MetaMask Wallet Tutorial: How to Set Up and Use MetaMask

Quick guide: This short intro explains what you will learn in this step-by-step metamask wallet tutorial. You’ll see how to install the extension, create or import a wallet, back up your key phrase, and fund your account to start using dapps. The focus is on clear, safety-first instructions so you can manage your crypto with confidence.

The app appears as a browser extension for desktop and as a mobile app for on-the-go use. You keep control: MetaMask does not collect your email, password, or Secret Recovery Phrase. That means self-custody of keys and direct access to funds and decentralized applications without a custodian holding your details.

In this guide you will learn installation steps, backing up your recovery phrase, funding via card or transfer, sending tokens, and connecting to dapps. You’ll also learn how to switch networks like Ethereum, Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism, BNB Smart Chain, and Linea, plus built-in buy/sell options and resources for gas, swaps, and hardware connections.

What MetaMask Is and Why It Matters Today

Quick overview: A self-custodial crypto tool runs as a browser extension and as a mobile app, letting users manage Ethereum accounts and interact with decentralized applications from desktop or phone.

Self-custody explained: You control access with a Secret Recovery Phrase. No company stores your email, password, or secret recovery data. If you lose the phrase, no one can restore your account.

Desktop extension vs. mobile app

The browser extension fits desktop tasks like dapp development and multi-tab workflows. The mobile app is best for quick transactions and on-the-go dapp access.

Basic features include viewing balances, sending and receiving assets, switching networks, and connecting to dapps with one click. Your account shows a public 0x address for receiving funds; keep private keys secret. Learn terms like gas, tokens, and networks to avoid mistakes. For a deeper introduction, see this overview of the service.

Safety First: Secret Recovery Phrase, Passwords, and Phishing

Start security-first: the words you receive at setup are the master key to every account. Keep them offline and private.

Creating and backing up your SRP

During setup you will see a 12-word secret recovery phrase. Write the entire recovery phrase down exactly as shown.

Store multiple backups in secure offline locations that only you control. If you lose the phrase, you lose access; if someone else gets it, they control your funds.

Best practices for passwords and storage

Create a strong, unique password to unlock the extension or app. That password protects the device but does not replace the recovery words.

Avoiding phishing and fake stores

MetaMask will never spontaneously ask for your secret recovery or require you to type it into a website. Close any pop-up or page that demands those words.

• Never share the phrase via chat, email, or screenshots.
• Only install official extensions and apps from verified publishers.
• Watch for fake domains, pop-ups, and social-engineering phishing.

Download and Install MetaMask on Your Browser

Begin by visiting the official site to download the browser extension safely.

Step one: Go to metamask.io and click Download. Choose “Install MetaMask for Chrome” to open the Chrome Web Store listing.

Verify the publisher

Make sure the listing shows the legitimate publisher before you add extension. Counterfeit listings can look similar, so check the publisher name and reviews.

Add and pin the icon

Click Add to Chrome and approve Add Extension. Wait a few seconds for installation to finish.

Open the puzzle menu (extensions icon), then pin the fox icon so it appears in the top right corner of your browser toolbar.

• If you use Firefox, Edge, or Brave, follow similar steps from their official stores and verify the publisher.
• Avoid search ads; start at the official site to reduce fake store risks.
• After installation, click the fox icon to open the setup flow and begin creating or importing a secure account.

For secure setup steps after installation, see this guide on how to set up a secure crypto account in the U.S.: set up a secure crypto wallet.

Install the MetaMask Mobile App

You can get the official app from the iOS App Store or Google Play to use crypto features away from your desktop.

Where to find it: Open the iOS App Store or Google Play and search for the app name. Verify the developer and the fox logo before you tap Install.

App Store and Google Play guidance

Download only from the official store listing to avoid malicious copies. After install, the fox icon confirms a valid app.

• Tap the App Store or Play listing and confirm the verified developer.
• Create a new account in-app or import using your recovery phrase if you already use the extension.
• Keep the device updated and enable biometrics or a strong passcode to protect access.

Extension vs. mobile app: when to use each

The browser extension is best for desktop dapps and multi-tab work. The mobile app excels at QR logins and on-the-go transactions.

metamask wallet tutorial: Create or Import Your Wallet

Begin setup by clicking Get Started, then select Create a new wallet and follow the prompts. You will be asked whether to opt in to analytics; choose what you prefer and proceed to set a strong password.

Set a strong password that is unique to this browser extension. This password protects the local session but does not replace your Secret Recovery Phrase.

Create a new wallet and secure the phrase

Watch the short in-app video that explains how keys and self-custody work before revealing the phrase. Then reveal the 12-word Secret Recovery Phrase, write it down exactly, and complete the confirmation step.

Import or connect hardware

If you already have an account, choose Import using the secret recovery phrase to restore it on this device. For added security, you can connect a hardware device later and manage transactions through the extension interface.

• Open the extension, choose Create a Wallet, and set a unique password.
• Reveal and back secret recovery words offline; avoid screenshots and cloud notes.
• Confirm the phrase on the next screen and name your first account for clarity.
• Connect a hardware device for large balances or revisit Settings > Security to re-check the phrase.

Navigating the Interface: Accounts, Addresses, and Tokens

Click the top-right icon to access account controls, copy addresses, and review tokens. This opens the main view where you can confirm the active account and the selected network before acting.

Open the app and copy your address

Open MetaMask from the fox icon and confirm you’re on the intended network. Click the 0x… string at the top to copy your public address for receiving funds.

Account details and activity

Click the three dots to view Account Details. From there you can rename the account, reveal the address QR, or jump to Etherscan to check confirmations.

Tokens, Assets, and Activity screens

The Assets screen shows token balances and holdings. The Activity screen lists recent transactions and their status.

• Add missing tokens via Import Tokens and paste a verified contract address if a balance does not appear.
• Create extra accounts under the same SRP to separate funds or dapp activity, and label each account clearly.
• Always verify amounts and token symbols before sending to avoid cross-network mistakes.

Fund Your Wallet: Buy, Receive, or Transfer Crypto

To start using dapps and sending tokens, you first need to add funds via integrated providers or by receiving a transfer from another address.

Buy with a card or bank transfer: Use the Buy button in the app to compare quotes from partners like Transak, MoonPay, or Coinbase Pay. These providers accept debit credit cards, Apple Pay/Google Pay, and some bank transfers depending on region.

Compare fees and delivery times before you commit. KYC rules and limits vary by provider, so choose the option that fits your needs.

Receive from another address or exchange

Copy your 0x address and paste it into the sending service. When moving funds from a CEX or a friend, make sure you select the correct network (Ethereum Mainnet, Polygon, etc.) and token type.

• Use Buy to check multiple providers and fund your account with cards or bank options.
• Make sure the network matches the token so assets land where expected.
• Start small on your first purchase to confirm delivery and gas behavior.
• Never share your secret recovery phrase or recovery words during any purchase flow.
• If a token is missing after a transfer, add it manually via a verified contract address and confirm decimals/symbols.

Send Crypto and Manage Gas Fees

A quick, secure send starts with confirming the address and holding enough native token for gas. Small checks prevent permanent errors because crypto transfers are irreversible.

Send flow on the browser extension

Open the extension from the top right corner icon and click Send. Paste the destination address, select the token, and set the amount.

Review the gas fee and the total on the confirmation screen, then Confirm. Keep a small native balance (ETH, MATIC, etc.) so the transaction can pay fees.

Send flow on the mobile app

Tap Actions > Send on the mobile app. Choose the asset, enter or paste the recipient address, and add the amount.

Preview fees, then tap Send. The mobile screen shows the same key details—token symbol, amount, and fee—before you finalize.

Gas estimates, speed up, and cancel tips

Use the gas edit panel to pick faster or cheaper execution based on network congestion. Faster gas costs more but confirms sooner.

If a transaction stalls, use Speed Up to resubmit with higher gas or Cancel to replace it before confirmation. Track status in Activity after you open metamask from the right corner icon.

• Always confirm token symbol and amount on the confirmation screen.
• Send during low congestion to save on gas when possible.
• Retrieve the transaction hash from Activity to check a block explorer.

Networks and Dapps: Switch, Add, and Connect Securely

Before interacting with a dapp, confirm the network and connected site to reduce risk. Use the network dropdown at the top of the interface to switch among Ethereum, Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism, BNB Smart Chain, and Linea.

Add new networks via Settings > Networks > Add Network by entering RPC URL, Chain ID, and symbol. Or use Chainlist.org to add verified RPC details quickly.

When you add a chain, make sure RPC details match official documentation. Fake endpoints can expose transactions or tokens to risk.

Connecting and managing dapps

Only connect from official domains and review permission requests before you approve. Manage connected sites in the Connected Sites panel and revoke access you no longer need to improve security.

• Verify token symbols and balances when you switch networks so displayed tokens are correct.
• Some chains appear preloaded and the extension automatically switches context for transactions and applications.
• Use explorers like Etherscan, Polygonscan, or Arbiscan to confirm activity on the selected chain.

Buy and Sell Inside MetaMask: On-Ramps, Off-Ramps, and Cashing Out

Buy crypto directly from the app using integrated partners. Providers like Transak, MoonPay, and Coinbase Pay let you pay with Apple Pay, Google Pay, debit/credit cards, or bank transfers where supported.

Compare fees, KYC, and supported tokens before you commit. Each provider shows quotes, limits, and identity checks. The app does not store your payment data; partners handle fiat on their platforms.

How to sell and cash out

Use the Sell option in MetaMask Portfolio to withdraw fiat to a linked bank or PayPal in supported U.S. regions and select European markets.

Follow the provider prompts for identity verification and confirm which tokens are supported—ETH and stablecoins are common choices.

• Click Buy to compare quotes and pay with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or debit/credit cards.
• Review fees, settlement times, and KYC steps to find the best total price.
• Use Sell to off-ramp to bank or PayPal; track orders in the provider interface and Portfolio.
• Keep a small native balance for gas during swaps or transfers when cashing out.
• For larger holdings, pair the app with a hardware wallet to protect keys while using on/off-ramps.

Conclusion

To finish, adopt a simple routine for backups, verification, and careful sending to protect funds.

Keep backups offline, and store your recovery phrase in more than one secure place. Your password only unlocks the local app; the secret recovery words restore accounts.

Verify official sources when you add extension or install metamask from the browser or the app store to avoid phishing. Double-check the recipient address, network, and tokens before every send.

For long-term holdings, use a hardware wallet and manage connected sites regularly. With verified installs and steady habits, you can access wallet features safely and use on/off-ramps with confidence.