A beginner's guide to setting up MetaMask for the Harmony network. Learn how to add and connect to the Harmony One mainnet and Harmony Testnet with your MetaMask wallet.
Introduction to Harmony One Network
The blockchain ecosystem has expanded significantly with various Layer 1 and Layer 2 solutions like Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, Polygon, Avalanche, and Fantom. Among these, Harmony One stands out as an independent, EVM-compatible blockchain designed to scale Ethereum applications. It offers:
- 100x lower fees compared to Ethereum
- 2-second transaction finality
- Cross-chain interoperability
Harmony supports a growing ecosystem of 50+ DApps, including DeFi protocols like SushiSwap, Curve Finance, and Aave. To interact with these DApps, you'll need to connect your MetaMask wallet to the Harmony network.
Why Use MetaMask Over Harmony One Wallet?
While Harmony provides its official wallet (Harmony One Wallet), MetaMask is preferred for several reasons:
- Multi-chain support: MetaMask allows seamless switching between Ethereum, Harmony, and other EVM-compatible networks.
- Better DApp compatibility: Some DeFi platforms on Harmony may not work with the official wallet.
- User familiarity: Many users already have MetaMask configured for other blockchains.
Note: If your goal is to stake $ONE tokens, you'll need the official Harmony One Wallet or Blits mobile wallet, as staking isn't supported via MetaMask.
Step-by-Step: Adding Harmony Network to MetaMask
Prerequisites
- MetaMask extension installed (official download)
- Basic understanding of EVM-compatible networks
Configuration Details
Harmony Mainnet (Recommended for most users)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Network Name | Harmony Mainnet |
| RPC URL | https://api.harmony.one |
| Chain ID | 1666600000 (Shard 0) |
| Currency Symbol | ONE |
| Block Explorer | https://explorer.harmony.one |
Harmony Testnet (For developers)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Network Name | Harmony Testnet |
| RPC URL | https://api.s0.b.hmny.io |
| Chain ID | 1666700000 (Shard 0) |
| Currency Symbol | ONE |
| Block Explorer | https://explorer.pops.one |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Open MetaMask and click the network dropdown (default shows "Ethereum Mainnet")
- Select "Add Network" at the bottom
- Enter Harmony Mainnet details from the table above
- Click "Save"
- Your MetaMask will automatically switch to Harmony network
👉 Troubleshooting common MetaMask connection issues
Acquiring and Managing ONE Tokens
Where to Get ONE Tokens
- Centralized exchanges: Binance, KuCoin, Gate.io
- Decentralized exchanges: OpenSwap, SushiSwap on Harmony
Sending/Receiving Tokens
Harmony uses two address formats:
- 0x... (Ethereum-style, works in MetaMask)
- one1... (Bech32, used by exchanges)
Conversion method:
- Visit Harmony Block Explorer
- Enter either address format
- The explorer displays both formats automatically
Pro tip: Always send a small test transaction first when moving between address formats.
Adding Custom Tokens to MetaMask
To add HRC-20 or HRC-721 tokens:
Find the token contract address via:
- Harmony Block Explorer
- CoinMarketCap/CoinGecko
- Official project website
- In MetaMask, click "Import Token"
Enter:
- Token Contract Address
- Token Symbol
- Decimals (usually 18 for HRC-20)
FAQ Section
Can I stake ONE tokens via MetaMask?
No, staking requires the official Harmony One Wallet or Blits mobile wallet. MetaMask is for transactions and DApp interactions only.
Why is my transaction failing?
Common reasons:
- Insufficient ONE for gas (try 1 Gwei gas price)
- Wrong address format (convert between 0x and one1)
- Network congestion (rare on Harmony)
Where can I find Harmony DApps?
Check these resources:
👉 Advanced Harmony network bridging guide
Conclusion
You're now ready to:
- Interact with Harmony DApps
- Trade HRC-20 tokens
- Participate in Harmony DeFi protocols
Remember to:
- Always verify contract addresses
- Start with small test transactions
- Keep some ONE for gas fees
Happy exploring the Harmony ecosystem!