A wallet popup tells you to switch networks, but the option isn't even in the list. The first time this happens, most people assume they downloaded the wrong wallet. That's usually not the case. Most wallets only include a dozen or so major public chains by default, while there are hundreds of active EVM chains. Not seeing one is completely normal.
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There are two ways to handle this: check whether your wallet supports adding custom networks. If it does, fill in the parameters and add it. If it doesn't, switch to a different wallet.
Case A: Your wallet supports adding custom networks (MetaMask / Trust Wallet / imToken / Binance Wallet, etc.)
These wallets all have a manual entry option. You need to know four parameters for the target network: Network Name, RPC URL, Chain ID, and Currency Symbol.
How to do it:
Using the MetaMask browser extension as an example:
Click the dropdown arrow next to the current network name at the top of the wallet, then select "Add network" or "Add a custom network" at the bottom of the menu.
Manually fill in the four required fields:
Network Name: Enter any name you'll recognize, such as "Arbitrum One".
RPC URL: This is the node address the wallet uses to communicate with the chain, so it must be correct. The safest way is to check chainlist.org. Search for the chain name, then copy an RPC address from a result with a green status.
Chain ID: The unique identifier for each chain. For example, Arbitrum is 42161 and Polygon is 137. You can also find this on Chainlist.
Currency Symbol: The chain's native token, such as ETH, MATIC, or BNB.
Click Save.
How to know it worked: The newly added chain appears in your network list. When you select it, the wallet should display it at the top.
Case B: Your wallet does not support custom networks (for example, some older mobile wallet versions)
If there is no "Add network" option, you cannot use that wallet to connect to the DApp.
What to do:
Switch to one of the wallets mentioned in Case A. MetaMask has the broadest compatibility.
Or try using the wallet's built-in DApp browser. Some wallets, such as imToken, will automatically pop up a prompt asking you to add the corresponding account and confirm with a signature when connecting to an unsupported chain. This means you don't need to manually enter parameters. But not all wallets have this feature.
What happens if you enter the wrong parameters?
Common causes of failure: If the RPC URL is wrong or the Chain ID doesn't match, the wallet may refuse to add the network. Or it may add it but fail to connect, leaving your balance spinning forever without loading.
High risk warning: Do not copy RPC URLs from unofficial sources. Malicious nodes can fake blockchain data and make you see false balances or transaction statuses. You might think you're making a normal transfer, but you could actually be redirected to a scam contract. Only get RPC addresses from official project documentation or public directories like Chainlist.
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Fastest route: Add with one click using Chainlist
If you don't want to fill in everything manually, just open chainlist.org, click "Connect Wallet" in the top right corner to connect your MetaMask, search for the target network, and click "Add to MetaMask". Your wallet will automatically show a confirmation popup with all parameters already filled in. You just need to approve it.
How to verify: After adding, you should be able to select the new chain in your wallet's network list. Once you switch to it, refresh the DApp page. The connect button should no longer ask you to "switch network". Instead, it should show the normal wallet approval window.
