To interact with decentralized applications and assets on Rootstock, users need to connect their wallet to the Rootstock network. **MetaMask** does not include Rootstock by default, so it must be added manually or through supported integrations.

The Rootstock Explorer provides a quick way to add the network using the **Add Rootstock to MetaMask** feature.

## Why Connect MetaMask to Rootstock?

Connecting MetaMask to Rootstock allows you to:

- Send and receive RBTC.
- Interact with smart contracts and applications.
- View transactions and balances on the Rootstock network.

## What MetaMask Needs for a Network

MetaMask supports multiple blockchain networks including Rootstock. Each network requires specific configuration details, such as:

- **Network name**.
- **RPC URL**.
- **Chain ID**.
- **Currency symbol** (RBTC on Rootstock).

The Rootstock Explorer simplifies this process by automatically providing these details when adding the network.

## Add Rootstock to MetaMask

1. Open the [Rootstock Explorer Mainnet](https://explorer.rootstock.io/) or [Rootstock Explorer Testnet](https://explorer.testnet.rootstock.io/). Use the same network in the explorer that you want in MetaMask.
2. Find **Add Rootstock to MetaMask** in the explorer UI (in the top bar).
3. MetaMask will open and display a network configuration prompt.

<div align="center"><img width="100%" src="/img/tools/explorer/rootstock/btn-network.png" alt="Rootstock Explorer top bar with network selector and navigation"/></div>

## Confirm in MetaMask

In the network approval screen:

1. Review the Rootstock network details (chain ID, **RPC URL**, symbol).
2. Choose **Approve** or **Confirm**.
3. Use **Switch network** if MetaMask offers it so you start using Rootstock right away.

<div align="center"><img width="100%" src="/img/tools/explorer/rootstock/add-network.png" alt="MetaMask network approval dialog showing the Rootstock network details with Approve and Switch network options"/></div>

## Verify the Connection

1. Open MetaMask.
2. Open the **network** menu at the top of the wallet.
3. Confirm **Rootstock** (Mainnet or Testnet) appears and is selected when you want to work on Rootstock.

You can now sign transactions and read balances for that network.

<div align="center"><img width="100%" src="/img/tools/explorer/rootstock/added-network.png" alt="MetaMask network selector showing Rootstock network added and selected"/></div>

## What the Explorer Sends

**Add Rootstock to MetaMask** uses MetaMask’s API to propose a network with **chain ID**, **RPC URL**, **network name**, and **currency symbol** (RBTC). MetaMask then asks you to approve. You always confirm in MetaMask before anything changes.

## Troubleshooting

- MetaMask not detected: Ensure the MetaMask extension is installed and enabled in your browser.
- No prompt appears: Refresh the page and try again.
- Wrong network selected: Manually switch to Rootstock in MetaMask.