Is Chainlist Safe to Use? A Guide to Chainlist and Its Features

As the Web3 ecosystem expands, users and developers are navigating a growing list of blockchain networks beyond Ethereum such as Base, Polygon, Optimism, and Arbitrum. With each of these chains requiring separate configurations for access via wallets like MetaMask, manually inputting RPC URLs, Chain IDs, and block explorers can be tedious and error-prone.

This is where Chainlist.org becomes an essential tool. Chainlist simplifies the process of adding Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible chains to your wallet. It enables users to configure networks such as Sepolia, Base, or Polygon in just a few clicks.

But despite its popularity and ease of use, many users still ask: Is Chainlist safe? Can I trust it to connect networks to my MetaMask without compromising security?

This article offers a comprehensive look at how Chainlist works, its safety measures, potential risks, and best practices for secure usage. Whether you're a beginner exploring testnets or a smart contract developer managing multiple environments, this guide will help you confidently use Chainlist.

What Is Chainlist?

Chainlist is an open-source directory of EVM-compatible blockchain networks. It allows users to connect their wallets (such as MetaMask, WalletConnect, or Trust Wallet) to different chains by simply selecting and approving a configuration prompt. 

There is no need to manually input technical details like the RPC URL, Chain ID, or block explorer Chainlist automates the process.

Chainlist supports over 385 blockchain networks, including:

• Ethereum Mainnet

• Polygon

• Base

• BNB Chain

• Arbitrum

• Sepolia Testnet

• Optimism

• Scroll and more

Originally built by the community and hosted on GitHub, Chainlist is maintained as a transparent, public service, especially helpful for developers and power users needing fast access to different blockchains.

Read Also: How to Seamlessly Add New Chains to MetaMask with Chainlist

How Chainlist Works

The primary purpose of Chainlist is to simplify the process of adding a blockchain network to your wallet. Here's how the process works:

1. Visit the Official Website
   Navigate to https://chainlist.org, the official and trusted domain.

2. Connect Your Wallet
   Click the “Connect Wallet” button and allow the website to interact with your wallet provider (e.g., MetaMask).

3. Search for a Network
   Use the search bar to find a specific network, such as “Sepolia” or “Base.” Each listing includes its Chain ID, native token symbol, and RPC details.

4. Click "Add to Wallet"
   After selecting the network, Chainlist sends a request to your wallet prompting you to approve the addition.

5. Confirm the Action
   Review the details and approve the connection. The network will now be available in your wallet.

This simple process eliminates the risks of human error when entering RPC endpoints or Chain IDs, especially when dealing with testnets or newer blockchains.

Read Also: How to Buy Meme Coin on the Base Ecosystem?

Key Features of Chainlist

One-Click Wallet Integration

Chainlist allows users to search for a blockchain and connect it to MetaMask or other EVM wallets with a single click. This eliminates the need to copy and paste technical configuration details manually.

Open-Source Infrastructure

Chainlist is open-source and available on GitHub. Anyone can view, audit, or contribute to the project. This transparency significantly increases its credibility in the Web3 developer community.

Multi-Network Support

Chainlist supports hundreds of chains, including testnets and Layer-2 scaling solutions. Popular options include:

• Ethereum Sepolia Testnet

• Base Mainnet and Base Goerli

• Arbitrum One and Arbitrum Sepolia

• zkSync

• Optimism

• Avalanche

• Fantom

Faucet Access

For developers working with testnets, Chainlist often includes direct links to testnet faucets where users can request free tokens to use for deploying and testing smart contracts.

Read Also: Lessons in Web3: Why You Should Use Metamask Chrome Extension for Safer On-chain Transaction

Is Chainlist Safe to Use?

The answer is yes, Chainlist is safe to use provided that users access the correct domain and follow basic Web3 security practices. Here are some reasons for its safety and trustworthiness:

Non-Custodial Operation

Chainlist does not ask for your private keys or seed phrase. It interacts only with your wallet’s public interface to request permission for adding a chain.

Read-Only Wallet Interaction

When you connect your wallet to Chainlist, you are only approving the addition of a network configuration. You are not authorizing any transactions or giving the site permission to access your assets.

Community Verification

Chain data submitted to Chainlist is verified by contributors and moderators before it appears on the live site. This minimizes the risk of incorrect or malicious RPC configurations.

Widespread Adoption

Chainlist is widely used by developers and crypto users alike. It is often recommended in Ethereum developer documentation, forums like Stack Overflow and Reddit, and wallet guides.

GitHub Transparency

Because its codebase is open-source, users and developers can audit how Chainlist handles data and verify its legitimacy.

Read Also: What is MetaMask Extension and How to Use It

Potential Risks and How to Avoid Them

Although Chainlist is safe when used properly, there are potential risks that users should remain aware of.

Phishing Sites

Fake versions of Chainlist (e.g., chainlist.xyz, chainl1st.org) can mimic the original site and try to trick users into connecting their wallets. These clone sites may inject malicious network configurations or prompt you to approve unauthorized transactions.

Solution: Always verify the URL is https://chainlist.org and consider bookmarking it for regular use.

Malicious RPC Endpoints

Although rare, it is theoretically possible for an attacker to submit a network with a compromised RPC endpoint that logs data or executes unauthorized actions when used.

Solution: Use well-known networks and confirm RPCs from the official chain documentation or GitHub repository before using new or unverified chains.

Improper Wallet Permissions

Chainlist only requests permission to add a network, but unfamiliar dApps might request transaction approvals or data signatures.

Solution: Never approve wallet transactions unless you understand exactly what is being requested.

Testnet Changes

Testnets like Goerli and Sepolia can change over time or be deprecated. If you rely on Chainlist to add them, make sure the RPC endpoints are still valid.

Solution: Cross-reference Chainlist data with official sources such as Ethereum Foundation docs or Layer-2 developer portals.

Best Practices for Using Chainlist Safely

• Use Only the Official Website: Stick to chainlist.org or the legacy mirror chainlist.wtf.

• Verify Chain Details: For newer networks, confirm Chain ID and RPC from the project’s official documentation.

• Use Burner Wallets for Testing: When working on testnets or unknown RPCs, avoid using your primary wallet.

• Avoid Unnecessary Approvals: Only approve connections or additions that are essential to your development or trading activity.

• Audit RPCs Periodically: Clean up your MetaMask configuration to remove unused or potentially risky networks.

Read Also: How Popular is DeFi in Nigeria? Looking at the Digital Lending Market Potential

Final Thoughts

Chainlist is a highly useful, time-saving, and secure tool that streamlines the Web3 experience, especially for developers and power users dealing with multi-chain environments. 

As long as you use the official URL and verify configuration details, Chainlist is not only safe but one of the most efficient tools available in the Ethereum ecosystem today.

While no Web3 tool is entirely without risk, Chainlist’s non-custodial design, open-source transparency, and broad community trust make it a smart choice for anyone managing multiple networks.

FAQs

Is Chainlist a Wallet?

No, Chainlist is not a wallet. It is a configuration tool that helps you add new networks to your wallet.

Can Chainlist Access My Funds?

No. Chainlist cannot access or move funds. It never asks for your private keys and only interacts with the wallet interface.

Is Chainlist Owned by MetaMask?

No, Chainlist is a separate community-maintained project. However, it integrates seamlessly with MetaMask and other popular wallets.

Can I Use Chainlist for Testnets?

Yes. Chainlist supports testnets like Sepolia, Goerli, and Base Goerli, including links to associated faucets.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed belong exclusively to the author and do not reflect the views of this platform. This platform and its affiliates disclaim any responsibility for the accuracy or suitability of the information provided. It is for informational purposes only and not intended as financial or investment advice.