Understanding ChainID in Metamask
When connecting to the Kaleido blockchain using Metamask, users often wonder why they need to specify a chainID when creating an account or saving metamask private keys. However, this is where the documentation provides some misleading information.
In Kaleido’s developer documentation ( it states that chainID is optional. This can be confusing for users who are not familiar with smart contract development or blockchain terminology.
The Reality: ChainID is Required
To connect to the Kaleido blockchain using Metamask, you must specify a valid chainID. If you don’t provide this information, you will receive an error message indicating that your request cannot be processed. This is because Kaleido requires a specific chain ID to authenticate and authorize transactions.
Why Metamask Doesn’t Allow Saving without ChainID
The documentation also claims that Metamask does not allow users to save private keys without specifying a chainID. However, this statement is incorrect. You can actually create an account in Metamask with no specified chainID using the “Create Account” feature. This allows you to store your private key without providing a chain ID.
Best Practice: Specify ChainID or Use MetaMask’s “Create Account” Feature
To ensure smooth connections to the Kaleido blockchain, it is recommended that users specify a valid chainID when creating an account in Metamask. However, if you prefer not to provide this information, you can use the “Create Account” feature without specifying a chain ID.
Example Use Cases:
- Creating an account with no specified chainID: You can create an account in Metamask by clicking on “Create Account” and entering your private key. This will allow you to store your private key without providing a chain ID.
- Using the “Create Account” feature with chainID not specified: When creating an account, you can click on “Options” and select “Chain ID” from the dropdown menu. Then, choose a valid chain ID that corresponds to Kaleido.
Conclusion:
In summary, specifying a chainID is not optional when connecting to the Kaleido blockchain using Metamask. To ensure successful connections and prevent errors, it’s essential to provide a valid chain ID or use the “Create Account” feature without specifying one. By doing so, you can take advantage of the benefits of metamask while maintaining security and authenticity in your interactions with the Kaleido blockchain.