Learn how to use Metamask: A step-by-step guide

MetaMask is more than just a crypto wallet—it's your passport to the world of Web3. Whether you're exploring DeFi platforms, collecting NFTs, or simply sending and receiving Ethereum, MetaMask puts powerful blockchain tools right at your fingertips.

This step-by-step guide walks you through everything you need to know to confidently install and navigate MetaMask. Let’s dive in:

🛠️ Step-by-Step Setup Guide

1. Install MetaMask

To start, download MetaMask from the official site or search for it in your browser’s extension store (Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Edge). Mobile users can find it in the iOS App Store or Google Play. After installation, you’ll see the MetaMask icon—a friendly orange fox—appear next to your browser’s address bar.

2. Create Your Wallet

Launch MetaMask and hit “Get Started.” When prompted, choose “Create a Wallet.” Set a strong password—ideally mixing uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols. This protects your wallet on your device, but the real key is the next step.

3. Secure Your Secret Recovery Phrase

MetaMask will generate a 12-word Secret Recovery Phrase (SRP). This is your ultimate backup. If you lose access to your device or browser, this phrase is your lifeline to restoring the wallet. Write it down and store it offline—don’t screenshot or save it digitally. Confirm the phrase in the correct order to complete wallet creation.

🧭 Navigating MetaMask

Once you're in, the wallet interface is sleek and straightforward:

• Dashboard: Displays your ETH balance, transaction history, and connected accounts.
• Network Selector: Easily switch between Ethereum Mainnet, testnets, and even custom networks like Binance Smart Chain, Polygon, or Arbitrum.
• Assets Section: Shows your tokens and allows importing new ones with custom contract addresses.

💰 Managing Crypto Assets

4. Add Tokens

Not all tokens appear by default. To add them:

• Click “Import Tokens.”
• Paste the token’s contract address (you can find this on CoinGecko or Etherscan).
• MetaMask auto-fills the name and symbol. Click “Add” to finish.

5. Send & Receive Crypto

• To receive, copy your MetaMask wallet address (starts with “0x…”) and share it with the sender.
• To send, paste the recipient’s address, enter the amount, select the token, and hit “Next.” Review the gas fees and confirm.

Transactions are recorded on the blockchain and can be verified using block explorers like Etherscan.

🔗 Connecting to dApps

MetaMask shines when connecting to decentralized applications:

6. Interact With dApps

• Visit a dApp (like Uniswap, OpenSea, or Lens Protocol).
• Click “Connect Wallet.”
• Choose MetaMask and approve the connection in the popup. You’re now interacting with the decentralized web—trading, minting, voting, and more.

🛡️ Security Tips

MetaMask is a hot wallet—it stays connected to the internet. So, it’s critical to follow these safety practices:

• Never share your Secret Recovery Phrase—even MetaMask support won’t ask for it.
• Use hardware wallets like Ledger or Trezor with MetaMask for added protection.
• Be cautious with browser extensions and dApps. Phishing attacks often imitate real sites. Always double-check URLs.
• Lock your wallet when stepping away from your device.
• Enable biometric login on mobile for quicker access.

🌐 Going Beyond Ethereum

MetaMask supports multiple blockchains. You can manually add networks like:

• Polygon (for faster, cheaper transactions)
• Arbitrum (for Layer 2 Ethereum scaling)
• BNB Smart Chain (for cross-chain dApps and DeFi)

Just head to “Settings” → “Networks” → “Add Network” and enter the required parameters (RPC URL, chain ID, etc.).

🧳 Import or Restore Wallets

Already have a wallet? You can restore it during setup or later via:

• “Import Wallet”
• Enter your existing Secret Recovery Phrase
• Your accounts will sync instantly

This works across devices, browsers, and even if you’re switching from desktop to mobile.