When you have plenty of cash with you, the next thing that you do is deposit it in your bank account due to the underlying fear of robbery. In a similar manner, if you keep your crypto unguarded, it might become an easy target for cybercriminals. Hence, choosing a wallet like MetaMask Chrome extension can help you keep your crypto safe in the long run.
In my opinion, giving MetaMask Chrome a try shall never go in vain. Therefore, in this detailed document, I am going to guide you on using the MetaMask wallet as a beginner.
Available as a software crypto wallet, the MetaMask Chrome extension works as a cryptocurrency wallet. Apart from that, it functions as a gateway to several supported blockchain applications. These applications allow you to interact with Ethereum and other blockchains that are compatible with ETH. Moreover, you get to use it as a browser extension and a mobile app. Some additional functions of the wallet are as follows:
Store, send, and receive crypto assets
Manage digital assets like a pro, such as NFTs
Connect with decentralized applications (dApps)
Built with industry-grade security features and encrypted local storage, the MetaMask Chrome extension is one of the safest wallets out there. The wallet is currently being used by 100 million users across the globe. Moreover, it has an open-source code, which means it can be easily audited by security researchers.
Before you can take the necessary steps for the MetaMask setup, the first thing that you need to do is install the MetaMask extension on your device. The extension is currently available for browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Brave, and Edge. However, in this section, we will specifically shed light on installing MetaMask on Chrome:
Access the official website https://metamask.io/ from your Chrome browser.
Upon clicking the “Get MetaMask” button, you will reach the MetaMask download page.
Add the extension to your browser by clicking the “Add to Chrome” button.
In a few moments, you can open the extension from the “Downloads” section.
Start using the wallet by setting it up or importing an existing wallet.
To use MetaMask, you can either set up a new wallet on the MetaMask Chrome extension or you can import an existing wallet using the recovery phrase. If you wish to set up a new wallet, the following steps will help you with the MetaMask setup:
Open the MetaMask Chrome extension.
Choose the “Create a new wallet” button.
Further, you have to set up a strong MetaMask login password.
Use the password setting instructions to set up the password.
Read the “Terms of use” and click “I Agree” for the same, and click “Create.”
Now MetaMask will show the Secret Recovery Phrase.
Create a backup of this phrase, and your wallet is ready for use.
Download MetaMask Chrome extension and set up your wallet.
Open the dApp website you want to connect MetaMask to.
On the homepage of the dApp, find and click “Connect Wallet.”
From the list of wallets on the pop-up menu, choose “MetaMask.”
This is a popular crypto wallet amongst ETH traders, and there are multiple reasons why crypto enthusiasts trust this wallet. If you don’t believe me, you can go to the MetaMask review section and testify to my statement yourself, or give it a try.
Why is MetaMask not working?
Sometimes, due to an outdated MetaMask Chrome extension, browser issues, outdated extensions, or issues with the dApp, your wallet may not work properly.
How do I open the MetaMask extension on Chrome?
After the successful download of the extension, it will appear on the taskbar of your browser. On Chrome, you may find it by clicking the puzzle icon where MetaMask is represented as the fox-face icon.
How to restart the MetaMask extension?
If you remember the password of your wallet, simply toggle off and toggle on the extension from the taskbar. Enter the password again to access your wallet.
What happens if I restart my MetaMask?
After the wallet reset, all the data on your wallet and the extension will be erased. You can then restore your wallet with the seed phrase.