Getting started with MetaMask

What is MetaMask?

Public blockchains like Ethereum are the next evolution of Internet databases, and MetaMask is the next evolution of the browser.

MetaMask is a web browser extension and mobile app that allows you to manage your Ethereum and Solana private keys. By doing so, it serves as a wallet client for Ether and other tokens, and allows you to interact with decentralized applications, or dapps. Unlike some wallet clients, MetaMask keeps no information on you: not your email address, not your password, and not your Secret Recovery Phrase or other private keys. You retain all power over your crypto-identity.

New to crypto and web3?

Head to MetaMask Learn for a straightforward learning experience designed specifically for newcomers to web3. It's completely free, available in multiple languages, and includes useful tools such as simulations to help you find your feet with MetaMask.

For detailed information on specific topics such as blockchain technology, tokens, swaps, layer 2 networks and the rest, scroll down to "Next Steps".

How to install MetaMask

• Browser extension
• Mobile app

Chrome

1. Visit https://metamask.io/

2. Hit "Get MetaMask" in the menu bar.

3. Click “Install MetaMask for Chrome”. You will be directed to the Chrome Web Store.

4. Click “Add to Chrome”.

5. On the pop up, click “Add extension”.

After adding MetaMask Extension, MetaMask will automatically open. You can also make sure it's easily accessible in your toolbar by clicking the jigsaw icon in the top-right of the screen, and hitting the pin icon

Firefox

1. Visit https://metamask.io/
2. Click on "Get MetaMask"

3. In the new window that opens, click on "Add to Firefox"

4. On the pop up, click “Add”

note

Don't be alarmed by the fact that the Firefox plugin is listed as being published by "danfinlay" — he's one of the main minds behind MetaMask!

After adding MetaMask Extension, you'll return to your browser page. MetaMask will appear on your browser; click on it to open MetaMask.

Edge

1. Visit https://metamask.io/
2. Click on "Get MetaMask".

3. In the new window that opens, click "Get extension".

4. On the pop up, click "Add Extension".

After adding MetaMask Extension, MetaMask will automatically open. You can also make sure it's easily accessible in your toolbar by clicking the jigsaw icon in the top-right of the screen, and hitting the pin icon.

Brave

1. Visit https://metamask.io/
2. Click "Get MetaMask".

3. In the Chrome Store that opens, click 'Add to Brave'.

4. In the popup that appears, click 'Add extension'.

After adding MetaMask Extension, you'll return to your browser page. MetaMask will appear on your browser. You may click on it to open MetaMask.

Firstly: do not download MetaMask from anywhere other than the official app store appropriate to your device/OS. Cloned versions of MetaMask are out there that are programmed to record your Secret Recovery Phrase as soon as it's generated. To avoid falling victim to these scams, make sure you download the official MetaMask app from the app store on your device, and not from any other source.

iOS

1. Open the App Store and hit the search button in the bottom right. Input MetaMask into the search bar.

2. Either click 'Get' or tap on the name of the app to see more details. Complete the usual App Store download confirmation process.
3. Once installed, open the app and follow the prompts to create your wallet.
4. Back up your Secret Recovery Phrase somewhere safe and offline!

Android

1. Open the Play Store and search for "MetaMask". The official MetaMask app looks like the screenshot below. Be VERY CAREFUL that you don't install a fake MetaMask app! Look for the one with 10M+ downloads.

2. Tap 'Install' and wait for the process to finish.
3. Once installed, open the app and follow the prompts to create your wallet.
4. Back up your Secret Recovery Phrase somewhere safe and offline!

Alternatively, you could also access each browser's extension store and search for MetaMask. Whatever you prefer!

Once you have installed MetaMask, you can create a new wallet or use an existing wallet.

Fund your wallet

Adding some tokens to your wallet allows you to fully engage in web3. After creating your wallet, you'll see a prompt in the MetaMask extension to fund your wallet.

From there, you can buy crypto with a debit or credit card, receive crypto from another account, or transfer crypto from a CEX. Select the option you'd like to start with; you can always use a different method later.

Learn more

Learn the basics of blockchain and Ethereum

User Guide: Secret Recovery Phrase

User Guide: Gas

User Guide: Dapps

User Guide: Swaps

User Guide: Tokens

User Guide: Troubleshooting

Hardware Wallet Hub