MetaMask Snaps FAQ

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MetaMask Snaps brings a whole new dimension of possibilities to your MetaMask experience. Are you new to MetaMask Snaps, or do you have questions about the Open Beta? You're at the right place.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is MetaMask Snaps? MetaMask Snaps allows users to add features and functionality to their MetaMask wallet. Individual Snaps are features created by third-party developers that MetaMask users can install directly into their wallet.

   We believe a decentralized internet that is accessible to all and owned by the people who use it, will give rise to human flourishing on an exponential scale. Whilst our roots are in Ethereum, and our expertise is grounded in building the leading self-custodial wallet, we appreciate that innovation occurs in many domains across the web3 ecosystem. With Snaps, we hope to capture the full extent of the innovation happening in web3, by enabling developers to bring their specialist expertise to building for our platform.

2. What is a Snap? A Snap is an application that adds features and functionality to MetaMask. Snaps can connect to blockchain protocols beyond Ethereum, show insights about transactions, display notifications, add new privacy and identity features, and much more.

3. Will MetaMask charge for MetaMask Snaps, or will it be free to use? The MetaMask Snaps platform is free to use. While there is no cost to install Snaps, an individual Snap might offer services that require payment, incur fees, or contain paid subscriptions.

4. Will new features come via MetaMask Snaps only, or will MetaMask still add features natively to the Extension and Mobile App? MetaMask will continue to build new features in the extension, mobile apps, and portfolio.metamask.io. Some new features may be built as Snaps.

5. Where can I find more information about MetaMask Snaps? You can learn more at metamask.io/snaps, or read our getting started guide for MetaMask Snaps.

MetaMask Snaps Open Beta FAQs

1. How is the MetaMask Snaps Open Beta different to the final version of MetaMask Snaps? The MetaMask Snaps Open Beta is different in that it will host a variety of allowlisted Snaps. Ultimately, our vision of MetaMask Snaps is to be fully permissionless, without any gatekeepers. MetaMask Snaps Open Beta is a first step to building this permissionless system.

2. Where can I install a Snap? During the MetaMask Snaps Open Beta phase, we recommend you install Snaps from the MetaMask Snaps Directory. You can also install Snaps from other websites.

3. Are there any other directories that host Snaps? During the MetaMask Snaps Open Beta phase, we recommend you install Snaps from the MetaMask Snaps Directory. We also gave a grant to a third-party directory to support a community-built directory, more information about that here. Snaps can also be installed from any website. This is in line with our vision of having a fully decentralized system where MetaMask is not a gatekeeper.

4. How do I know I'm installing a safe Snap? Snaps run in a sandboxed environment in MetaMask, and MetaMask uses a permissions model to restrict what a Snap can do.

   • If a Snap uses account management permissions, it must be audited by an approved security auditor and manually reviewed by the MetaMask Snaps team before it can be allowlisted by MetaMask.
   • If a Snap uses protected permissions, which include functionality like network access and communicating with websites, it must be manually reviewed by the MetaMask Snaps team before it can be allowlisted by MetaMask.
   • If a Snap uses open permissions, such as for displaying content and storing data, it can be installed without allowlisting.

   When you install a Snap, you can view the permissions it is requesting to make a fully informed decision. On the MetaMask Snaps Directory, you can view information about each Snap, including security audit reports, source code, permissions, and information about the developer.

warning

Consensys is not endorsing, recommending, or guaranteeing the safety of Snaps listed on the directory for your use or use for any reason. Snaps created by third-party developers are a Third Party Service as defined in the Consensys Terms of Use. You access, rely upon or use the Third Party Service at your own risk. Consensys disclaims all responsibility and liability for any losses on account of your use of Third Party Services.

General FAQs

As you venture into the realm of MetaMask Snaps, you might have questions about installation, security, and impact on your MetaMask experience. Find answers to common questions and make the most of MetaMask Snaps.

1. Where can I find and install available Snaps? We recommend installing allowlisted Snaps directly from the MetaMask Snaps Directory. Snaps can also be installed from other dapps. Check out our guide on Getting started with MetaMask Snaps.

2. Can I use Snaps on both MetaMask Extension and Mobile App? Currently, Snaps are only available in the MetaMask browser extension v11.0 and up.

3. Where can I find installed Snaps? Look for the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner of your MetaMask window, click on these dots to reveal a drop-down menu, and select ‘Snaps’ to access a list of all Snaps currently installed in your MetaMask instance.

4. Are Snaps linked to all accounts in my wallet, or only for the account connected to the dapp? Snaps are installed into the MetaMask extension. Snaps are not specific to a single account or dapp.

5. Can Snaps collect data? Any user data you share with a third-party developed Snap will be processed directly by the developer of that Snap; MetaMask does not have access to this data. You should read the terms of use and privacy policy of each Snap before installing.

6. Are Snaps safe to use? Snaps run in a sandboxed environment and use a permissions model to protect your data and respect your consent. Snaps do not have access to your MetaMask account data. When installing a Snap, make sure you understand what permissions you are granting to stay secure.

   Before proceeding to install a Snap, ensure you understand the permissions being requested and what the Snap is used for. Always remember:

   • Never click links you don't trust.
   • Always install a Snap directly through the MetaMask Snaps Directory.
   • If you're unsure, stop, wait, and think before proceeding. Stop if you're unsure.
   • If you need help or are in doubt, reach out to us.

warning

Consensys is not endorsing, recommending, or guaranteeing the safety of Snaps listed on the directory for your use or use for any reason. Snaps created by third-party developers are a Third Party Service as defined in the Consensys Terms of Use. You access, rely upon or use the Third Party Service at your own risk. Consensys disclaims all responsibility and liability for any losses on account of your use of Third Party Services.

7. Is there a limit to the number of Snaps I can use? Can multiple Snaps be installed and used simultaneously? There is no limit, you are free to install as many Snaps as you wish. Multiple Snaps can be installed and used simultaneously. The Snaps platform is designed to support many different Snaps running simultaneously.

8. Can Snaps cause any performance issues or system instability? The Snaps platform enforces certain limits on individual Snaps to ensure that your system remains stable. If you see any performance issues with Snaps, please get in touch with Support via the “Start a Conversation” button on the MetaMask help center homepage.

9. How can I troubleshoot issues with Snaps? Read our guide on troubleshooting a Snap.

10. How do I uninstall or disable a Snap? Looking to (temporarily) disable a Snap? You can easily do so by accessing the Snap's settings. No longer need a specific Snap? Read our guide on uninstalling a Snap.

11. What information will the Snap developer see from my wallet? Different types of Snaps will have access to different information based on the permissions granted at installation. Snaps are never able to access your Secret Recovery Phrase or Ethereum private keys. Only install Snaps from developers that you trust, and always check the privacy policy of a Snap before installation.

12. Can Snaps access and modify the MetaMask Extension's data or settings? What are the limitations of this kind of access? Snaps are sandboxed programs that run in a permissions-based system. Snaps do not have access to any data from the MetaMask Extension or from other Snaps unless given permission to do so. Snaps are never able to access your Secret Recovery Phrase or Ethereum private keys.

13. Are Snaps available for all networks that MetaMask supports? Certain Snaps work with the networks that MetaMask supports or work independently of any network. Individual Snaps can decide which network(s) they work with. Also, some Snaps even add new networks to MetaMask, such as Interoperability Snaps.

14. My question was not answered or I'm experiencing issues with MetaMask Snaps. What should I do? If you are encountering an issue with a specific Snap, consider reaching out directly to the developers of that Snap. Read more about troubleshooting a Snap. If you still encounter issues with MetaMask Snaps, get in touch with Support via the “Start a Conversation” button on our homepage.

15. Is the MetaMask Snaps Directory essentially the same as a web2 environment where people can install applications and plug-ins? No, the MetaMask Snaps Directory is different in that Snaps can be installed from anywhere, and access to them is not limited to one/our own directory. For example, Snaps can be installed from third-party directories or directly from a dapp itself. We expect to see this community-built ecosystem grow over time.