How to add Solana to Metamask

Blockchains have diverse architectures, leading to interoperability issues. Fortunately, various third-party solutions such as bridges, extensions, wrapped assets, and cross-chain protocols enable the use of assets across different ecosystems and wallets. Although it is not possible to manage SOL and SLP tokens directly on MetaMask, we can still use a third party to manage our Solana-based funds, while remaining connected to MetaMask.

MetaMask Snaps, developed by Consensys engineers, allows users to manage their funds on different networks, like Solana, within MetaMask via an extension.

Solflare, the protocol behind the popular wallet of the same name, has developed the Solana Snap feature, allowing users to manage their Metamask wallets through a Solflare interface.

In this article you will learn how to add Solana Snap to your Metamask wallet. Just follow these steps below.

How to add Solana Snap to MetaMask

• Access the MetaMask Snap directory from your MetaMask wallet or the Solflare MetaMask landing page.

• Search for “Solana” and click on “Solana Wallet” from Solflare.

• Click “Add to MetaMask” and confirm the link request, agreeing to the terms and conditions.

• Continue to the Solflare website and click “Get Started” to begin the installation.

• Log in to MetaMask when prompted. Wait for the process to complete and confirm the connection request.

• Once completed, your Solflare Solana wallet is ready to use.

• You can bookmark the dashboard page for easy access, this way you don’t need to insert your password.

Read also : How to use Uniswap with MetaMask

Linking SOL to MetaMask

Now that you have successfully installed the Solana Snap extension, you can link assets from other networks directly from your Snap wallet.

Solflare’s Snap Wallet allows users to link assets from other networks, including Ethereum, BNB Chain, Arbitrum, Avalanche, and Polygon. Users can link stablecoins and reverse the process at any time. To link assets:

1. Access the Solflare interface and click on the Bridge tab
2. Select the relevant channels, enter the desired amount and click “Review”.
3. The MetaMask wallet is automatically chosen as the recipient account.
4. Confirm the transaction to complete the transition process.

Note: Solana assets cannot be managed directly on MetaMask; you will need to use the Solflare interface. Disabling or deleting the Solana Snap Wallet stops its interaction with Metamask but does not delete your wallet; it is restored during reinstallation. And although a new wallet is created, it shares the same private keys as your Metamask wallet.

Benefits of MetaMask Snaps

Integrating the Solana blockchain into MetaMask expands its functionality, allowing users to take advantage of Solana’s high throughput and low transaction costs alongside their existing EVM-enabled assets.

This integration promotes greater interoperability within the crypto ecosystem, simplifying the management of assets across different blockchains through a unified wallet interface.

Here’s what you can do with Solana Snap in MetaMask:

• Manage Solana-based tokens and NFTs: Curate SOL and manage Solana tokens and NFTs in the MetaMask environment.

• Swap and Stake: Participate in swap and staking activities directly from your MetaMask wallet.

• Bridge Assets: Seamlessly connect your assets from EVM to SOL.

• Connect to Solana Apps: Access Solana’s vibrant ecosystem of decentralized applications (dApps) without needing to install a separate Solana wallet.

• View and manage assets: Although you cannot directly view and manage your Solana assets stored in MetaMask in the wallet interface, you can use the Solflare interface or a built-in widget in each Solana app you connect to.

Connecting MetaMask to Solana dApps

Now that your wallet is ready, you can connect to several dApps on the Solana ecosystem, like Jupiter, Jito or Solend. For this particular example, we will use Jito, a MEV staking platform.

Follow the steps below:

1. Start by connecting your Solana Snap wallet. Click “Connect Wallet” and choose MetaMask. Then click “Continue”.

2. The app will automatically choose the Snap wallet for you. Make sure to keep the second pop-up open, as it is required for every app you intend to use your Solana Snap Wallet in.

3. Click Connect.

4. Done, you can now use Snap Wallet on Jito.

The process is quite similar for other dApps on Solana. We just need to make sure to choose Metamask and follow the previous steps. For example, we can integrate Metamask with Solend by clicking Connect Wallet and choosing Metamask, and repeat the process.

Frequently asked questions

Here is an FAQ about the Solana Wallet Snap:

Is Snap Wallet custodial?

No, the Solflare wallet works with the associated MetaMask wallet, so it does not issue new private keys for the Solana Snap wallet.

What happens if I delete/reinstall my Solana Snap

Deleting or deactivating your Solana Wallet Snap stops its interaction with your MetaMask wallet. However, when reinstalling the Solana Wallet Snap, your previous wallet remains intact.

Can I manage Solana assets directly on MetaMask

No, you can only do this through the Solflare interface.

What is MetaMask Snaps?

MetaMask Snaps allows developers to create external applications that use the MetaMask framework. These include interoperability Snaps like the Solana Wallet Snap and transaction information Snaps aimed at improving security.

Featured image via Unsplash.

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