Download MetaMask Extension | Install MetaMask for your browser
MetaMask Wallet Extension is a virtual currency wallet launched in 2016. Originally, the developers created MetaMask exclusively as an extension for Firefox, Chrome, and other browsers. MetaMask has launched a smartphone app for Android and iOS. This lets users store, receive, and transact their cryptocurrency holdings across different devices. MetaMask is a self-custodial wallet that doesn't have access to your private keys. Instead, private keys or a 12-word backup passphrase are your responsibility. If you lose the private keys, Metamask won't be able to help you.
However, MetaMask is free to use. Like other crypto wallets, the only fee it takes is when you transact assets to another wallet. This includes the blockchain network fee. By default, MetaMask Wallet Extension is only compatible with the Ethereum network. This makes it best for storing the ERC-20 tokens, like Tether, Shiba Inu, and Decentraland. That said, Metamask also supports the Arbitrum network coins. Also, it supports crypto coins on the Binance Smart Chain, Optimism, Avalanche, and Polygon networks.
Features of MetaMask Wallet Extension
MetaMask attracts attention, emphasizing decentralization, privacy, and safety, making it a go-to wallet. You can easily download the wallet software or web browser extension without providing personal information, confirming anonymity while securing user information.
The decentralized nature of the wallet confirms transparent transactions appear to connected nodes, stopping a single entity from getting hold of the complete wallet system. Moreover, MetaMask Wallet provides versatility by providing a massive range of crypto tokens on the ERC-20 protocol and keeping NFTs (non-fungible tokens), which users can easily connect to leading marketplaces such as OpenSea. MetaMask is also compatible with blockchains like Avalanche, Binance Smart Chain (BNB), and Polygon.
Despite possessing 30+ million active users, the wallet does have restrictions. It doesn't support BTC, the biggest digital currency by market capitalization, and the absence of live user support. Therefore, it might not be the correct option for crypto investors looking for comprehensive assistance.
Usability of MetaMask Wallet
MetaMask provides a user-friendly and versatile experience for crypto enthusiasts to access their wallets on different devices easily. Also, to its core functionality, users can seamlessly integrate MetaMask with renowned Web3 platforms such as QuickSwap, OpenSea, and Uniswap, allowing users to get involved with diverse DeFi activities.
MetaMask Desktop
The MetaMask Wallet app allows desktop users to ease crypto transactions with smart contracts or other wallets, provided the selected blockchain is compatible. Moreover, users can buy crypto coins via trusted providers consolidated to the platform, like Transak, Wyre, and MoonPay.
Furthermore, MetaMask supports hardware wallets such as Trezor and Ledger, letting users transact their assets and NFTs through a software-based hot wallet to the safest hardware-based cold wallet.
MetaMask Mobile App
The MetaMask smartphone application, accessible on Apple Store for iOS and Play Store for Android, offers flexibility to handle their wallets on the go. The mobile app provides a seamless experience for receiving and transacting crypto tokens and NFTs (non-fungible tokens) on supported blockchains. Also, the app provides the ease of buying Ether directly via Transak, supporting savings account transfers, cards, and other modes of payment.
Steps to Install MetaMask Wallet Extension on Different Browsers
MetaMask Chrome Extension Installation
First, visit the official MetaMask Wallet website using the URL https://metamask.io/
Move to the Menu bar and tap the Download tab.
Select the Install MetaMask Extension for Chrome option. You will reach the Chrome Web Store.
Then, click Add to Chrome > Add Extension.
After adding the extension, it will automatically open. Also, you can ensure it is easily available in the toolbar by hitting the Puzzle icon and tapping the Pin icon.
MetaMask Firefox Extension Installation
Move to https://metamask.io/ website and press the Download button.
Then, tap the Install MetaMask Extension for Firefox tab.
On the next screen, choose the Add to Firefox opinion.
On the popup window, hit the Add button.
After this, you will land on the browser page. MetaMask Extension will become visible in the browser; tap on it to launch it.
MetaMask Edge Extension Installation
Go to the official MetaMask Wallet website and hit the Download tab.
Next, tap the Install MetaMask Extension for Edge button.
Then, hit the Get tab.
When prompted, hit the Add Extension button.
After getting the MetaMask Extension, it will automatically open. To make it easily available in the toolbar, hit the Jigsaw icon at the top and tap the Three dots. Next, choose the Show in Toolbar option.
MetaMask Brave Extension Installation
Head to https://metamask.io/ website and tap Download.
Then, you must pick the Install MetaMask Extension for Chrome option. Ignore the alarm bells: the cause it says "Google Chrome" because Brave is a Chrome-based web browser and shares the Store with Chrome itself.
In the Google Chrome Store, tap the Add to Brave tab.
In the popup, hit the Add Extension button.
Steps to Set Up the MetaMask Wallet
To start, you should launch the MetaMask Wallet Extension.
On the home screen, navigate and hit the Get Started tab.
Then, tap the Create New Wallet option.
Walk through the terms and tap the I Agree icon if you agree.
On the next page, develop a password for the wallet. Then, tap the I have read and agree to the Terms box.
After this, hit the Lock icon to reveal the Recover Phrase, note it down, and place it somewhere safe. Tap Next.
That's it; your MetaMask Wallet is ready to go.
How to Troubleshoot MetaMask Wallet is Not Working
Below are some tips that can assist you in solving the MetaMask isn't working problem. Hence, if the MetaMask app isn't working properly on your device, ensure to perform these suggestions.
Restart the App
To begin with, you should try restarting the MetaMask Wallet app as there are chances that the app cannot work properly because of a few random glitches or issues, and because of this, you are encountering this kind of problem. Hence, before trying the following methods, you must reboot the app and check whether it is functioning.
Reboot the Device
If the above fix doesn't resolve the issue, your smartphone might have stored damaged or corrupted files on RAM, which cannot work properly. So, you should try rebooting the device, as it will drain the RAM and give it a fresh new start. After rebooting the device, the MetaMask app is not working.
Check the Network Speed
To run the MetaMask app, you require a strong and reliable internet connection, so if your app is not functioning properly, you might face this issue. Hence, whether you use Wi-Fi or mobile data, you must ensure it functions properly. To determine if your internet is functioning, check the internet speed.
Ensure to Verify if the Servers are Functioning
You must ensure that the MetaMask servers are functioning and not in maintenance; you should move to DownDeterctor and validate if you aren't the only one who has reported the same. You can move to Twitter to follow the MetaMask Team as they Tweet the problems with the services to let the users know.
Clear the Cache Data
In many cases, the app's cache files become a problem, for the MetaMask app isn't working because they get damaged. To resolve this error, you must remove the damaged cache files;
Press the MetaMask app and hold long until the menu popup.
Then, hit the App info tab and select the Clear Data option.
After this, choose the Clear Cache option and tap Ok.
Update MetaMask App/Extension
Sometimes the problem appears when you use the older MetaMask app. To prevent MetaMask not functioning, you must update the app on your smartphone. You can locate the app in the Play/App Store and check if MetaMask has updated the app or not. If you are a Chrome extension user, you will find the MetaMask extension's version in the Additional Information section in the Chrome Web Store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need digital currency to use the MetaMask Wallet?
No! Users can accept signature requests through websites with zero balances in their accounts. Having digital currencies (ETH, ERC-721, ERC-20, or ERC-1155 token) in the MetaMask Wallet will let you trade, invest, own NFT, play games, and more.
Why did the MetaMask Wallet app crash?
Ensure you are using the updated version of the MetaMask app. If the problem continues, you can contact the customer support team with details so that they can investigate the reason.
How can I import an account in MetaMask Wallet?
MetaMask allows users to add a loose account (with a JSON file/private key) using the JSON File or private key. Note: the secret Seed Phrase can't restore any loose accounts. Keep the Seed Phrase and Private keys secure to restore your account.
How do I transact assets from MetaMask Wallet?
Get into your MetaMask Wallet using the credentials.
Next, hit the Send button on the homepage.
Then, you must provide the receiver's wallet address or scan the Barcode.
Specify the amount and confirm your transaction.
How can I switch MetaMask Network?
Launch the MetaMask Wallet extension.
Then, choose the Ethereum Mainnet option at the top right.
Next, hit the Profile icon.
From the dropdown list, select the desired network.