eth_accounts - Moonbase RPC Method

Returns a list of addresses owned by the client on Moonbase Alpha.

Why Moonbase? Build on the Moonbeam testnet for risk-free EVM dApp development and deployment testing with free testnet tokens, full EVM compatibility, XCM testing capabilities, and identical feature set to Moonbeam mainnet.

Important Note

On public RPC endpoints like Dwellir, eth_accounts returns an empty array because the node does not hold any private keys. This method is primarily useful for:

• Local development nodes (Ganache, Hardhat, Anvil)
• Private nodes with managed accounts
• Wallet provider connections (MetaMask injects accounts)

When to Use This Method

eth_accounts is relevant for Moonbeam developers, dApp testers, and teams validating cross-chain integrations in specific scenarios:

• Development Testing — Retrieve test accounts from local nodes
• Wallet Detection — Check if a wallet provider has connected accounts
• Client Verification — Confirm node account access capabilities

Code Examples

Common Use Cases

1. Development Environment Detection

Check if running against a development node with test accounts:

async function isDevEnvironment(provider) {
  const accounts = await provider.listAccounts();
  return accounts.length > 0;
}

const isDev = await isDevEnvironment(provider);
if (isDev) {
  console.log('Development environment detected');
}

2. Wallet Connection Check

Verify wallet provider has connected accounts:

async function checkWalletConnection() {
  if (typeof window.ethereum === 'undefined') {
    return { connected: false, reason: 'No wallet detected' };
  }

  const accounts = await window.ethereum.request({
    method: 'eth_accounts'
  });

  return {
    connected: accounts.length > 0,
    accounts: accounts
  };
}

3. Fallback Account Selection

Use first available account or request connection:

async function getActiveAccount() {
  // Check existing connections
  let accounts = await window.ethereum.request({
    method: 'eth_accounts'
  });

  // Request connection if no accounts
  if (accounts.length === 0) {
    accounts = await window.ethereum.request({
      method: 'eth_requestAccounts'
    });
  }

  return accounts[0] || null;
}

Error Handling

Common errors and solutions:

async function safeGetAccounts(provider) {
  try {
    const accounts = await provider.listAccounts();
    return { success: true, accounts };
  } catch (error) {
    if (error.code === -32601) {
      console.warn('eth_accounts not supported on this node');
      return { success: false, accounts: [], reason: 'unsupported' };
    }
    throw error;
  }
}

Related Methods

• eth_requestAccounts — Request wallet connection (browser wallets)
• eth_getBalance — Get account balance
• eth_getTransactionCount — Get account nonce