MetaMask goes multichain: one account supports EVM, Solana and soon Bitcoin

MetaMask announced Monday that it has launched multichain accounts, shifting from a one-account-one-address model to a structure that allows a single account to manage multiple addresses across different blockchain networks.

MetaMask, which started out as an Ethereum-only wallet, previously required users to create separate accounts for EVM-compatible chains and non-EVM networks such as Solana. Under the new system, one account can include addresses for Ethereum, EVM layer-2 networks, Solana, and in future updates, Bitcoin.

"This means fewer accounts to manage, less switching back and forth, and easier cross-network activities," MetaMask noted .

The update rolls out automatically in MetaMask Mobile version 7.57 and Extension version 13.5, requiring no user action. A multichain account will be the default account in MetaMask from now on, the platform said.

MetaMask noted that all addresses created before the update remain accessible. Existing EVM and Solana addresses are paired chronologically. 

"If you did create Solana accounts in the past, they'll be 'matched up' with an EVM address chronologically and auto-adopt the EVM account name," MetaMask said. "If you do have more Solana accounts than EVM accounts, new EVM addresses will be created to 'match up' and auto-adopt the Solana account name."

The update makes use of BIP-44, a derivation path standard that allows wallets to generate and organize multiple accounts from a single recovery phrase.

However, hardware wallet accounts remain limited to EVM networks, as Solana support is not yet available.

MASK token

On Monday, a website rumored to be a claims portal for MetaMask's upcoming token launch surfaced online. This drew speculation from crypto community members that the launch of MetaMask's native cryptocurrency, MASK, may be imminent.

While the website initially showed a password-protected Vercel Authenticator with no actual functionality for users, it currently redirects visitors to MetaMask's official homepage.

Executives at MetaMask have long teased a potential token to power the major crypto wallet platform, incubated by blockchain development company Consensys. 

Last month, Consensys CEO Joe Lubin told The Block in an episode of "The Crypto Beat" podcast that the MASK token could come "sooner than you would expect." 

In an interview with The Block earlier this month, Lubin confirmed that Consensys is working "very actively" on the token, adding that users should pay attention to other developments within the Consensys ecosystem, as they could serve as potential signals of the token launch.