How to install MetaMask wallet? How to create your first account?

Installing the MetaMask Browser Extension

1. Open Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Brave browser on your desktop computer.

2. Navigate to the official MetaMask website at metamask.io and click the “Download” button.

3. Select your preferred browser from the list and follow the redirect to its official extension store.

4. Click “Add to Chrome” (or equivalent) and confirm the permission prompt when it appears.

5. Once installed, a fox-shaped icon will appear in the top-right corner of your browser toolbar.

Creating Your First MetaMask Account

1. Click the MetaMask icon and select “Get Started” to launch the setup wizard.

2. Choose “Create a Wallet” and accept the terms and privacy notice.

3. Enter a strong password that you’ll use every time you unlock MetaMask — this is not recoverable if lost.

4. Click “Create” and wait for the system to generate your unique 12-word secret recovery phrase.

5. Carefully write down each word in exact order on paper — this phrase grants full access to all assets tied to the wallet and cannot be retrieved by MetaMask support.

Securing and Verifying Your Recovery Phrase

1. MetaMask will ask you to verify three random words from your 12-word list in sequence.

2. Enter them precisely as written — capitalization and spacing do not matter, but word order is critical.

3. After successful verification, the wallet interface loads with an Ethereum address starting with “0x”.

4. Never enter your recovery phrase into any website, chat window, or third-party application — doing so compromises all funds instantly.

5. Confirm your account works by clicking “Account Details” and reviewing the public address and network status.

Connecting to Ethereum Networks

1. By default, MetaMask connects to the Ethereum Mainnet — suitable for real transactions.

2. To interact with testnets like Sepolia or development chains like Polygon Mumbai, open Settings > Networks > Add Network.

3. Input required parameters including RPC URL, chain ID, currency symbol, and block explorer URL.

4. Switch between networks using the dropdown menu at the top of the MetaMask popup.

5. Always double-check the active network before approving any transaction — sending tokens on the wrong chain may result in permanent loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use the same MetaMask wallet on mobile and desktop?A: Yes — install the MetaMask Mobile app, tap “Import Wallet”, and enter your 12-word recovery phrase to restore full access across devices.

Q: What happens if I forget my MetaMask password?A: The password only unlocks the browser extension locally — your funds remain accessible using the 12-word recovery phrase to restore the wallet elsewhere.

Q: Why does MetaMask ask for permissions to read site data?A: This permission enables seamless interaction with decentralized applications (dApps) by detecting web3-compatible environments and injecting necessary scripts without manual refreshes.

Q: Is it safe to keep large amounts of cryptocurrency in MetaMask?A: MetaMask is a hot wallet — convenient for frequent use but vulnerable if the device is compromised. For significant holdings, consider transferring to a hardware wallet like Ledger or Trezor after initial setup.