MetaMask is a popular crypto wallet used to interact with the Ethereum blockchain within the browser and on your mobile phone.
This solution allows working with one of the built-in networks or adding a custom network. It is also possible to add a network from the default list but with custom settings.
Below we will explain how to add and test a custom network in MetaMask with the help of Anyblock tools: RPC endpoints and Anyblock Explorer. The Ropsten testnet will be used as an example.
You can also take a look at our MetaMask video tutorial showing how to connect to the xDai network via Anyblock.
Creating MetaMask and Anyblock Accounts
To work with Anyblock tools, no matter if you just want to use the free service or have a paid service agreement, you need to register for an account.
You will also need an API key, which is automatically created when you confirm your registration. If for any reason you need a new API key, do the following:
- Go to the API Keys tab of your profile.
- Click on Create new API key.
- Fill in the Name, Valid Until, and, optionally, Domain fields.
- Click on Create key.
Adding a Network in MetaMask
- Go to your MetaMask account.
- Expand the list of networks on the top of the application.
- At the end of the list, select the Custom RPC option.
(In a mobile app, go to Settings > Networks > Add Network.)
Image: The network selection menu in MetaMask. Click to enlarge.
- Network Name: Ropsten
- New RPC URL: https://api.anyblock.tools/ethereum/ethereum/ropsten/rpc/b59c2879-baae-4e32-9746-765bfe806509/
- Chain ID: 3
- Currency Symbol (optional): ETH
- Block Explorer URL (optional): https://explorer.anyblock.tools/ethereum/ethereum/ropsten/
Image: Adding the Ropsten testnet in MetaMask with Anyblock RPC. Click to enlarge.
Note 1. In the New RPC URL field, you should specify one of the ETH endpoints available to you in the RPC tab of your Anyblock account. Each URL contains a reference to a network and is expanded by your personal API key found in the API Keys tab.
Note 2. This identifier is unique for each network. To get the Chain ID of the selected network, look it up in MetaMask docs. You can also see the Networks section in Anyblock docs or check the network website.
Note 3. To get the URL for the Block Explorer URL field, go to Anyblock Explorer. The default network is Ethereum Mainnet. If you are going to work with another network, select a network from the drop-down menu in the upper part of the page and copy the URL of the web page.
Image: The network selection menu in Anyblock Explorer. Click to enlarge.
- Click on the button in the right upper corner to open the My Accounts menu.
- Click on Settings.
- Go to the Networks tab and click on the network name.
Image: Account settings in MetaMask. Click to enlarge.
Testing the Connection and Using Anyblock Explorer
Image: Accessing Anyblock Explorer from MetaMask to view the address details. Click to enlarge.
- Visit the Networks section in our docs.
- Select a network.
- Look for a faucet address in the Quick Facts table.
- Get the crypto.
Here you can get ETH in the Ropsten testnet.
The next step is performing a transaction in MetaMask. When it is complete, you will be able to see the details in Anyblock Explorer: click on the transaction in MetaMask and then click on the arrow in the upper right corner of the pop-up menu.
Image: Accessing transaction details in MetaMask. Click to enlarge.
Image: The transaction details in Anyblock Explorer. Click to enlarge.
Metamask Video Tutorial
For more information on using Metamask with Anyblock, you can watch our short tutorial below! It explains how to connect to the xDai network via Anyblock.
Video: How to use the Anyblock RPC and Explorer in MetaMask
Conclusion
To learn more about how to use our block explorer, see the Anyblock Explorer guide.

Interested or questions?
Freddy Zwanzger
(Co-Founder & Chief Data Officer)
freddy@anyblockanalytics.com
+49 6131 3272372
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