Introduction
If you’re using MetaMask and suddenly notice extremely high gas fees, you’re not alone.
High Ethereum fees are one of the most common frustrations users face — especially when sending tokens, swapping assets, or interacting with DeFi apps.
The good news?
In most cases, high MetaMask gas fees are normal and fixable without risking your funds.
This guide explains why MetaMask gas fees are so high and walks you through safe, step-by-step ways to reduce them.
Quick Answer
If your MetaMask gas fee is too high, try these steps in order:
- Check current Ethereum gas prices
- Avoid peak network hours
- Set gas fees manually in MetaMask
- Use Layer 2 networks when possible
- Never use “gas refund” tools or bots
Most users reduce fees significantly by following just the first two steps.
Why Are MetaMask Gas Fees So High?
MetaMask itself does not charge gas fees.
Gas fees are paid to the Ethereum network, and MetaMask only displays them.
Here are the most common reasons gas fees spike:
Ethereum Network Congestion
When many users send transactions at the same time, miners prioritize higher-fee transactions.
This pushes gas prices up for everyone.
Common congestion causes:
- NFT mints
- Airdrops
- Market volatility
- Popular DeFi launches
High Network Demand
Gas fees increase when demand for block space rises.
During busy periods, even simple transactions can become expensive.
Default Gas Settings
MetaMask automatically suggests a gas fee to help your transaction confirm quickly.
However, the default setting is often higher than necessary.
Using Ethereum Mainnet Instead of Layer 2
Ethereum Mainnet is the most expensive network.
Many users unknowingly pay high fees when cheaper alternatives exist.
How to Reduce MetaMask Gas Fees (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Check Current Gas Prices
Before sending any transaction, check real-time gas prices.
Low gas periods usually occur:
- Late night (UTC time)
- Weekends
- When markets are calm
If gas is high, waiting can save a lot of money.
Step 2: Set Custom Gas Fees in MetaMask
You can manually adjust gas fees instead of using the default option.
How to do it safely:
- Click Edit on the gas fee screen
- Choose Advanced or Custom
- Lower the gas slightly (not extremely low)
- Confirm the transaction
⚠️ Setting gas too low may cause the transaction to stay pending.
Step 3: Use Layer 2 Networks
Layer 2 networks are built on Ethereum but are much cheaper.
Popular options:
- Arbitrum
- Optimism
- Polygon
If the app supports it, switching networks can reduce fees by over 90%.
Step 4: Avoid Peak Hours
Gas fees spike during:
- U.S. daytime hours
- Market crashes or pumps
- NFT launches
Sending transactions during low-activity hours often results in much cheaper fees.
Step 5: Do NOT Use Fake “Gas Refund” Tools
Many scams target users with high gas fees.
Avoid:
- Websites promising gas refunds
- Telegram bots offering fee reduction
- Anyone asking for your seed phrase
No legitimate service can refund or bypass Ethereum gas fees.
Best Time to Send Ethereum Transactions
While gas prices change constantly, fees are often lowest:
- Early morning (UTC)
- Late night
- During weekends
Patience is often the cheapest solution.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Re-sending the same transaction multiple times
- Setting gas too low repeatedly
- Approving suspicious contracts
- Trusting unofficial tools
These mistakes often increase fees instead of reducing them.
Final Thoughts
High MetaMask gas fees are frustrating, but they’re usually a result of Ethereum network conditions — not a problem with your wallet.
By checking gas prices, adjusting fees manually, and using Layer 2 networks, most users can reduce costs safely without risking their funds.
If your transaction is already stuck, fixing the gas fee correctly is often the fastest solution.