Troubleshooting: MetaMask Not Showing Test Networks in Chrome
As a user of the popular cryptocurrency wallet MetaMask, you may encounter an issue where the test networks are not displayed within the browser extension. In this article, we will guide you through troubleshooting steps to resolve the problem.
Why is this happening?
Before diving into solutions, let’s understand why MetaMask might not be displaying the test networks:
- Network settings
: Ensure that your network settings are set correctly in Chrome. Go to
chrome://netsettings/, then click on
Network preferences, and make sure the “Test network connections” option is enabled.
- Extension settings: Verify that you have enabled MetaMask in Chrome extensions by going to **chrome://extensions/
. If it's not enabled, enable it by clicking on the three vertical dots next to the MetaMask icon, selecting "More tools," and then toggling the extension switch.
Troubleshooting steps:
1. Restart Chrome
Sometimes, simply closing and reopening Chrome can resolve connectivity issues:
- Close all instances of Chrome.
- Open a new instance of Chrome by clicking on the three vertical dots next to the MetaMask icon in the address bar.
- Wait for the browser to restart.
If you're still experiencing issues after restarting Chrome, proceed to the next steps.
2. Check network settings
Ensure that your network settings are set correctly:
- Go to **chrome://netsettings/.
- Make sure 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 MetaMask extension
If you’re using an older version of MetaMask, consider updating to the latest version:
- Go to **chrome://extensions/
.
- Click on the three vertical dots next to the MetaMask icon.
- Select "Update MetaMask" from the dropdown menu.
4. Disable and re-enable MetaMask
Sometimes, disabling and re-enabling MetaMask can resolve connectivity issues:
Go to *chrome://extensions/.
- Click on the three vertical dots next to the MetaMask icon.
- Select “Disable MetaMask.”
- Wait for a few seconds (this should allow you to enable it).
- Click on the three vertical dots again, then select “Enable MetaMask.”
5. Check for malware or adware
Malware or adware can interfere with network connectivity and test networks:
- Run a full scan of your computer using an anti-virus 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 there are other factors at play. If you’re still experiencing problems, consider contacting MetaMask support for further assistance or exploring additional troubleshooting options.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue and see your test networks displayed within MetaMask in Chrome.