How to set up a Metamask Wallet

MetaMask is a free web3 crypto wallet software that can be connected to virtually any Ethereum-based platform.

Whether you’re looking to create non-fungible token (NFT), lend assets on decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol or purchase and transfer ERC-20 Ethereum-based tokens, you will need to set up cryptocurrency wallet software such as Metamask. This wallet allows you to store any assets you create or buy, as well as connect to any platform built on top of the Ethereum blockchain.

MetaMask is a free hot wallet available as a smartphone app or web browser extension. This means you can download it directly onto your phone or the Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Brave or Edge browser similar to an ad blocker extension. The term “hot” implies that the wallet is permanently connected to the internet so that you can easily move your crypto assets around at any time.

In this article, we will explain how to set up the MetaMask wallet. By the end of this lesson you should be able to install MetaMask into your browser or smart phone and link or create a new wallet.

Installation

Before anything else, you need to download the MetaMask software into your web browser or smartphone by visiting the official website, https://metamask.io/

Choose the option that is suitable for your device from the following options:

Browser: Google Chrome, Firefox, Brave or Edge website browser.
iOS: Compatible with any iPhone.
Android: Compatible with any Android operating system.

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Then press the “Install MetaMask” button.

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On the next screen, press ‘Get Started’.

On the next page, you are presented with two options.

Import wallet: For those who already have an existing MetaMask wallet on a different device and would like to move it over to a new one.
Create a wallet: For first time users who want to set up a brand new MetaMask wallet.

After selecting the “Create a Wallet” option, agree to a usage data disclaimer that pop-up, and when prompted, create a strong and secure password.

Important: Never create a digital copy of any password!

Never take a screenshot of your password, and send it to yourself in an email, or save it as a note on your computer. Any digital file that is saved on your devices is possibly accessible to hackers.

Secret recovery phrase

MetaMask will prompt a screen where you can learn about the most essential security feature and information on why you should never share your secret recovery phrase with anyone.

The secret recovery phrase or seed phrase comprises 12 random words. The secret recovery phrase is a backup when you need to import your Metamask wallet to a new device in case you lose the phone or laptop where your MetaMask wallet is downloaded.

Each word needs to be carefully copied in the order they are presented on the screen. The order of the words is the highest priority, as you will not be able to import your account to a new device if the words are in the wrong order. Even if you entered all of them.

MetaMask will then reveal a 12-word sequence before you can move on to the final steps.

A final congratulation message will be shown once you correctly submit the secret phrase.

Once you’ve completed the above steps, you’ll be able to access your new MetaMask wallet.

For connecting Metamask to other platforms, you will most likely see a “connect” button in the top right corner of the screen.

You may need to sign a transaction in order to complete the connection process. This doesn’t cost you anything, it simply proves you have control over the wallet.

Important: With scam websites luring people to connect their wallets and steal their assets, it is vital to verify that you are using the correct website. Once you connect your wallet to the phishing website, it is like giving access to hackers to use your wallet.

Summary TL;DR

While this article goes into every detail, setting up a MetaMask wallet can be divided into 3 easy steps:

STEP 1 - Install MetaMask into a browser or Smartphone

STEP 2 - Connect or Create a new Wallet

STEP 3 - Remember and protect your seed phrase and password

MetaMask wallet is an application that can be installed on most devices. The important part is to write down the seed phrase and never make a digital copy that could be stolen by hackers.

Source:

Download MetaMask - MetaMask.io - https://metamask.io/download/

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How to set up a Metamask Wallet