Published: Jan 2026 | Reading Time: 8 minutes | EarningTips.site
MetaMask is the most widely used crypto wallet in the world — but it does not come with every blockchain pre-installed. Core Network is one of those blockchains you need to add manually before you can use it.
If you have been trying to interact with Core DAO's DeFi ecosystem, stake CORE tokens, or explore Bitcoin DeFi applications on Core's network and keep hitting a wall — this guide fixes that in under five minutes.
We will cover three methods: the fastest automatic method using ChainList, the one-click method directly from Core's block explorer, and the manual method where you enter the network details yourself. All three work. Pick whichever one feels most comfortable.
What Is Core Network and Why Add It to MetaMask?
Before we get into the steps, a quick explanation of what you are actually adding — because understanding it makes the process feel less like following instructions blindly.
Core combines Bitcoin's security with Ethereum's scalability, making it a strong option for anyone exploring DeFi and looking to earn a yield on BTC. It uses a consensus mechanism called Satoshi Plus, which combines Delegated Proof of Work and Delegated Proof of Stake — meaning Bitcoin miners can contribute to Core's security while token holders participate in governance.
The important practical point is this: Core is an EVM-compatible blockchain, which means your existing Ethereum address works on Core. The same MetaMask wallet address you use for Ethereum, Polygon, or BNB Chain works on Core. You are not creating a new wallet — you are just telling MetaMask that your existing wallet can now also send transactions on the Core blockchain.
Once you add Core to MetaMask, you can send and receive CORE tokens, interact with Core DeFi applications, participate in Bitcoin staking, and use the growing ecosystem of dApps built on Core's network.
What You Need Before Starting
You need MetaMask installed and set up. If you do not have MetaMask yet, download it from the official site at metamask.io — not from any third-party site. Install the browser extension on Chrome, Firefox, or Brave, or download the mobile app for iOS or Android. Create your wallet, save your Secret Recovery Phrase somewhere safe and offline, and complete the setup before following any of the steps below.
Never share your Secret Recovery Phrase with anyone or any website. No legitimate network setup process — including the ones in this guide — requires your recovery phrase. If any site asks for it, leave immediately.
Method 1 — ChainList (Fastest — Recommended for Beginners)
ChainList is the most trusted aggregator of EVM-based Layer 1 and 2 networks. It allows users to instantly connect their MetaMask to verified Chain and Network IDs, ensuring a safe connection. This is the quickest and most beginner-friendly way to add Core.
Step 1: Open your browser and go to chainlist.org. Make sure your MetaMask extension is installed and you are logged in.
Step 2: Click the "Connect Wallet" button in the top right corner of ChainList. MetaMask will pop up asking you to confirm the connection. Click "Next" then "Connect" to allow ChainList to see your wallet address. ChainList only reads your address — it cannot move your funds.
Step 3: In the search bar on ChainList, type "Core" and press Enter. Several results will appear. Look for "Core Blockchain Mainnet" with Chain ID 1116. This is the official Core mainnet.
Step 4: Select Core Blockchain Mainnet (Chain ID 1116) and click "Add to MetaMask." Approve the prompt to complete setup. MetaMask will show you a confirmation popup with the network details. Review them and click "Approve."
Step 5: MetaMask will ask if you want to switch to Core Network immediately. Click "Switch Network" if you want to start using Core right away, or "Close" if you want to stay on your current network and switch to Core later through the network dropdown.
That is it. Core Network is now added to your MetaMask. The entire process takes about 60 seconds.
Method 2 — Core Block Explorer (One-Click Automatic)
This method uses Core's official block explorer to add the network automatically — no searching required.
Step 1: Go to scan.coredao.org in your browser. This is Core's official blockchain explorer — similar to Etherscan for Ethereum.
Step 2: Scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Add Core Network." You will find this button in the footer section of the Core Scan website.
Step 3: MetaMask will open automatically with a popup showing Core's network details pre-filled. Review the information — the Network Name should be "Core Blockchain" and the Chain ID should be 1116.
Step 4: Click "Approve" in MetaMask to add the network. Then click "Switch Network" to begin using Core immediately.
This method is excellent because the network details come directly from Core's official infrastructure — eliminating any risk of accidentally adding a fraudulent network with incorrect settings.
Method 3 — Manual Entry (Complete Control)
Some users prefer to add networks manually so they can verify every detail themselves before saving. This method takes slightly longer but gives you complete visibility into what you are adding.
Step 1: Open MetaMask. Click the network dropdown at the top of the extension — it usually shows "Ethereum Mainnet" or whichever network you are currently on. A list of your saved networks will appear.
Step 2: Click "Add network" at the bottom of the network list. A new browser tab will then open, displaying various fields to fill out.
Step 3: You will see two options — "Add a network automatically" and "Add a network manually." Click "Add a network manually" at the bottom of the page.
Step 4: Fill in the following official Core Network details exactly as shown below:
- Network Name: Core Blockchain
- New RPC URL: https://rpc.coredao.org/
- Chain ID: 1116
- Currency Symbol: CORE
- Block Explorer URL: https://scan.coredao.org
Note: 0x45c is the same as 1116. The new version of MetaMask converts chain ID to hexadecimal format. If MetaMask automatically converts 1116 to 0x45c after you enter it, that is correct — do not change it back.
Step 5: Double-check every field before saving. The RPC URL and Chain ID are the most critical — an incorrect Chain ID will connect you to the wrong network, and an incorrect RPC URL means your transactions will fail.
Step 6: Click "Save." MetaMask will confirm that Core Blockchain has been added and ask if you want to switch to it. Click "Switch to Core Blockchain" to start using it immediately.
How to Switch to Core Network After Adding It
Once Core is saved in your MetaMask, switching to it takes two clicks.
Click the network dropdown at the top of MetaMask — the area that shows your current network name. Scroll through the list until you find "Core Blockchain." Click it. MetaMask will switch to the Core network and your balance display will update to show your CORE token balance on that network.
To switch back to Ethereum or any other network, click the same dropdown and select the network you want. Switching networks never moves or affects your funds — it simply changes which blockchain MetaMask is interacting with.
How to Get CORE Tokens
After adding the network, your MetaMask will show a zero CORE balance until you actually have CORE tokens in your wallet. There are several ways to get them.
The most straightforward method for most users is purchasing CORE on a centralized exchange that supports it — including Binance, OKX, Gate.io, and others — and then withdrawing to your MetaMask wallet address using the Core network. When withdrawing from an exchange, always select "Core" or "Core Chain" as the withdrawal network, not Ethereum or BNB Chain, to ensure the tokens arrive in your MetaMask on the correct network.
If you already hold tokens on Ethereum or BNB Chain that you want to bridge to Core, Core has an official bridge at bridge.coredao.org that allows cross-chain transfers. Using audited and tested infrastructure is the best way to securely interact with the Core ecosystem. Always double-check URLs and confirm network details to ensure security during the setup process.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
MetaMask shows an error when adding the network manually
The most common cause is a typo in the RPC URL or Chain ID. Go back and verify each field exactly against the details listed above. The RPC URL must include "https://" at the beginning. The Chain ID must be 1116. Delete the network entry if needed and start the manual process again from scratch.
Core network was added but transactions are failing
This usually means you are using an RPC URL that is temporarily unavailable or congested. Core supports multiple RPC endpoints. If https://rpc.coredao.org/ is giving issues, you can try the alternative at https://rpc1.coredao.org/ by editing the network in MetaMask Settings → Networks → Core Blockchain → RPC URL.
I added Core but my CORE balance shows zero
This is expected if you have not yet sent CORE tokens to your wallet. The network addition only configures MetaMask to communicate with Core — it does not send you any tokens. You need to purchase or transfer CORE tokens to your wallet address to have a balance.
The network I added does not match what I expected
Always verify the Chain ID after adding any network. The Core blockchain's key details — RPC URL and Chain ID — are provided based on official documentation for accuracy. Ensure you use the official Core RPC URL and Chain ID 1116 to avoid fraudulent networks. If the Chain ID of the network you added is different from 1116, remove it and re-add using the official details above.
Core Network vs Core Testnet — Which One to Add?
This confuses many beginners. The Core Mainnet (Chain ID 1116) is the live network where real CORE tokens with real value are used. The Core Testnet is a separate practice environment where developers test applications using worthless test tokens.
For most users — anyone who wants to actually use Core DeFi, hold CORE tokens, or interact with Core applications — you want the Mainnet. Add Core Blockchain Mainnet with Chain ID 1116 following the steps above.
If you are a developer building on Core and need a safe environment to test your code without risking real funds, the testnet uses Chain ID 1115 and can be added through the same manual method using Core's testnet RPC URL from their official documentation at docs.coredao.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Core Network safe to add to MetaMask?
Yes — Core is a legitimate EVM-compatible blockchain with a public team, audited contracts, and a growing ecosystem. Adding the network to MetaMask using the official details from this guide is safe. The risk to watch for is adding an incorrect or fraudulent network using wrong RPC details — which is why verifying the Chain ID (1116) and RPC URL (rpc.coredao.org) before saving is important.
Will adding Core affect my Ethereum or other network balances?
No. Adding a new network to MetaMask does not affect any of your existing network balances, addresses, or funds. Your Ethereum, Polygon, BNB Chain, and other network assets remain completely unchanged. Adding Core simply extends what networks your existing wallet address can interact with.
Can I use the same MetaMask address on Core as I use on Ethereum?
Yes. Because Core is EVM-compatible, your Ethereum MetaMask address is identical on Core. The same 0x address you use on Ethereum is your Core address. Assets sent to your MetaMask address on the Core network will appear in the same wallet — you just need to be switched to the Core network in MetaMask to see them.
How do I remove Core from MetaMask if I want to?
Go to MetaMask Settings → Networks → find Core Blockchain in the list → click the three dots or delete icon → confirm deletion. Removing a network from MetaMask does not delete any funds — your CORE tokens remain on the blockchain and will reappear if you re-add the network. You are only removing MetaMask's connection to the network, not any assets.
Conclusion
Adding Core Network to MetaMask is a five-minute process that opens access to one of the most interesting DeFi ecosystems being built on Bitcoin security. Whether you used ChainList, the Core Scan automatic method, or the manual entry approach, the result is the same — your MetaMask now knows how to talk to the Core blockchain.
The critical details to remember: Chain ID 1116, RPC URL rpc.coredao.org, currency symbol CORE. Those three details are the only thing separating your MetaMask from the Core ecosystem.
This guide uses official network details from Core DAO's documentation. Always verify network information from official sources before adding any network to your wallet. Never share your MetaMask Secret Recovery Phrase with anyone.
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