MetaMask ‘Insufficient Funds for Gas’: How to Fix It
RobTheCoins · Updated Sep 2026 · 2 min read
Quick answer: The ‘Insufficient Funds for Gas’ error in MetaMask occurs when you don’t have enough ETH to cover transaction fees. To fix it, add more ETH to your wallet or adjust the gas settings.
Before you start
- Ensure you have a MetaMask wallet installed and set up.
- Have some ETH in your wallet to cover transaction fees.
- Check your internet connection and ensure it’s stable.
- Verify that your wallet is connected to the correct network (e.g., Ethereum Mainnet).
MetaMask ‘Insufficient Funds for Gas’: How to Fix It: step by step
1. Check your ETH balance
Open MetaMask and ensure you have enough ETH to cover the transaction fees. The balance should be sufficient to pay for gas.
2. Add more ETH to your wallet
If your balance is insufficient, click ‘Buy’ in MetaMask to purchase more ETH or transfer ETH from another wallet to your MetaMask wallet.
3. Adjust the gas fee
Click on ‘Edit’ in the transaction window to adjust the gas fee. Lowering the gas price can reduce the cost, but it may slow down the transaction.
4. Use a different network
If the transaction is not time-sensitive, consider using a layer 2 solution like Polygon or Optimism, which typically have lower fees.
5. Retry the transaction
After adjusting the gas fee or adding more ETH, try initiating the transaction again. Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
6. Check for network congestion
Visit a blockchain explorer like Etherscan to check for network congestion. High congestion can increase gas fees.
7. Use a gas fee tracker
Use a gas fee tracker to monitor current gas prices. This can help you decide when to send your transaction for a lower fee.
Fees and how long it takes
Gas fees in MetaMask depend on network congestion and the complexity of the transaction. Fees can range from a few cents to several dollars. Transactions typically take from a few seconds to several minutes, depending on the gas price you set and network conditions.
Adjusting the gas price can affect the speed of your transaction. Lower fees may result in slower processing times, while higher fees can expedite the transaction.
Stay safe
- Never share your seed phrase or private key with anyone.
- Ensure you are on the correct network before sending transactions.
- Double-check the recipient address to avoid sending funds to the wrong account.
- Be cautious of phishing sites that mimic MetaMask.
- Test transactions with a small amount of ETH first to ensure everything works as expected.
If something goes wrong
Transaction fails after multiple attempts — Try increasing the gas fee or waiting for network congestion to decrease.
Wallet not connecting to the network — Check your internet connection and ensure MetaMask is set to the correct network.
Gas fee too high — Use a gas fee tracker to monitor prices and wait for a lower congestion period.
Doing this as part of trading, income, or a disposal? See how it may be taxed in Tax by country and the taxable-events section — information, not advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Insufficient Funds for Gas' mean?
It means you don't have enough ETH in your wallet to cover the transaction fees required to process your transaction on the Ethereum network.
Can I use other tokens to pay for gas?
No, gas fees must be paid in ETH. You need to have ETH in your wallet to cover transaction fees.
How can I reduce gas fees?
You can reduce gas fees by adjusting the gas price in MetaMask, using layer 2 solutions, or waiting for periods of lower network congestion.
Why do gas fees fluctuate?
Gas fees fluctuate based on network demand. Higher demand leads to higher fees, while lower demand results in lower fees.