The explorer shows tokens on your address, but MetaMask shows nothing. Usually the funds are fine and the wallet is simply looking at the wrong network or does not know the token yet.
Why it happens
Token balances live in the token contract. MetaMask auto-detects popular tokens only on the currently selected network; anything else must be imported by contract address, as the MetaMask help explains. Other causes: a different account selected, a hidden token, or a delayed refresh.
Steps
- Confirm the recipient in the explorer is your exact address.
- Identify the network from the explorer used (Etherscan, BscScan, Arbiscan…) and switch MetaMask to it.
- Get the contract address from the issuer or from your incoming transaction, checked against the official one.
- Import the token and verify that symbol and decimals match.
Beware of unexpected tokens
Look-alike tokens are airdropped to lure you to phishing sites. Do not import or try to sell tokens you did not expect (fake USDT check).
Other wallets follow the same logic: select the right network, then add a custom token by contract. Mobile apps may refresh balances with a delay, so reopen the app before drawing conclusions.
After a swap
For an order such as BTC to ETH, the payout arrives on the network you selected. ETH on Arbitrum or Base is invisible while MetaMask is set to Ethereum mainnet, even though the address is the same. Use the payout hash on the order page to find the right explorer.
FAQ
Are tokens lost if MetaMask does not show them?
Usually not. If the explorer shows them on your address, set the right network and import the contract.
Why is my swapped ETH missing?
It was probably paid out on another network such as Arbitrum or Base.