Welcome to MetaMask — your gateway to the decentralized internet. Whether you're buying crypto, exploring NFTs, interacting with DeFi protocols, or diving into the broader world of Web3, MetaMask gives you the tools and control you need to engage securely and seamlessly.
This beginner-friendly guide from the MetaMask Help Center will walk you through everything you need to get started, including how to download, set up, and use your MetaMask wallet with confidence.
MetaMask is a non-custodial crypto wallet and Web3 gateway available as a browser extension and mobile app. It allows you to:
Store and send cryptocurrencies (primarily Ethereum and EVM-compatible tokens)
Connect to decentralized apps (dApps) and NFT marketplaces
Buy and swap tokens directly within the wallet
Explore multiple blockchain networks securely
You control your private keys, giving you full ownership of your digital assets. MetaMask does not hold your funds or your recovery phrase.
MetaMask is available on:
Google Chrome
Firefox
Brave
Microsoft Edge
iOS (App Store)
Android (Google Play)
✅ Always download MetaMask from the official site: https://metamask.io
Click “Install MetaMask for Chrome” (or your preferred browser)
Add the extension and pin it to your toolbar for easy access
Search “MetaMask” in the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android)
Download the app published by ConsenSys Inc.
Open the app and proceed to setup
Once installed, follow these steps:
Click “Get Started”
Choose “Create a Wallet”
Set a secure password for local access
You’ll receive a 12-word Secret Recovery Phrase
Write it down and store it offline in a safe place
Confirm the phrase during setup
🔐 Important: If you lose your recovery phrase, you cannot recover your wallet or funds. MetaMask does not store or access this phrase.
You’ll now see your wallet interface
Your Ethereum wallet address is shown at the top
You can now receive crypto, connect to dApps, or add more networks
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Send & Receive Crypto | Easily send or request ETH and tokens |
| Swap Tokens | Exchange ERC-20 tokens directly in the wallet |
| Buy Crypto | Purchase ETH using debit/credit card or bank transfer via integrated providers |
| NFT Support | View and manage NFTs (mobile-native, viewable via OpenSea on desktop) |
| Multi-Chain Support | Add EVM-compatible networks (Polygon, Arbitrum, BNB Chain, etc.) |
Click “Connect Wallet”
Choose MetaMask from the list
MetaMask will prompt you to approve the connection
Once connected, you can interact with the dApp directly from your wallet
By default, MetaMask connects to Ethereum Mainnet. To add other networks:
Click the network dropdown (top center of MetaMask)
Select “Add Network”
Enter the required details (name, RPC URL, chain ID, etc.)
Or visit Chainlist.org, connect your wallet, and add verified networks in one click.
Never share your Secret Recovery Phrase
Avoid clicking suspicious links or connecting to unknown dApps
Use a hardware wallet (like Ledger or Trezor) for large balances
Enable auto-lock when inactive (Settings > Security & Privacy)
Always double-check URLs to avoid phishing scams
🛑 MetaMask will never contact you directly for your phrase or private keys. Be cautious of impersonators on Telegram, Discord, or social media.
Yes. MetaMask is independent of any centralized exchange.
Primarily ETH and ERC-20 tokens, but it can also support tokens on any EVM-compatible chain (e.g., Polygon, Arbitrum, BNB Chain).
Yes. The wallet is free to use. However, blockchain gas fees apply when sending or swapping tokens.
You can recover your wallet using your 12-word Secret Recovery Phrase. Without it, access is permanently lost.
MetaMask opens the door to the decentralized internet, giving you full control over your crypto, NFTs, and dApp experiences. Whether you're trading, minting, voting, or staking, MetaMask makes it all possible—securely and simply.