Visit the official MetaMask website
Start from the official MetaMask website rather than an advertisement, unfamiliar download page, or link sent through an unsolicited message. This reduces the risk of downloading a fraudulent wallet extension.
Explore a browser-based crypto wallet designed to help you manage digital assets, connect with decentralized applications, and interact with supported blockchain networks directly from your desktop browser.
MetaMask is a self-custodial crypto wallet available as a browser extension and mobile app. The Chrome extension provides a convenient way to interact with blockchain applications from your desktop browser.
Depending on the networks and features supported by your version, MetaMask can be used to manage accounts, view assets, send and receive transactions, and connect to decentralized applications, commonly called dapps.
MetaMask is designed as a self-custodial wallet. That means you are responsible for your wallet credentials and recovery information. Your Secret Recovery Phrase should remain private and protected.
Installing the extension is straightforward, but verifying that you are using the authentic MetaMask software is an important part of the process. Always begin from the official MetaMask website or the official Chrome Web Store listing.
Start from the official MetaMask website rather than an advertisement, unfamiliar download page, or link sent through an unsolicited message. This reduces the risk of downloading a fraudulent wallet extension.
Select the browser-extension option and follow the official installation flow to reach the Chrome Web Store. Check the publisher and listing carefully before continuing.
On the Chrome Web Store, use the official browser controls to add MetaMask to Chrome. Chrome will display a confirmation prompt before the extension is added to your browser.
After installation, MetaMask guides you through creating a new wallet or accessing an existing one. Follow the on-screen instructions and carefully review every security prompt.
Once configured, the MetaMask Chrome extension can act as a connection point between your browser and supported blockchain applications. When you visit a compatible dapp, MetaMask can request permission to connect your wallet and display transaction requests for your review.
Your Secret Recovery Phrase is one of the most important pieces of information associated with a self-custodial MetaMask wallet. It can be used to restore access to the wallet and its accounts. Anyone who obtains the phrase may be able to control the associated assets.
Store your recovery information securely and never share it with another person. MetaMask states that its team will not ask you for your Secret Recovery Phrase, private keys, or password.
Be particularly careful when interacting with websites and decentralized applications. A legitimate dapp should not require you to provide your Secret Recovery Phrase to connect a wallet or complete a normal transaction.
It is the browser-extension version of MetaMask that lets users manage supported wallet accounts and connect with compatible decentralized applications from Chrome.
MetaMask recommends starting from its official website or using the official browser extension store. Avoid unofficial download websites and suspicious links.
Yes. MetaMask describes itself as a self-custodial wallet. Users are responsible for their wallet access credentials and recovery information.
A Secret Recovery Phrase is a set of words associated with a wallet that can be used to restore access to its accounts. It should be kept private and stored securely.
MetaMask cannot recover a traditional self-custody Secret Recovery Phrase for you if it is lost. Keeping an appropriate backup is therefore an important part of wallet management.
Check the domain carefully and use official MetaMask download channels. Be suspicious of sites or people asking for your Secret Recovery Phrase, private keys, or password.
Use the official MetaMask installation route, review the security information carefully, and keep your wallet recovery information private as you explore Web3.