Optimism is one of Ethereum’s most popular Layer 2 networks — same apps you know, fees that are a tiny fraction of mainnet. But when you open MetaMask, Optimism isn’t listed by default. Adding it takes about a minute, and you only have to do it once.
Here’s the quick, safe way to add the Optimism network to MetaMask without mistyping anything or landing on a phishing site.
id=”the-easiest-way-add-via-a-directory”>The Easiest Way: Add via a Directory
The simplest method is a chain directory like chainlist.org — type the address yourself, never click a link to it from a message. Connect your wallet on the site, search for Optimism, and hit “Add to MetaMask.” Your wallet will show the network details for you to approve.
Always verify what you’re approving: the real Optimism mainnet uses chain ID 10 and the currency symbol ETH. If the popup shows anything else, reject it — a wrong chain ID means you’re adding an imposter network designed to trick you.
Manual Setup
Prefer to do it by hand? Open MetaMask, go to Settings → Networks → Add Network, and enter Optimism’s official details: network name Optimism, RPC URL https://mainnet.optimism.io, chain ID 10, currency symbol ETH, and block explorer https://optimistic.etherscan.io. Get these from Optimism’s official docs, typed in yourself.
Save, then switch to the Optimism network from the network dropdown at the top of MetaMask. Your existing Ethereum address works on Optimism automatically — same address, new network. You’ll need a little ETH on Optimism for gas, which you can bridge from mainnet.
Stay Safe on a New Network
Fake “add network” popups are a real attack: malicious sites can prompt your wallet to add a lookalike network, then show you fake balances. Only approve network additions you initiated yourself, and double-check the chain ID every time.
Once you’re set up, remember that moving funds back to Ethereum has a waiting period (around 7 days via the official bridge) — worth knowing before you move large amounts. Read our L2 escape hatches explainer to understand how Layer 2 withdrawals work.
The Bottom Line
Adding Optimism to MetaMask is a one-minute job: use a trusted directory or enter chain ID 10 manually, verify the details, and you’re in. Stay alert for fake network popups, and enjoy the cheap fees. This guide is for education only — not financial advice.
