How to Set Up MetaMask for BNB Smart Chain
Install MetaMask, add BNB Smart Chain (chain ID 56) and get it ready for BNB Machine, on phone or computer. Includes the network settings and safety tips.
MetaMask is a free crypto wallet that works on phones and in desktop browsers. To use BNB Machine, MetaMask needs to be set to BNB Smart Chain and hold a little BNB. This guide takes about 5 minutes.
Step 1: Install MetaMask from the official source
- Phone: install MetaMask from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Check the publisher is MetaMask (Consensys).
- Computer: install the MetaMask extension from metamask.io for Chrome, Edge, Brave or Firefox.
Step 2: Create your wallet and save your recovery phrase
- Open MetaMask and choose Create a new wallet.
- Set a password for the app on this device.
- MetaMask shows a Secret Recovery Phrase of 12 words. Write it on paper, in order, and keep it somewhere safe and private.
- Confirm the words when MetaMask asks.
The recovery phrase is the master key to your wallet. Anyone who has it can take everything in it.
Step 3: Add BNB Smart Chain
BNB Smart Chain is usually in MetaMask's list of popular networks:
- Tap the network selector at the top of MetaMask.
- Choose Add network (or "Add a custom network").
- Select BNB Smart Chain from the popular list and approve.
If it isn't listed, add it by hand with these official settings:
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Network name | BNB Smart Chain |
| RPC URL | https://bsc-dataseed.bnbchain.org |
| Chain ID | 56 |
| Currency symbol | BNB |
| Block explorer | https://bscscan.com |
Then switch MetaMask to BNB Smart Chain.
Step 4: Add BNB
You need about $21 in BNB on BNB Smart Chain to activate BNB Machine ($20 plus a small network fee). Copy your address in MetaMask (it starts with 0x) and send BNB to it. See How to get BNB for activation for the ways to do this, and make sure the sender uses the BNB Smart Chain (BEP20) network.
Step 5: Open BNB Machine inside MetaMask (phone)
On a phone, normal browsers like Chrome or Safari can't talk to MetaMask. Instead:
- Open MetaMask and tap the Browser (globe) icon.
- Paste your invite link, for example
bnbmachine.world/register?ref=username. - The site can now connect to your wallet.
On a computer, just open the site in the browser where the MetaMask extension is installed.
Step 6: Connect to BNB Machine
On the registration page tap From wallet, or on the Wallet page tap Connect Wallet. MetaMask asks which account to connect: choose it and approve. Connecting only shares your public address. It moves no funds and costs nothing.
Continue with How to create your BNB Machine account.
Frequently asked questions
Is MetaMask free?
Yes. The app is free. You only pay network fees when you send transactions.
What is the chain ID of BNB Smart Chain?
- The currency symbol is BNB and the explorer is bscscan.com.
Why doesn't BNB Machine connect on my phone?
You're probably using Chrome or Safari. Open the link inside MetaMask's built-in browser instead.
Can BNB Machine take money from my MetaMask?
No. Connecting shares only your address. A transaction happens only when you approve it in MetaMask, and you always see the amount first.
What if I lose my phone?
Install MetaMask on a new device and choose "Import using Secret Recovery Phrase". This is why the phrase must be written down safely.
Ready to join?
Create your account with your wallet in about 10 minutes. Activation is $20 in BNB, priced live by Chainlink.