How to Add Zilliqa to MetaMask

Zilliqa (ZIL) is a high-performance Layer 1 blockchain known for its pioneering use of sharding to improve transaction throughput. Designed with its architecture and tools, Zilliqa runs on a non-EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) compatible network. Because of this, users often ask: Can I add Zilliqa to MetaMask?

The answer is no for native ZIL, but there is a workaround. By using bridges such as ZilBridge, users can move ZIL to an EVM-compatible chain like Ethereum or Binance Smart Chain (BSC) as a wrapped token, which can be added to MetaMask.

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How to Add Zilliqa to MetaMask

What Is Zilliqa?

Zilliqa is a smart contract platform built to address scalability limitations in traditional blockchains. It uses a unique sharded architecture, meaning the network splits into smaller groups (shards) that process transactions in parallel. This significantly increases throughput compared to older networks.

Its native token, ZIL, is used for transaction fees, staking, smart contract execution, and other network activities. However, since Zilliqa’s blockchain is not built on the EVM standard, native ZIL is not directly compatible with MetaMask, which is designed for Ethereum and other EVM-based networks.

Can You Add Zilliqa to MetaMask?

No, you cannot add native ZIL directly to MetaMask because the Zilliqa network is not EVM-compatible.

However, you can use bridges to convert ZIL into an EVM-compatible format, such as eZIL (on Ethereum) or ZIL.e (on BSC). These wrapped versions are ERC-20 or BEP-20 tokens that represent ZIL on another blockchain. Once converted, these wrapped tokens can be added to MetaMask just like any other custom token.

To do this, users often rely on ZilBridge (developed by Zilliqa and Switcheo Labs) or other trusted cross-chain platforms.

How to Add Zilliqa to MetaMask / How to Add Zilliqa (Wrapped) to MetaMask

Here’s a step-by-step guide to adding wrapped ZIL to MetaMask:

1. Bridge your ZIL to an EVM network

  • Visit https://zilbridge.com
  • Connect your Zilliqa wallet (e.g., ZilPay) and MetaMask wallet
  • Choose the amount of ZIL to bridge
  • Select your target network: Ethereum or BSC
  • Pay the necessary gas fees and confirm the transaction

2. Find the wrapped token contract address

  • After bridging, you’ll receive a wrapped version of ZIL.
  • Copy the contract address of the wrapped token from a verified source

3. Add the token to MetaMask

  • Open MetaMask
  • Switch to the network you bridged to (Ethereum or BSC)
  • Scroll down and click “Import Tokens.”
  • Paste the wrapped ZIL contract address
  • Confirm the token details and click “Add Custom Token.”

You should now see your wrapped ZIL in your MetaMask wallet.

What You’ll Need

To complete the process, ensure you have:

  • A ZIL-compatible wallet, such as ZilPay ,for interacting with the native Zilliqa blockchain
  • MetaMask – installed and connected to Ethereum or BSC, depending on where you’re bridging
  • ETH or BNB – for gas fees on Ethereum or Binance Smart Chain
  • Access to ZilBridge or another trusted bridging platform
  • Accurate token contract addresses – always sourced from official or verified blockchain explorers

While native ZIL cannot be added to MetaMask, wrapped ZIL tokens on Ethereum or BSC can, with the help of a bridge like ZilBridge. This process allows you to interact with ZIL in EVM-based environments, expanding its use cases in DeFi and Web3 apps.

Always take care to:

  • Use official or reputable bridge tools
  • Verify token contract addresses before adding them to MetaMask
  • Double-check you’re on the correct network when managing wrapped assets

As the Zilliqa ecosystem evolves, more interoperability solutions may emerge. For now, bridging remains the primary way to add ZIL to MetaMask safely.