How to get started with MetaMask
MetaMask is one of the simpler Ethereum wallets and dapp browsers to use, and can be set up in a couple of minutes in most cases. To use MetaMask, you will need either Chrome, a Chromium-based browser such asBrave, or Firefox. Follow the steps to then set up your MetaMask Wallet
- Download and install the official Metamask extension (also known as a plugin or add-on) for your chosen browser. For most people, this is the GoogleChrome extensionor theFirefox addon.
- Click the ‘Get Started’ button to begin creating your Ethereum wallet using MetaMask.
- On the next step, click the ‘Create a Wallet’ button.
- Pick a password and confirm it to create your account.
- MetaMask will then present you with your 12-word backup phrase. You’ll need to write this phrase down carefully, with the words recorded in the same order displayed on your screen. This phrase will be needed to recover your wallet should you ever lose access to your computer, and should be kept stored somewhere safe. Anybody who has access to your 12-word backup phrase will have access to the funds in your MetaMask wallet, so keep it private.
- Click ‘Next’ and confirm your backup phrase on the next screen by entering the words in the same order saved previously.
- You have now almost completed the MetaMask setup process. You can now access your list of assets in the ‘Assets’ tab and view your transaction history in the ‘Activity’ tab.
Using your Wallet
Sending crypto is as simple as clicking the ‘Send’ button, entering the recipient address and amount to send, and selecting a transaction fee. You can also manually adjust the transaction fee using the ‘Advanced Options’ button.
To use MetaMask to interact with a dapp orsmart contract, you’ll usually need to find a ‘Connect to Wallet’ button or similar element on the platform you are trying to use. After clicking this, you should then see a prompt asking whether you want to let the dapp connect to your wallet.
