Metamask: The popular Ethereum-only crypto non-custodial wallet

Metamask Web3 wallet, developed by consensys, is one of the most popular self-custodial wallet for crypto assets in web3. It allows users to store assets on chain, transfer assets on chain and interact with decentralized apps on chain. It has a browser extension as well as a mobile app which supports connection to so many decentralized applications via its inbuilt web browser. It primarily supports Ethereum tokens or tokens of networks that can run Ethereum smart contracts (also known as EVM compatible networks).

Solana on the other hand, is a non EVM compatible blockchain built with Rust programming language. It has no support for Ethereum smart contracts and can't natively connect to Metamask. Solana, however, has seen immense growth in recent months, with it's native token - SOL, rising from the depths of $8 in December 2022, to $264 in November 2024. This growth has been facilitated by increased activities on the Solana chain with more and more users and developers opting to develop on and use Solana, tapping into its low fees and high throughput.

Unfortunately, the very popular Web3 non-custodial wallet metamask can't connect it's large user base to the rapidly growing Solana chain because it primarily supports Ethereum. While metamask can't connect to Solana primarily due to compatibility issues between Solana and Ethereum, metamask has a work around for using Solana. It involves third party wallet services but it doesn't take you away from metamask and it works just fine for users who want to connect their metamask wallets to the numerous opportunities on the Solana blockchain.

This guide explains, step by step, how to connect your metamask wallet to Solana using third party wallet integration on metamask otherwise known as metamask Snaps.

How to add Solana network to Metamask using Snaps

To add Solana network to your metamask, you'll need to use metamask Snaps. Metamask snaps are third party applications that can be installed on metamask usually to provide additional features not natively obtainable on metamask. One of this snaps - Solana wallet by Solflare, provides users with a Solana wallet in Metamask. You'll also need a PC as metamask snaps are not yet supported on mobile devices. On the PC, you'll need to have the Metamask browser extension added to your browser.

Though a bit complicated, this guide simplifies the whole process with step by step directions and pictorial clues.

You can add Solana network to your metamask using the Solana wallet snap by following the steps below:

Open metamask extension by clicking on the icon as in the image

Click on the menu dots at the top right of the extension and click on Expand view. We'll need the Metamask extension on a separate tab for ease of access

Click on the menu dots at the top right again, this time, click on snaps. It will bring you to the page in this frame. If this is your first time, you'll likely not have any snaps so click on Discover Snaps at the bottom of the page

On the discovery page, type 'Solana wallet's in the search bar and select the option as shown in this frame

Click on Add to Metamask to install this snap on your metamask browser extension

6. A metamask window opens up. Scroll down to the bottom of the notice and click on accept

7. Click on 'Connect' to accept the connection request

8. Click on 'Confirm' to confirm the request

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