2. zkSync

Now that our wallet is set up we can add zkSync Era to our list of networks. The advantages to using this network over Ethereum Mainnet are numerous and could get quite technical.

Hey, a question. Feel like skipping?! This page will continue to explain how we have to add zkSync Era to our wallet while giving some more details concerning the network and the process in general. If you want to skip all this, you can simply go to our zkRonins site and Connect your wallet, which will automatically ask to add the network in case you haven't already got it! "Taking a shortcut could stifle growth, but it's always up to you to decide whether it's worth your time walking the extra mileage."

L1s and L2s

One thing worth sharing for a bit more context is that there are networks out there built on top of the Ethereum network, leveraging and extending its infrastructure. These are called Layer 2 solutions or L2s in short; Ethereum being the Layer 1. Now, these L2s try to improve Ethereum by boosting its scalability, provide new ways of dApp development, increase processing capacity, relieve congestion on the network, lower transaction fees and much more. zkSync Era is one of them, with a promising future as the first ZK rollup solution to go live on mainnet.

We shall spare you further details and refer you to the official site of zkSync if you wish to know more about the chain itself. An interesting read and introduction to the concept behind layers, rollups and how zkSync fits into the ecosystem can be found here: zkSync Docs - Intro to rollups.

Adding the network

Now back to the process of adding a new network to your MetaMask wallet. There are usually two approaches; either with the help of others or doing it yourself.

Discovery 3 "It's not always necessary to do everything on your own. If someone's kind enough to hand you a piece fitting your puzzle board, use it."

Easy mode

Chainlist is a website that provides a list of EVM networks; making it easier for crypto users to add chains with the correct network details to their wallets. It saves you the hassle of having to manually fill out all the details for a chain and might as well serve as a simple introduction to how wallet could interact with a protocol online.

Adding zkSync Era using Chainlist

1. Go to https://chainlist.org/?search=zksync+era

2. Click on Connect Wallet and accept the prompt in your MetaMask wallet.

3. Now, since Chainlist tends to add networks using different RPC addresses, click on the down arrow symbol first. Then click on Add to Metamask next to the RPC with the official address: https://mainnet.era.zksync.io.

4. Approve in your wallet.

5. zkSync Era Mainnet is now added to your networks and can be selected by clicking on the icon in the top-left corner of your wallet's interface.

   

"Hard" mode

If you prefer to fill out the network details for zkSync Era manually, then follow these 5 steps.

Adding zkSync Era manually

1. Sign into your Metamask wallet and click on the network icon in the top-left corner.

   
2. Click on Add network.

3. Scroll down to the bottom of the network list and click Add a network manually.

4. Now fill in the zkSync Era Mainnet network details (source):

   • Network name zkSync Era Mainnet

   • New RPC URL https://mainnet.era.zksync.io

   • Chain ID 324

   • Currency symbol ETH

   • Block explorer URL (optional) https://explorer.zksync.io/

5. Click on Save.

6. zkSync Era Mainnet is now added to your network list.