If you're going to be doing anything involving self-custody on web3 or any kind of web3 blockchain development, you're probably going to need to use a Metamask wallet at some point. This article is intended for educational purposes only, and does not constitute financial, tax, investment, or legal advice. If you are looking for financial, tax, investment, or legal advice, please consult with an accredited professional.
We have included a how-to guide for both Metamask browser, and Metamask on mobile as well as some tips for how to stay safe, and how to interact with other EVM blockchains with Metamask.
The Metamask wallet is probably the most popular digital wallet used for transacting on web3. If you've never used a Metamask wallet before, getting started can be a little confusing. Getting a handle on how to use Metamask will make navigating the rest of web3 a lot easier and more intuitive. Whether you do the majority of your crypto-exploring on mobile or on your PC, there is a Metamask browser plugin as well as a mobile app to meet your needs.
Metamask is compatible with several hardware wallets as well, so you can get both ease of use and great security from this platform. Let's take a look!
Install and Setup Metamask on Your Web Browser
1.) Go to the Metamask website: https://metamask.io/
2.) Click on the "Get Started" button on the homepage.
3.) Choose your browser by clicking on the appropriate button: Chrome, Firefox, Opera, or Brave.
4.) You will be redirected to the respective web store for the browser. Click "Add to Chrome/Firefox/Opera/Brave" to install the Metamask extension.
5.) After installation, click on the Metamask icon on your browser to launch the wallet.
6.) Click "Create a Wallet" to create a new Metamask wallet.
7.) Read and accept the terms and conditions.
8.) Choose a strong password for your wallet. Keep in mind that your Metamask password is not the same as your seed phrase.
9.) Click "Create" to create your wallet.
10.) Metamask will provide you with a seed phrase. Write this down on a piece of paper and keep it in a safe place. This seed phrase can be used to restore your wallet if you lose access to it.
11.) Confirm your seed phrase by selecting the words in the correct order.
You have now successfully set up your Metamask wallet on web!
Connecting to a dApp Online with Metamask
1.) Go to the dApp you want to use.
2.) Click on the "Connect Wallet" or "Connect Metamask" button.
3.) A Metamask window will appear, asking you to allow the dApp to connect to your wallet. Click "Connect".
4.) You are now connected to the dApp and can use it with your Metamask wallet.
"You've just taken your first steps into a larger world." – Obi-Wan Kenobi
Install and Setup Metamask on Mobile
Using a web browser at a desktop computer is not always accessible. Crypto moves fast, and if you're planning on keeping your finger on the pulse of what's happening, or closely following projects, you'll probably want to consider the Metamask mobile app. Here's how to get started:
1.) Go to the App Store or Google Play Store on your mobile device.
2.) Search for "Metamask".
3.) Download and install the Metamask app.
4.) Launch the Metamask app.
5.) Click "Get Started" to create a new Metamask wallet.
6.) Read and accept the terms and conditions.
7.) Choose a strong password for your wallet. Remember that your password is not your seed phrase. Your password will allow you to access your wallet on your device, so you may want to consider enable two-factor authentication or biometrics as an extra layer of security.
8.) Click "Create" to create your wallet.
9.) Metamask will provide you with a seed phrase. Write this down on a piece of paper and keep it in a safe place. This seed phrase can be used to restore your wallet if you lose access to it.
10.) Confirm your seed phrase by selecting the words in the correct order.
11.) You have now successfully set up your Metamask wallet on mobile!
Connecting to a dApp on Mobile with Metamask
1.) Open the Metamask app on your mobile device, and click on the "browser' tab in the app.
2.) Navigate to the dApp you want to use on your mobile device. Make sure you have the correct information for the dApp you want to use. This could be either the correct URL to the dApp website, or the correct smart contract address if you're interacting directly in the block explorer.
3.) Click on the "Connect Wallet" or "Connect Metamask" button.
4.) Metamask will automatically launch and ask you to allow the dApp to connect to your wallet. Click "Connect".
5.) You are now connected to the dApp and can use it with your Metamask wallet.
That's it! You have now successfully installed and set up a Metamask wallet on both web and mobile, and connected it to a dApp.
How do I Connect to a Different Blockchain?
Metamask has support for all EVM compatible blockchains. The default network is Ethereum, but you may decide you want to transact on Binance Smart Chain, Polygon, Harmony, Fantom, Avalanche, Arbitrum, Optimism, LoopNetwork or others. This also means that you can also use new blockchains that may not be well-developed, so use caution. Adding a new blockchain can be a little tricky at first, but here are the steps involved;
1.) Open your Metamask wallet by clicking on the icon in your browser, or by opening the app on your mobile device.
2.) Click on the network dropdown menu in the top right corner.
3.) Click on "Custom RPC" at the bottom of the network list.
4.) Enter the network details in the fields provided:
Network Name: Enter the name of the network you want to add (e.g. "Polygon" or "Binance Smart Chain" etc.).
New RPC URL: Enter the RPC URL for the network you want to add. You can find this on the network's website or documentation.
Chain ID: Enter the chain ID for the network you want to add. This can also be found on the network's website or documentation.
Symbol (optional): Enter the symbol for the network's native token. If you don't select a token symbol, the default currency for your new blockchain will display as "ETH." This does not mean that the native of that token is ETH, so the 10 Matic you have is still just 10 Matic, but it will display as "10 ETH" if you don't set the symbol correctly.
Block Explorer URL (optional): Enter the URL for the network's block explorer. Listed as optional, but ideal if you want to quickly access the block explorer directly from Metamask.
5.) Click "Save" to add the network to your Metamask wallet.
That's it! You have now successfully added a compatible blockchain to your Metamask wallet. To switch between networks, simply click on the network dropdown menu and select the network you want to use. Note that some dApps may only be available on certain networks, so be sure to check which network a dApp is compatible with before using it with your Metamask wallet.
Stay Safe Out There
Before we wrap up, it's imperative that we leave you with a few tips to stay safe during your journey.
Protect your seed phrase: Your seed phrase is the key to your wallet, so it's important to keep it safe and secure. Make sure you store it in a safe place, preferably offline, and never share it with anyone. If someone gains access to your seed phrase, they can gain access to your wallet and your funds.
Be cautious of phishing scams: Scammers may try to trick you into giving them access to your Metamask wallet or seed phrase by creating fake websites or sending you fake emails. Always make sure you are on the official Metamask website or app, and never enter your seed phrase or private key on a website or app that you don't trust.
Check the network before transacting: When using a compatible blockchain other than Ethereum, make sure you double-check that you are on the correct network before sending any transactions. Sending transactions on the wrong network could result in the loss of your funds.
Use strong passwords: Make sure to use a strong and unique password for your Metamask wallet to prevent unauthorized access. Never use the same password for multiple accounts.
Keep your wallet and software up to date: Regularly update your Metamask wallet and any compatible blockchain software to ensure that you have the latest security features and bug fixes.
Be cautious of third-party dApps: Some third-party dApps may not be secure or may be scams. Always do your research and make sure you trust a dApp before connecting your Metamask wallet to it and using it.
Be mindful of transaction fees: When sending transactions on a compatible blockchain, be aware of the transaction fees. Some blockchains may have higher or lower fees than Ethereum, so make sure to check the current fee rates before sending any transactions.
Be cautious and do your research when using Metamask or adding a new compatible blockchain to your wallet. Always prioritize your security and never share your seed phrase or private key with anyone.
If you'd like to learn more, don't forget to check out our introduction to crypto, blockchain security basics, and introduction to NFTs!