Can I Add Near to Metamask?: An In-depth Guide
Despite its prominence among developers and cryptocurrency users, you might wonder, “Can I add NEAR to MetaMask?”
Unfortunately, due to the unique underpinnings of NEAR, it cannot be directly connected to MetaMask. But don’t fret! There are reliable alternatives and workarounds to manage and interact with your NEAR tokens.
This article will provide a comprehensive guide to understanding NEAR, its compatibility with MetaMask, and how to use its alternatives.
Also read: How to Add DAI to Metamask?
Understanding NEAR Protocol
NEAR Protocol, or simply NEAR, is an open-source platform that empowers developers to create decentralized applications (dApps).
Launched in 2020, NEAR provides a secure, scalable infrastructure supporting web usability. Its unique proof-of-stake consensus algorithm and sharding technology (specifically the Nightshade Sharding Scheme) enable NEAR to process high transaction volumes efficiently.
The platform uses its native token (NEAR) for transaction fees, staking, and participating in network governance.
The NEAR Foundation, a nonprofit organization, supports the ecosystem with education and resources. However, the platform’s development and improvement are a collaborative effort of developers worldwide.
Some of the most popular applications based on Total Value Locked include Ref Finance, LiNEAR Protocol (liquid staking), Burrow, Meta Pool, and more.
Can I Add Near to Metamask?
NEAR cannot directly connect to MetaMask because of its technical foundation.
Unlike Ethereum, which operates within the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), NEAR operates on its unique NEAR Protocol.
MetaMask primarily functions within the EVM, making it incompatible with NEAR’s underlying technology.
How to Connect NEAR to MetaMask?
Despite MetaMask’s incompatibility with NEAR, there are ways to interact with NEAR tokens using MetaMask. One of these methods is using a wrapped version of the NEAR token on EVM-compatible networks, such as the BNB Smart Chain.
The NEAR tokens you can add or send to your MetaMask wallet are the Binance-Peg version, which can convert to native NEAR in a 1:1 fashion.
The Proof of Assets page under the BNB Chain website provides information on the amount of Binance-Peg NEAR in circulation.
Setting up NEAR on MetaMask via BNB Smart Chain
Here are three steps to add NEAR to MetaMask on the BNB Smart Chain:
- Ensure that you are using the BNB Smart Chain Mainnet on MetaMask.
- Select ‘Import Tokens’, and then ‘Import Custom Token’.
- Confirm the addition of NEAR to your MetaMask wallet.
After successfully importing NEAR to your MetaMask wallet, you should see it as one of your assets under the BNB Smart Chain.
This lets you view any NEAR you’ve deposited via the BNB Smart Chain.
Introducing Meteor Wallet – A MetaMask Alternative for NEAR
If you’re looking for a more direct way to interact with NEAR tokens, consider using Meteor Wallet.
This NEAR-only wallet offers a user-friendly interface similar to MetaMask and Coinbase Wallet.
It allows users to interact with native applications, send and receive NEAR tokens, and stake them to earn interest.
Here’s a quick guide to getting started with Meteor Wallet:
- Visit the Meteor Wallet website.
- Click on ‘Download Meteor Wallet’ and install the app on your device.
- Set up your account and ensure your recovery phrase is stored securely.
- Move tokens to your NEAR address within Meteor Wallet, and you’re all set to explore!
How do I get a near wallet? What Happened to NEAR Wallet?
Previously, the NEAR Wallet was a popular choice among NEAR Protocol users.
However, it has been discontinued, prompting users to transfer their assets to other wallets compatible with NEAR. Due to the abrupt halt in its services, it is strongly recommended not to use NEAR Wallet.
Expanding Your Options with Aurora Mainnet
Apart from the BNB Smart Chain, you can also use the Aurora Mainnet for NEAR transactions on MetaMask.
Aurora is an EVM-compatible layer 2 solution built on the NEAR Protocol, allowing you to implement Ethereum decentralized apps and assets.
You can add the Aurora Mainnet to your MetaMask by following these steps:
- Open MetaMask and click on the network name at the window’s top-right.
- Click on ‘Add Network’.
- Enter the following network details:
- Network Name: Aurora Mainnet
- New RPC URL: https://mainnet.aurora.dev
- Chain ID: 1313161554
- Currency Symbol: ETH
- Block Explorer URL: https://explorer.mainnet.aurora.dev/
- Click ‘Save’.
Once you’ve saved the details, you will be automatically switched to Aurora’s Network.
Conclusion
Although MetaMask does not directly support NEAR due to its unique infrastructure, alternatives such as Meteor Wallet and Aurora Mainnet provide excellent means to manage and interact with NEAR tokens.
Follow the NEAR Foundation and its global community of developers to keep up with the latest developments and improvements on the NEAR platform.
Despite the discontinuation of the NEAR Wallet, users can continue participating in the NEAR ecosystem, bolstered by the innovations developed within its network.