Installing Metamask web3 wallet
MetaMask is supported on the following browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Edge, and Opera. MetaMask is not supported on Safari. Macbook users will have to download one of the five browsers mentioned above.
MetaMask will be downloaded as an extension on your browser. Here are the steps to install it:
Visit metamask.io (always be super careful when dealing with crypto that you are on a legitimate site).
Click on ‘Download.’
Click on ‘Install MetaMask.’
If you are using Chrome, you will be taken to the Chrome web store.
Click ‘Add to Chrome.’
A pop-up will show up telling you the permissions that MetaMask needs.
Click ‘Add extension.’
MetaMask will be downloaded.
Setting Up Your Wallet
Once the browser extension download is completed, you will be taken to a MetaMask wallet setup page.
You must agree to the terms and conditions and click ‘Create a new wallet.’
Next, you will have to agree to MetaMask’s data usage policy to continue.
You will have to create a password for your MetaMask wallet.
On the next page, you will find information and a video tutorial about crypto wallet recovery phrases.
Click on ‘Secure my wallet.’
On the next page, you will find the 12-word secret recovery phrase. Click ‘Reveal secret recovery phrase.’
You can save the 12-word secret recovery phrase in a password manager on your device or write it down in a personal notebook.
In the next step, you will have to confirm the 12-word secret recovery phrase.
Click ‘Done.’ Your MetaMask wallet is now ready to use.
How to Set Up a MetaMask Wallet on a Mobile Phone
You will need to install MetaMask on your Android or iPhone from Google Play and App Store, respectively.
For Mobile (App):
Visit the App Store or Google Play:
For iOS: Go to the App Store.
For Android: Visit Google Play Store.
Download and Install the App:
Search for “MetaMask” and download the app.
Open the App and Set Up Your Wallet:
Similar to the browser extension, follow the prompts to create a new wallet or import an existing one.
Choose a secure password and note down your recovery phrase.
You can even set up a passcode and face authentication lock to secure your mobile wallet app.
Securing Your Metamask Wallet: SRP, Private Keys and Self-Custodianship
Secret Recovery Phrases
Secret recovery phrases (SRP) are an important security layer that gives you access to your crypto wallet. Most crypto wallets use 12-word SRP and 24-word SRP.
Unlike your Facebook or Instagram account, you cannot reset your password by simple means of email or mobile authentication. MetaMask cannot help you recover your password in case you lose or forget your wallet password.
This is where SRP comes in handy. Users require their SRP to set up a new password, restore wallets, and validate ownership. As long as you have your SRP, you can always uninstall your MetaMask wallet from any device and restore it on another device.
You must secure your SRP. If someone knows the SRP in your wallet, they will have complete access to the cryptocurrencies and NFTs held in that wallet.
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