BNB Smart Chain · mainnet

How to Add Binance Smart Chain to MetaMask

Activate BNB Smart Chain in one click or add the network manually using the official settings. Includes desktop and mobile instructions, plus a safe guide for withdrawing crypto from Argentina.

Updated: August 23, 2026 Reading time: 6 minutes Setup time: 2 minutes

In this guide

The fastest way

Add BNB Smart Chain in one click

Binance Smart Chain is the former name that is still used in searches and on some platforms. The current name is BNB Smart Chain, also known as BSC. Adding it does not create another wallet: MetaMask simply enables an additional network for the same account.

Activate the mainnet

The request uses MetaMask's standard network method. Before approving, make sure the MetaMask window shows Chain ID 56, symbol BNB, and the RPC domain bnbchain.org.

Never asks for your secret phrase Does not move funds Does not connect your account to this site

Network BNB Smart Chain Mainnet

Chain ID 56 (0x38)

Network fee Paid in BNB

Adding a network does not recover a transfer sent over another blockchain. If you withdrew using Ethereum, opBNB, or another network, first find the transaction hash in the corresponding explorer. Do not send the funds again until you understand what happened.

Verified configuration

Official BNB Smart Chain details

Use these values for the mainnet, where BNB and real BEP-20 tokens operate. Do not confuse Mainnet with Testnet: the test network uses a different Chain ID and its assets have no market value.

BNB Smart Chain Mainnet Data published by BNB Chain

Network name: BNB Smart Chain
RPC URL: https://bsc-dataseed.bnbchain.org
Chain ID: 56
Currency symbol: BNB
Block explorer: https://bscscan.com

The test checks the Chain ID; it does not connect your wallet.

If MetaMask already shows BNB Smart Chain under “Additional networks,” use that option. Manual configuration is a useful fallback when the network does not appear, the RPC has been edited, or you need to fix a previous configuration.

Alternative method

How to add the network manually

Exact button names may vary depending on the MetaMask language or version, but the process is the same. You do not need to import another recovery phrase or create a new account.

On desktop Extension for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Brave

Open and unlock the MetaMask extension.
Open the top menu and select Networks.
Look for BNB Smart Chain under “Additional networks” and click Add.
If it does not appear, choose Add a custom network.
Enter the five values shown in the table above and save.
Confirm that the active network shows BNB Smart Chain and Chain ID 56.

On mobile MetaMask Mobile for Android or iPhone

Open MetaMask and tap the network selector in the token view.
Under “Additional networks,” find BNB Smart Chain and tap the + icon.
If it is not listed, open the Custom tab and select Add a custom network.
Enter the RPC URL, Chain ID 56, symbol BNB, and BscScan.
Save and select BNB Smart Chain.
To use this page's button, open the page inside MetaMask under Explore → Browser.

Using it from Argentina

Before withdrawing from an exchange

When buying BNB, USDT, or another asset with pesos or stablecoins, the currency used to pay does not determine the blockchain used for withdrawal. The critical step is selecting the same network on the exchange and in MetaMask.

Choose BNB Smart Chain (BEP-20)

On the withdrawal screen it may appear as BNB Smart Chain, BSC, or BEP-20. These labels generally refer to the network described in this guide.

Copy your MetaMask account address; it normally starts with 0x.

Compare the first and last characters after pasting the address.

Send a small test transfer first whenever possible.

Keep the withdrawal transaction hash so you can verify it later on BscScan.

The price in ARS does not change the network. You can buy the asset with Argentine pesos or USDT and withdraw it through BNB Smart Chain; these are separate choices within the exchange.

After setup

What to check before using your funds

Adding a network correctly is only the first step. Before receiving, swapping, or connecting an application, verify these four points.

Active network MetaMask should show BNB Smart Chain when you are using BEP-20 assets.

Fee balance Network fees are calculated in BNB. MetaMask may support other payment options in some flows, but do not rely on that feature.

Correct contract If a token does not appear, verify its contract on the project's official website or on BscScan before importing it.

Transaction hash on BscScan The explorer confirms whether the transaction arrived, which address received it, and the transferred amount.

Critical point

How to verify that the network is safe

Never enter your secret recovery phrase or private key to add a network. MetaMask should only display a confirmation window with the network name, RPC, Chain ID, and symbol. Your recovery phrase is used to restore the wallet and must never be shared with websites, support, or applications.

MetaMask validates parts of the network format, but it does not guarantee by itself that a custom network is legitimate. Always compare the values with official documentation: Chain ID 56, currency BNB, an RPC under bnbchain.org, and explorer bscscan.com.

Quick troubleshooting

Common problems and how to fix them

The “Add to MetaMask” button does nothing

Unlock MetaMask, reload the page, and try again. On mobile, open this URL inside the MetaMask browser using Explore → Browser. If you have multiple wallet extensions enabled, another extension may be handling the request.

MetaMask shows “pending request”

Open the extension: there is probably an earlier confirmation waiting for a response. Approve or reject it before submitting another request. The most common technical code for this situation is -32002.

It says Chain ID 56 is already in use

The network already exists in your wallet. You do not need to add it again: find BNB Smart Chain in the network selector and activate it. If the network details were edited, open network settings and correct the RPC.

The balance appears on BscScan but not in MetaMask

Confirm that you are viewing BNB Smart Chain and the correct account. If BscScan shows the token in your address, import it using the official contract. Never copy contract addresses from comments, advertisements, or private messages.

The RPC does not respond or the network keeps loading

Try again after a few minutes or edit the network using BNB Chain's public alternative endpoint: https://bsc-dataseed-public.bnbchain.org. A failed browser test can also be caused by browser restrictions and does not necessarily mean the network is down.

MetaMask says there is not enough balance for the fee

BNB Smart Chain fees are charged in BNB. In some operations MetaMask may allow another token to be used for the fee, but this is not available in every flow. The most compatible solution is to keep a small BNB balance on the same network.

I withdrew using a different network

Do not make another transfer to “test” it. Copy the withdrawal hash, identify the blockchain that was used, and inspect the destination in its explorer. Recovery depends on who controls the receiving address and whether the platform supports that network. Contact the service's support team with the complete transaction hash.

Direct answers

Frequently asked questions

Are Binance Smart Chain and BNB Smart Chain the same thing?

Yes. “Binance Smart Chain” is the former name; today the network is called BNB Smart Chain. The abbreviation BSC is still widely used.

Does it cost money to add BNB Smart Chain to MetaMask?

No. Adding or selecting a network is free. A network fee is only paid when you send funds or execute an operation on the blockchain.

What is the Chain ID of BNB Smart Chain?

The Chain ID of BNB Smart Chain Mainnet is 56 in decimal and 0x38 in hexadecimal.

Can I receive USDT in MetaMask over BNB Smart Chain?

Yes, provided that the withdrawal is made using BNB Smart Chain / BEP-20 and sent to the correct address. If the token does not appear automatically, verify the balance on BscScan and import the official token contract.

Does the same 0x address work on Ethereum and BNB Smart Chain?

A MetaMask account generally uses the same address across EVM networks, but balances exist on different blockchains. The fact that the address has the same format does not make the networks interchangeable.

Is it safe to use the button on this page?

The button only requests that MetaMask add or select Chain ID 56 using the wallet's standard interface. It does not request access to your accounts, sign messages, or initiate transactions. Still, review the values shown by MetaMask before approving.

Why does the button not work in Chrome or Safari on mobile?

Mobile browsers do not always expose MetaMask to web pages. Open the site using the built-in MetaMask browser under the Explore tab, or add the network manually.

Official sources

Informational content only. This is not financial advice. Always verify the network, destination address, and confirmation screen before operating.