> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.novamp.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.novamp.io/getting-started/switch-networks.md).

# Switch Networks

Move between chains, understand the wrong-network banner, and add a network.

Each token lives on one chain, so trading it means being on that chain. Novamp detects when your wallet is on the wrong network and offers a one-tap switch.

{% hint style="info" %}
💡 You can always keep **browsing** any token, on any network. The network only needs to match when you actually **trade**.
{% endhint %}

## Overview

When a connected **external EVM wallet** (MetaMask/Rabby) is on a different chain than the token you're viewing, Novamp shows a **"Switch to \<chain>"** button in the header and a wrong-network banner on the token page. Tapping it requests the switch through your wallet.

Behavior depends on wallet type:

* **Embedded (Privy)** — never shows a switch prompt; Novamp aligns its chain automatically.
* **External EVM (MetaMask/Rabby)** — gets the explicit "Switch to \<chain>" action and, if the chain isn't known to the wallet yet, an **Add network** option.
* **Solana (Phantom)** — never receives EVM switch prompts; use an embedded or MetaMask/Rabby wallet for EVM chains.

## How it works

```mermaid
flowchart TD
  A[Open a token] --> B{Wallet on right chain?}
  B -->|Yes| C[Trade normally]
  B -->|No, external EVM| D[Show 'Switch to chain']
  D --> E{Wallet knows the chain?}
  E -->|Yes| F[Switch and trade]
  E -->|No| G[Add network, then switch]
  B -->|Embedded Privy| C
```

The page stays fully visible the whole time — the banner only gates the transaction, never your ability to read charts, holders, and trades.

## How to use it

1. Open a token on the chain you want to trade.
2. If you see **"Switch to \<chain>"**, tap it and approve the switch in your wallet.
3. If your wallet doesn't recognize the chain, choose **Add network** — Novamp sends the chain's details (chain ID, name, native currency, RPC, and explorer) via `wallet_addEthereumChain`, then switches.
4. Once switched, the banner disappears and you can trade.

{% hint style="warning" %}
⚠️ Novamp never switches or adds a network without your explicit wallet approval. If you cancel the request, you'll stay on your current chain and can keep browsing.
{% endhint %}

## Important details

| Topic                         | Behavior                                                                      |
| ----------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Embedded (Privy)              | No switch prompt — chain aligned automatically                                |
| External EVM (MetaMask/Rabby) | Shows "Switch to \<chain>"; can add unknown networks                          |
| Solana (Phantom)              | Never prompted to switch EVM chains                                           |
| Add network                   | Uses `wallet_addEthereumChain` with the chain's RPC + explorer, then switches |
| Rejected switch               | Handled gracefully — you keep browsing on your current chain                  |
| Page access                   | The token page stays visible; only transactions require the right chain       |

## What happens next?

Once you're on the right network and funded for gas, the trade panel unlocks. Head to [Make Your First Trade](/getting-started/first-trade.md) or browse more in [Discover](/traders/discover.md).

## Troubleshooting

| Symptom                                    | Fix                                                                              |
| ------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| "Switch to \<chain>" won't work in Phantom | Phantom can't switch EVM networks — use an embedded or MetaMask/Rabby EVM wallet |
| Wallet doesn't know the chain              | Use **Add network**, then switch                                                 |
| Switch was cancelled                       | Tap "Switch to \<chain>" again and approve in your wallet                        |
| Still on wrong network after switching     | Confirm your wallet's active chain matches, then refresh                         |

## Continue exploring

* 👛 [Connect Your Wallet](/getting-started/connect-wallet.md) — wallet options and funding
* ⛓️ [Supported Chains](/welcome-to-novamp/supported-chains.md) — chain IDs, venues, and explorers
* ⚡ [Make Your First Trade](/getting-started/first-trade.md) — buy a token end-to-end
* 🆘 [First-Time Questions](/getting-started/first-time-questions.md) — quick answers


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.novamp.io/getting-started/switch-networks.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.