How to use OpenSea for Ethereum NFTs? (Marketplace guide)

Setting Up Your Wallet

1. Install a Web3-compatible browser extension such as MetaMask or Coinbase Wallet.

2. Create a new wallet or import an existing one using your secret recovery phrase.

3. Ensure the wallet is connected to the Ethereum mainnet—check network settings carefully.

4. Fund your wallet with ETH for gas fees; transfers from centralized exchanges require confirmation time.

5. Verify your wallet address appears correctly in the top-right corner of OpenSea after connecting.

Browsing and Discovering NFTs

1. Navigate to opensea.io and use the search bar to look up specific collections like CryptoPunks or Bored Ape Yacht Club.

2. Apply filters such as price range, traits, listing type (fixed price, auction), and blockchain (Ethereum only for this guide).

3. Sort results by “Recently listed”, “Lowest price”, or “Highest volume” to match your strategy.

4. Click on any NFT to view its metadata, ownership history, transaction log, and floor price.

5. Check the collection’s statistics panel for 24h volume, total sales, and average sale price.

Buying an NFT on OpenSea

1. Select an NFT with a fixed-price listing and click “Buy now”.

2. Review the final cost including the ETH amount and estimated gas fee displayed in real time.

3. Confirm the transaction in your wallet extension—this initiates an Ethereum on-chain transfer.

4. Wait for block confirmation; status updates appear under “Activity” once mined.

5. The NFT will appear in your OpenSea profile under “Collected items” after finalization.

Creating and Listing Your Own NFT

1. Click your profile icon, then select “My Collections” and “Create a new collection”.

2. Upload artwork, add name, description, and category—ensure file size stays under 100MB.

3. Configure royalties between 0% and 10%; these apply to secondary sales across compatible marketplaces.

4. Choose “Ethereum” as the blockchain and select “Standard” or “Lazy minting” to defer gas costs until sale.

5. Finalize by signing two wallet prompts: one for collection creation and another for item listing.

Managing Transactions and Security

1. Always double-check contract addresses before approving any transaction—malicious proxies exist.

2. Disable “OpenSea Pro” if you're not actively using advanced features—it adds unnecessary permissions.

3. Revoke unused token approvals via Etherscan or tools like Revoke.cash to limit exposure.

4. Never share your seed phrase—even OpenSea support will never ask for it.

5. Bookmark opensea.io directly; avoid clicking links from DMs or unverified sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does my NFT not appear in my wallet after purchase?It may take several minutes for the transaction to confirm. Refresh the page or check Etherscan using your wallet address.

Q: Can I list an NFT without paying gas upfront?Yes—lazy minting allows you to create listings off-chain and pay gas only when someone purchases.

Q: What happens if I send ETH to an NFT contract instead of my wallet?Ether sent directly to an NFT smart contract is typically unrecoverable unless the contract has a withdrawal function.

Q: How do I verify if an NFT collection is verified on OpenSea?Look for the blue checkmark next to the collection name on its homepage or item page.