Troubleshooting: MetaMask not showing test networks in Chrome
As a user of the popular cryptocurrency wallet MetaMask, you may encounter an issue where test networks are not showing within the browser extension. In this article, we will walk you through the troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue.
Why is this happening?
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s understand why MetaMask may not be showing test networks:
- Network Settings: Make sure that your Chrome network settings are set correctly. Go to
chrome://netsettings/, click on
Network Preferences, and make sure that the “Test network connections” option is enabled.
- Extensions Settings: Verify that you have enabled MetaMask in Chrome extensions at **chrome://extensions/
. If it is not enabled, enable it by clicking the three vertical dots next to the MetaMask icon, selecting "More tools," and toggling the extension toggle.
Troubleshooting steps:
1. Restart Chrome
Sometimes, simply closing and reopening Chrome can resolve connection issues:
- Close all instances of Chrome.
- Open a new instance of Chrome by clicking the three vertical dots next to the MetaMask icon in the address bar.
- Wait for the browser to restart.
If the issues persist after restarting Chrome, continue to the next steps.
2. Check your network settings
Make sure your network settings are correct:
- Go to **chrome://netsettings/.
- Make sure that the “Test network connections” option is enabled.
- If the test networks are not visible in this section, try disabling and re-enabling them.
3. Update the MetaMask extension
If you are using an older version of MetaMask, consider updating to the latest version:
- Go to **chrome://extensions/
.
- Click the three vertical dots next to the MetaMask icon.
- Select “Update MetaMask” from the drop-down menu.
4. Disable and re-enable MetaMask
Sometimes disabling and re-enabling MetaMask can resolve connection issues:
Go to *chrome://extensions/.
- Click the three vertical dots next to the MetaMask icon.
- Select “Disable MetaMask”.
- Wait a few seconds (this should allow you to enable it).
- Click the three vertical dots again, then select “Enable MetaMask”.
5. Check for Malware or Adware
Malware or adware can interfere with your network connection and test networks:
- Run a full scan of your computer with your antivirus program.
- Use a reputable malware removal tool to clean your system.
Conclusion
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it’s possible that other factors are at play. If the issues persist, consider contacting MetaMask support for further assistance or exploring other troubleshooting options.
Following these steps should resolve the issue and allow you to view your test networks within MetaMask in Chrome.