Ethereum Classic (ETC) is more than just a blockchain—it’s a philosophical statement. While many users today associate smart contract platforms with Ethereum (ETH), few realize that ETC represents the original, unaltered Ethereum chain. In contrast, ETH emerged as a result of a controversial hard fork in 2016. The ETC community upholds the principle of “Code is Law”, rejecting external intervention in blockchain transactions, even in the face of major exploits.
This core belief has allowed Ethereum Classic to maintain continuity with the earliest days of Ethereum’s development. Though smaller in market size and ecosystem activity compared to ETH, ETC remains a fully functional EVM-compatible blockchain, enabling developers and users to deploy and interact with decentralized applications (dApps) using familiar tools—like MetaMask.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to configure the Ethereum Classic network on your MetaMask wallet, enabling seamless interaction with ETC-based dApps, exchanges, and wallets.
Why Use Ethereum Classic?
Before diving into setup steps, it’s important to understand why someone might choose ETC over other blockchains:
- True Decentralization: ETC adheres strictly to proof-of-work (PoW) consensus and resists governance changes that compromise immutability.
- Low Transaction Fees: With minimal network congestion, ETC offers extremely low gas fees—often less than $0.01 per transaction.
- Fast Confirmations: Transactions typically confirm within seconds to a minute.
- Developer-Friendly: As an EVM-compatible chain, any tool or dApp built for Ethereum can be easily ported to ETC.
Whether you're exploring for ideological reasons, testing dApps, or investing in the network, connecting MetaMask to ETC unlocks access to a resilient and principled blockchain ecosystem.
👉 Discover secure ways to manage ETC and other digital assets today.
Step-by-Step: Adding ETC Network to MetaMask
To connect your MetaMask wallet to the Ethereum Classic mainnet, follow these clear instructions. This process works on Google Chrome, Opera, or any Chromium-based browser with the MetaMask extension installed.
Step 1: Open Your MetaMask Extension
Click the fox icon (🦊) in your browser toolbar to launch MetaMask.
Step 2: Access Account Settings
In the top-right corner of the MetaMask interface, click the account icon (three dots or circular avatar) to open the dropdown menu.
Step 3: Navigate to Settings
Select "Settings" from the menu. This will open the full settings panel in a new window.
Step 4: Go to Networks
From the left-hand sidebar, choose "Networks". Here, you’ll see all currently added networks like Ethereum Mainnet, BSC, etc.
Step 5: Add a New Network
Scroll down and click "Add a network", then select "Add a network manually".
Step 6: Enter Ethereum Classic Network Details
Fill in the following parameters carefully:
- Network Name:
Ethereum Classic - New RPC URL:
https://www.ethercluster.com/etc - Chain ID:
61 - Currency Symbol:
ETC - Block Explorer URL:
https://blockscout.com/etc/mainnet
Double-check each field before proceeding. Incorrect values may lead to failed transactions or loss of connectivity.
Step 7: Save the Configuration
Click "Save" at the bottom of the form. If all details are correct, MetaMask will switch to the Ethereum Classic network automatically.
You’ve now successfully configured ETC on MetaMask!
Step 8: Switch Between Networks Easily
Once added, you can toggle between Ethereum (ETH), Binance Smart Chain, and Ethereum Classic directly from the network selector at the top of your MetaMask interface. Just click the current network name and choose “Ethereum Classic” from the list.
Testing Your Connection
After setup, verify everything works by sending a small amount of ETC to your MetaMask address. It's always wise to start with a test transaction—for example, 0.01 ETC—before moving larger amounts.
You should observe:
- Fast confirmation times (typically under 60 seconds)
- Extremely low transaction fees (as low as 0.000084 ETC)
- Accurate balance updates across explorers like Blockscout
This smooth experience stands in stark contrast to high-fee, congested networks—making ETC an attractive option for everyday use and microtransactions.
👉 Learn how to securely store and grow your ETC holdings with advanced tools.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Ethereum Classic safe to use with MetaMask?
A: Yes. Since ETC is EVM-compatible and uses the same cryptographic standards as Ethereum, it's just as secure when used through trusted interfaces like MetaMask.
Q: Can I use the same wallet address for ETH and ETC?
A: Yes. Because both chains share similar key derivation methods, your MetaMask address works on both networks. However, never send ETH to an ETC-only service—or vice versa—without proper bridging.
Q: Why does Chain ID matter when adding a network?
A: The Chain ID prevents replay attacks by ensuring transactions on one chain cannot be reused on another. For ETC, the correct Chain ID is 61.
Q: What if I can't connect or get errors after adding the network?
A: Try switching RPC providers. Alternatives include https://etc.rivet.link or https://etclight.merkle.io. You can edit the RPC URL directly in MetaMask settings.
Q: Are there dApps available on Ethereum Classic?
A: While smaller than Ethereum’s ecosystem, ETC supports several decentralized exchanges (DEXs), wallets, and NFT projects. Examples include VelvetSwap and ClassicSnap.
Q: Does adding ETC cost anything?
A: No. Configuring the network is free. You only pay gas fees when making transactions on the network.
The Future of Ethereum Classic
While often overshadowed by its larger cousin ETH, Ethereum Classic continues to carve out a unique space in the blockchain world. Its future paths remain uncertain—but several scenarios are possible:
Scenario 1: Gradual Decline
As developer attention shifts toward newer, faster chains, ETC could see diminishing activity. If node count drops significantly, network security may weaken over time.
Scenario 2: Niche Resurgence
Driven by advocates of decentralization and immutability, ETC could attract privacy-focused users and long-term holders who value censorship resistance above scalability.
Scenario 3: Historical Preservation Layer
Like Bitcoin’s role as digital gold, ETC may evolve into a “digital artifact”—a permanently running ledger preserving early smart contract history and demonstrating the viability of unchangeable code execution.
The motto “Code is Law” isn’t just ideology—it’s a commitment to predictability, transparency, and trustlessness. And while ETC may never rival Ethereum in scale, it serves as a powerful reminder of what blockchains were meant to be.
Final Thoughts
Configuring Ethereum Classic in MetaMask is simple, fast, and opens doors to a principled blockchain alternative. Whether you're drawn by ideology, low fees, or technical curiosity, ETC offers real utility with minimal friction.
As blockchain ecosystems diversify, having multi-chain fluency becomes essential. Adding networks like Ethereum Classic not only expands your toolkit—it deepens your understanding of decentralization in practice.
👉 Start exploring multi-chain opportunities securely with trusted platforms.
Ethereum Classic.
Code is Law.
ETC to the moon.