How to check if my MetaMask extension is the official version?

How to Verify the Authenticity of Your MetaMask Extension

1. Visit the official MetaMask website directly by typing https://metamask.io into your browser's address bar. Do not rely on search engine results or third-party links, as these may lead to phishing sites designed to mimic the real one.

2. Navigate to the 'Download' section on the site and ensure you are directed to the correct browser extension page—Chrome users should be redirected to the Chrome Web Store, Firefox users to Mozilla Add-ons, and so on. The official extension will display verified developer information and a significant number of user reviews.

3. Check the publisher name in your browser’s extension store. For Chrome, the legitimate MetaMask extension is published by MetaMask, with over ten million users and a blue checkmark indicating verification. Any deviation from this—such as a different developer name or low download count—is a red flag.

4. After installation, open the MetaMask extension and verify that the interface matches the design shown on the official website. Fake versions often have slight UI differences, such as incorrect logos, misspelled words, or poorly rendered buttons.

5. Confirm the extension ID in your browser settings. In Chrome, go to Extensions > Manage Extensions > Developer mode, and locate MetaMask. The correct extension ID for the official version is nkbihfbeogaeaoehlefnkodbefgpgknn. If it differs, uninstall immediately.

Signs of a Counterfeit MetaMask Extension

1. Unexpected permission requests during installation, such as access to all websites or personal data unrelated to wallet functionality, indicate a malicious clone. The genuine MetaMask only requests permissions necessary for blockchain interaction.

2. Presence of additional toolbars, advertisements, or cryptocurrency-related pop-ups after installing the extension suggests it has been tampered with. Official MetaMask does not include ads or promotional content.

3. Redirects to unfamiliar login pages or prompts asking for your seed phrase outside the secure vault environment are major warning signs. Legitimate MetaMask never asks for your recovery phrase after initial setup.

4. Inconsistent behavior, like transaction failures without error messages or inability to connect to known dApps, may mean the extension is intercepting data. Compare its performance with documented features on the official support portal.

5. Absence of two-factor authentication options or missing security alerts within the settings menu can point to an unofficial build. Real MetaMask includes multiple layers of security configuration.

Steps to Take If You Suspect a Fake Version

1. Immediately disconnect the extension from any connected decentralized applications. Go to Settings > Connected Sites and remove all active connections to prevent unauthorized access.

2. Export your account addresses but do not enter your password or seed phrase. Use this information later to verify balances on trusted block explorers like Etherscan.

3. Uninstall the suspicious extension completely through your browser’s extension manager. Restart the browser afterward to ensure no residual scripts remain active.

4. Reinstall MetaMask only from the official website or verified browser store. Double-check the URL and publisher before proceeding with installation.

5. Restore your wallet using your 12- or 24-word recovery phrase in the newly installed official version. Ensure you are offline during this process and confirm the restored balance matches previous records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I verify MetaMask authenticity using blockchain explorers?A: While blockchain explorers cannot verify the extension itself, they help confirm if transactions initiated through MetaMask appear on-chain. Discrepancies between sent transactions and on-chain records suggest interference.

Q: Is there a mobile app equivalent I should verify similarly?A: Yes. Download the MetaMask mobile app only from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Check that the developer is listed as ConsenSys Software Inc. Avoid APK files from unofficial sources.

Q: What role does HTTPS play in verifying MetaMask’s site?A: HTTPS ensures encrypted communication, but attackers can also use valid SSL certificates. Always manually type metamask.io and inspect the domain carefully—fake sites often use lookalike domains like metmask.io.

Q: How often should I review my MetaMask extension for authenticity?A: Conduct verification whenever you reinstall your browser, update the OS, or notice unusual behavior. Periodic checks every few months add an extra layer of protection against silent compromises.