Wrapped Ether (WETH) is the tokenized version of Ethereum’s native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), designed to enhance interoperability across decentralized applications (dApps) and protocols. Unlike ETH, which does not conform to the ERC-20 standard, WETH is fully compliant—making it essential for DeFi activities such as trading, liquidity provision, NFT purchases, and yield farming.
MetaMask, one of the most widely used non-custodial crypto wallets, supports multiple blockchains and tokens, including WETH across various EVM-compatible networks. This guide walks you through how to add WETH to MetaMask on Ethereum and other popular chains like Polygon and Binance Smart Chain (BSC), while also explaining how to wrap ETH into WETH directly within the wallet.
Whether you're diving into DeFi or expanding your multi-chain portfolio, understanding WETH integration is crucial. Let’s explore the process step by step.
What Is WETH and Why Use It?
WETH (Wrapped Ether) maintains a 1:1 value with ETH but operates under the ERC-20 token standard. This allows seamless interaction with smart contracts that require ERC-20 compatibility—something native ETH lacks due to its pre-standard design.
Key Use Cases of WETH:
- Trading ETH for other ERC-20 tokens on decentralized exchanges (DEXs)
- Buying and selling NFTs on platforms like OpenSea
- Supplying liquidity in automated market makers (AMMs) such as Uniswap
- Participating in lending protocols like Aave or Compound
- Engaging in cross-chain DeFi strategies when bridged to other ecosystems
👉 Discover how WETH unlocks advanced DeFi opportunities across chains.
How to Add WETH to MetaMask on Ethereum (Step-by-Step)
Adding WETH on the Ethereum mainnet is straightforward thanks to MetaMask’s built-in token detection. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Open and Unlock MetaMask
Launch your MetaMask browser extension or mobile app and enter your password or biometric authentication to unlock your wallet.
Step 2: Select Ethereum Mainnet
Ensure that Ethereum Mainnet is selected at the top of the interface. If you’ve switched networks before, click the network dropdown and choose “Ethereum Mainnet.”
Step 3: Import WETH Token
Scroll down and click [Import tokens] located below your asset list.
Step 4: Search for WETH
In the search bar, type “WETH.” Select Wrapped Ether (WETH) from the results—this should be the first option with a verified contract.
Step 5: Confirm Import
Click [Next], then [Add Custom Token], followed by [Import Tokens]. The token will now appear in your wallet balance.
You’re all set! Your WETH balance will display once you acquire or wrap ETH into WETH.
How to Add WETH on Other EVM-Compatible Networks
WETH is available across several EVM-based blockchains, enabling gas-efficient transactions and broader DeFi access. Below are instructions for adding WETH on two major networks: Polygon and Binance Smart Chain.
Adding WETH on Polygon Network
Polygon offers low-cost transactions and seamless Ethereum interoperability. To add WETH:
1. Get the WETH Contract Address
Visit a trusted source like CoinMarketCap or Etherscan to find the official WETH contract address for Polygon: 0x7ceb23fd6bc0add59e62ac25578270cff1b9f619
Copy this address carefully.
2. Switch to Polygon Network in MetaMask
Make sure Polygon (Matic) network is added to your MetaMask. If not, manually add it using:
- Network Name: Polygon Mainnet
- RPC URL:
https://polygon-rpc.com/ - Chain ID: 137
- Currency Symbol: MATIC
- Block Explorer:
https://polygonscan.com/
Once added, switch to the Polygon network in MetaMask.
3. Import Token Using Contract Address
Click [Import tokens] → Paste the contract address → Wait for auto-fill → Click [Add Custom Token] → Then [Import Tokens].
WETH is now visible in your wallet when holding a balance.
👉 Maximize yield by using WETH across low-fee EVM chains.
Adding WETH on Binance Smart Chain (BSC)
BSC provides fast and affordable transactions. Here’s how to import WETH:
1. Obtain the BEP-20 WETH Contract Address
Use the verified contract: 0x2170ed0880ac9a755fd29b2688956bd959f933f8
2. Add Binance Smart Chain to MetaMask (if not already added)
Configure BSC with these details:
- Network Name: Binance Smart Chain
- RPC URL:
https://bsc-dataseed.binance.org/ - Chain ID: 56
- Symbol: BNB
- Block Explorer:
https://bscscan.com/
Switch to this network after setup.
3. Import WETH via Contract
Go to [Import tokens] → Paste contract address → Confirm symbol and decimals → Click [Add Custom Token] → Finalize with [Import Tokens].
Your wallet now recognizes WETH on BSC.
How to Convert ETH to WETH in MetaMask
The process of converting ETH to WETH is called wrapping. You can do this directly in MetaMask:
- Ensure you’re on Ethereum Mainnet.
- Click [Swap] in the top menu.
- Set ETH as the input and search for “WETH” in the output field.
- Select Wrapped Ether (WETH) from suggestions.
- Enter the amount of ETH to wrap.
- Click [Review Swap] → Confirm gas fee → Hit [Swap].
After confirmation, your ETH will be locked in a smart contract, and an equivalent amount of WETH will be credited to your wallet.
To unwrap WETH back to ETH, repeat the process by swapping WETH for ETH.
Can You Send WETH to Your ETH Address?
Yes—your MetaMask wallet address works across all EVM-compatible chains for both ETH and WETH. Since WETH is an ERC-20 token, sending it to your native Ethereum address is safe and standard practice.
However, always double-check:
- The receiving network matches the sender’s network
- The correct token type (e.g., ERC-20 vs BEP-20) is selected
- You're not sending tokens to incompatible networks
Mistakes can result in lost funds, so verify every transaction detail carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is WETH the same as ETH?
A: Yes, in value—one WETH equals one ETH. However, technically they differ: ETH is Ethereum’s native currency, while WETH is an ERC-20 token designed for compatibility with DeFi protocols.
Q: Do I need WETH for NFT trading?
A: Most NFT marketplaces like OpenSea accept both ETH and WETH, but underlying trades often use WETH due to smart contract requirements. Holding WETH ensures smoother interactions.
Q: Can I lose money wrapping ETH into WETH?
A: No—the wrapping process is secure and reversible through trusted smart contracts. You retain full control of your assets; only gas fees apply during conversion.
Q: Why doesn’t my WETH show up after import?
A: Imported tokens only appear if your wallet holds a balance. If you’ve imported correctly but see no balance, ensure you’ve received WETH or completed a wrap transaction.
Q: Is WETH available on Layer 2 networks?
A: Yes—WETH exists on Layer 2 solutions like Arbitrum, Optimism, and zkSync. You can add it similarly using their respective contract addresses.
Q: Are there risks in using third-party contract addresses?
A: Only use verified sources like CoinGecko, CoinMarketCap, or official project websites. Fake contracts can lead to fund loss—always cross-check addresses.
Final Thoughts
Integrating WETH into your MetaMask wallet opens doors to advanced DeFi functionality across Ethereum and compatible networks. Whether you're swapping tokens, investing in liquidity pools, or buying digital art, WETH enhances flexibility and compatibility.
By following this guide, you can confidently add WETH on Ethereum, Polygon, BSC, and beyond—ensuring you’re equipped for a dynamic multi-chain experience.
👉 Start leveraging WETH in DeFi today with secure wallet integration tools.
Remember: Always verify network settings and contract addresses before importing or transacting. Security comes first in decentralized finance.