# How to get web3 wallet

If you're going to use crypto, the first thing you'll need is a Web3 wallet. This might sound complicated at first, but don't worry — we will guide you through the basics in simple terms, no prior experience required.

Whether you’re just curious or ready to try your first DeFi app, this article will help you understand:

* what a Web3 wallet is and why it matters,
* the difference between types of wallets,
* where and how to install one safely.

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<summary>What is a Web3 Wallet?</summary>

A Web3 wallet is a digital tool that lets you store, send, and receive cryptocurrencies, and interact directly with decentralized applications (dApps) — without going through banks or traditional intermediaries.

In simpler terms:\
It’s like a personal finance app for the crypto world. But instead of a username and password, your wallet is protected by cryptographic keys — and you’re the one in control.

There are two main types of Web3 wallets:\
\
**1. Custodial Wallets**

These are wallets where a third party (usually an exchange) holds your assets for you.\
✅ Easy to use.\
❌ You don’t fully control your funds — the service does.

**2. Non-Custodial Wallets**

Here, **you** control your wallet and its private keys.\
✅ Full control and independence.\
❌ More responsibility: if you lose your backup, no one can recover it for you.

Popular non-custodial wallets include **MetaMask** and **Trust Wallet** — we’ll cover installation for each of them in separate guides.

</details>

<details>

<summary>What's a Seed Phrase and Why Is It So Important?</summary>

When setting up a non-custodial wallet, you’ll receive a “seed phrase” — a list of 12 (or sometimes 24) random words. These words are your **only backup** to access your wallet if you ever lose your device or delete the app.

Think of your seed phrase like a master key.\
Whoever has it, controls the wallet.

✅ You must **write it down on paper** and store it somewhere safe — like a locked drawer or fireproof safe.\
❌ Don’t save it as a photo or note on your phone or computer — if someone hacks your device, they can steal your assets.

**Important:**\
If you lose your seed phrase, **no one can help you recover your wallet. Not even the wallet’s support team.**\


<figure><img src="https://3663665845-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fpa1vxBLvzXvuXAEhjR3U%2Fuploads%2FSkraT3aFTXVlHSqOMWh5%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=d61ee2cf-5ddb-4556-947d-90c42edbd649" alt="" width="356"><figcaption><p>Here is how the seed phrase could look like</p></figcaption></figure>

</details>

***

## Installing a Web3 Wallet: Phone or Computer?

There are two main ways to use a Web3 wallet:

**📱 On your smartphone**

Most wallets (like Trust Wallet or MetaMask) offer free apps for iOS (Apple) and Android.\
You can find them by:

* Opening the **App Store** (on iPhone) or **Google Play Store** (on Android)
* Searching for “MetaMask” or “Trust Wallet”
* Making sure the app is published by the official provider (check the developer name and ratings)

> ✅ Tip: For extra safety, you can start from the **official website** of the wallet (like [metamask.io](https://metamask.io) or [trustwallet.com](https://trustwallet.com)) — they will have direct links to the correct app in your store.

***

**💻 On your computer (browser extension)**

MetaMask and Trust Wallet also offer browser extensions for:

* **Google Chrome**
* **Mozilla Firefox**
* **Opera**
* **Microsoft Edge**

Here’s how to install:

1. Open your browser.
2. Visit the official wallet website (e.g. [metamask.io](https://metamask.io), [trustwallet.com](https://trustwallet.com)).
3. Click “Download” or “Get Started”.
4. Choose your browser.
5. You’ll be redirected to the browser’s extension store (like **Chrome Web Store**).
6. Click **“Add to Chrome”** (or similar) to install the extension.

Once installed, you’ll see the wallet icon (like the MetaMask fox) in the top right corner of your browser.

***

## What's Next?

In separate guides, we’ll walk you through how to install and set up both MetaMask and Trust Wallet — step by step, with screenshots and tips.

For now, the most important thing is:

* Decide where you want to install your wallet — phone or computer.
* Use only **official sources** to download.
* Prepare a **safe place to write down and store your seed phrase**.

That’s it — you’re one step closer to exploring DeFi, NFTs, crypto payments, and much more.
