MetaMask Launches Multi-Chain Wallet with EVM & Solana Support, Bitcoin Coming Soon

On Monday, leading self-custody cryptocurrency wallet platform MetaMask announced the launch of multi-chain accounts, a feature enabling users to manage both Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and non-EVM addresses from a single profile.

This expansion signifies a strategic shift from MetaMask’s old one-account-one-address model to a structure that allows a single account to manage multiple addresses across different blockchain networks. 

The feature promises greater interoperability and streamlined asset management services for a wallet service that previously only supported Ethereum, requiring users to create separate accounts for EVM-compatible chains and other non-EVM networks, notably Solana.

MetaMask Unveils Multi-Chain Accounts, Promising Support For Ethereum, Solana, and Bitcoin Addresses

Under the multi-account setup, one user account can support Ethereum, EVM layer-2 (Arbitrum, Base, Linea, etc.), and Solana addresses. MetaMask said that Bitcoin integration will be added in future updates to the app.

The support for Layer-2 and non-EVM networks enhances the wallet’s functionality, further expanding cross-chain operations. The planned expansion to the Bitcoin network underscores the Consensys-owned platform’s commitment to upholding interoperability.

Dan Finley, co-founder of MetaMask, noted that the introduction of multi-chain accounts is a “significant step” towards enhancing user experience and interoperability in the crypto ecosystem. In a separate announcement, the team said this means users only have to manage “fewer accounts,” with less switching back and forth between network addresses, and faster cross-network activities.

According to MetaMask, all EVM and non-EVM wallets created before the latest update remain accessible to users, with the multi-chain account feature pairing one EVM address with a Solana address. If a Solana account was created in the past, it will now be matched with an EVM address chronologically and will automatically adopt the EVM account name. If the user has more Solana accounts than EVMs, then a new EVM-compatible address will be created to match up and adopt the original account’s name.

The features come as part of an auto-update, which has been rolled out to MetaMask Mobile version 7.57 and Browser Extension version 13.5, utilizing the BIP-44 proposal – a derivation path standard that allows crypto wallets to generate and organize multiple accounts from a single recovery phrase.

Users do not need to conduct any wallet migration, with MetaMask promising that all customer funds will remain safe and balances unchanged during and after the platform update.

However, hardware wallets connected to MetaMask will remain limited to EVM accounts, as Solana support is yet to be available for the devices. A multichain account will be the default setting on MetaMask from now on.

Consensys and MetaMask Tease “MASK” Token Launch

Meanwhile, MetaMask is gearing up to launch its native “MASK” token. Recently, a website rumored to be a claims portal for the upcoming tokens surfaced online, with the site showing a password-protected authenticator with no functionality for visitors, but redirected to the official MetaMask website.

Company executives have long been teasing a potential ERC-20 cryptocurrency to power the major wallet platform, incubated by blockchain development firm Consensys, which owns and operates MetaMask. 

Last month, Consensys CEO Joe Lubin said in an episode of “The Crypto Bear” podcast that the MASK token could come sooner than expected. He also noted that the company is actively working on the project, before adding that users should pay attention to other developments within the Consensys ecosystem, as they could be potential hints.

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