Metamask
Let’s explore how to install MetaMask, recognizable by its fox logo, on both mobile devices and desktop browsers.
What Is Metamask
MetaMask is a popular cryptocurrency wallet created by ConsenSys, co-founded by Joseph Lubin, one of the creators of Ethereum. The wallet was launched in 2016, before the rise of decentralized finance (DeFi). MetaMask helps users securely store, manage, and send various cryptocurrencies, especially ERC-20 tokens on the Ethereum blockchain. MetaMask is available as a mobile app for iOS and Android, as well as a browser extension for Google Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Microsoft Edge, and Opera. The browser extension is the most popular version, as it allows the wallet to easily interact with smart contracts of decentralized applications (dApps).
Here you can find their official website where you can download mobile or PC version of the wallet: https://metamask.io/download/
Installing MetaMask on a Desktop Computer
1. Go to the download page. Open your browser and navigate to the following address: https://metamask.io/download/
2. Download the browser extension. On the download page, select your browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, or Edge). You’ll be redirected to your browser’s extension store.
3. Click the “Add to Browser” or “Install” button** to download and install the extension.
4. Set up your wallet. After installation, you’ll see the MetaMask icon (a fox) in the top-right corner of your browser. Click on it. You’ll be prompted to either create a new wallet or import an existing one. Select “Create a New Wallet” if this is your first time. Accept the terms of use.
5. Create a password to access your wallet. Make sure it’s strong but memorable.
6. Write down your seed phrase (recovery phrase). This is a crucial step. Store it in a secure place, as it’s necessary to regain access to your wallet if you lose your device.
7. Confirm your secret seed phrase.
8. Complete the setup. Once done, you’ll be taken to the MetaMask homepage in your browser, where you can manage your assets, make transactions, and interact with dApps.
Installing MetaMask on a Mobile Device
1. Go to the download page. Open your browser and navigate to: [https://metamask.io/download/]
2. Select your platform. For mobile devices, there are two options: iOS and Android. Choose the one that suits your device.
3. Download the app. For iOS, click "Download for iOS.” This will redirect you to the App Store, where you can download the app. For Android, click **“Download for Android.” This will redirect you to Google Play, where you can also download the app.
4. Install the app on your device. Once the download is complete, open the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions to install MetaMask on your device.
5. Set up your wallet. After installation, open the app. You’ll be prompted to either create a new wallet or import an existing one. Select “Create a New Wallet” if this is your first time. Read and accept the terms of use.
6. Create a password to access your wallet and write down your seed phrase (recovery phrase). This is a crucial step. Store it in a secure place, as it’s necessary to regain access to your wallet if you lose your device.
7. Complete the setup. Once done, you’ll be taken to the main MetaMask interface, where you can manage your assets and interact with decentralized applications.
How to Start Using MetaMask?
1. Add funds: To fund your wallet, you can either buy cryptocurrency using the “Buy” feature or receive it by sending it to your address (you can copy your address by clicking on it at the top of the interface).
2. To receive funds, share your address with the sender. The address you can find right under your account name. Click on it to copy.
To send cryptocurrency, ask the address of the recipient, click the “Send” button, enter the recipient’s address (!double check all the numbers in the address to make sure that you send it to the right address as this operation is irreversible!)and the amount you want to send, then confirm the transaction.
Now you’re ready to start using MetaMask to manage your crypto assets!
Connecting to dApps
To interact with decentralized applications (dApps), simply open the dApp’s website and select the option to connect via MetaMask. Follow the on-screen instructions to authorize the connection.
IMPORTANT: Don’t forget about security. Store your seed phrase in a safe and secure place. If you lose your password, you can only regain access to your account by entering all 12 words in the correct order. If you don’t save your secret phrase, you risk permanently losing access to all the cryptocurrency in your wallet.
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