What other wallets are compatible with Avalanche?

MetaMask is undoubtedly the versatile DeFi wallet for running smart contracts and DApps; however, AVAX can be transferred, stored, deposited, and traded to other hot and cold wallets. With over 90 million verified users worldwide, the Coinbase Wallet is a safe and easy to use hot wallet to trade, earn and store AVAX. Security is enhanced through the software’s two-factor authentication, making it a secure wallet to use for both beginners and advanced users.

He trusted wallet It is another hot wallet that supports all DeFi programs including NFT storage, Web3 capabilities, staking, trading, and buying. It supports Avalanche C-Chain in addition to many other blockchains so that DApps can easily connect to AVAX. This hot wallet is one of the most used among Web3 enthusiasts due to its user-friendly interface and versatility.

Ledger The Nano S or X cold wallets are Avalanche compatible, and users can access and store their AVAX tokens via all Avalanche chain addresses. Cold wallets are recommended over hot wallets, as the private keys to access cryptocurrency are stored offline on a hardware device, making it difficult for hackers and malicious actors to steal them.