MetaMask Chrome Extension Download for Chrome - Official Website
MetaMask is not just about storing Ethereum-based crypto assets, but there is certainly so much more to it. Many of us know this wallet to have diverse features and functions, but have you tried using those additional features on MetaMask? Well, if you have not done that and want to try something out of the box, then this article is just for you. Today, through this post, we shall take a dig into using MetaMask apart from the conventional ways. However, before you start using the given information in real time, I would suggest you install the latest version of the MetaMask Chrome extension to avoid any issues between the processes.
Introducing "MetaMask Snaps" to you
If you have been using MetaMask for a while now, you must be aware of the conventional ways in which this wallet is currently being used. However, today I am going to introduce you to one of its newest features i.e. MetaMask Snaps. This service on MetaMask gives you access to a wide range of features that you may not be able to avail of using the default configuration of MetaMask. The three core features of MetaMask Snaps are as follows and you can use these features from within your MetaMask Chrome extension:
Interoperability: With this feature in Snaps, users can easily transact on blockchain networks other than the Ethereum blockchain. E.g. with the help of non-Ethereum Virtual Machines, you can interact with protocols such as Solana, Cardano, etc.
Notifications: This feature of Snaps allows users to stay informed about the latest trends, developments, and latest news of the crypto market. The details on the current exploits and potential airdrops are sent directly to the wallet interface of the MetaMask Chrome extension.
Insights into transactions: With the use of this feature, users can easily side-step risky transactions by previewing the transaction even before they actually take place. This helps in the prevention of phishing and hacking incidents.
Steps To Add Solana To MetaMask Using Snaps
As we have learned in the previous section of this write-up, you can work with non-Ethereum networks using the Snaps feature, let us now learn how to use this feature in real-time. Here are the steps you can follow to add Solana to MetaMask using Snaps:
From your browser, visit https://snaps.metamask.io/
This shall open the directory of available wallets
From the given list, choose "Solana Wallet" > "Add to MetaMask"
On the confirmation pop-up, select "Connect" or "Confirm"
When the installation is done, open the installed file and choose "Get Started"
On the next page, select "Enter Solana" and you're done
Note: By following a similar set of steps on the MetaMask Chrome extension, you can add other networks to your wallet such as Starknet, Zion, Leap Cosmos, etc.
Now You Can Stake An Entire Validator From MetaMask
As the latest addition, MetaMask has now added a new feature to the wallet that allows all the Ethereum crypto traders to run an entire validator node directly from within the wallet. This is certainly a good piece of news for those who wish to truly support decentralization. By allowing users to do this, you can now easily stake crypto assets without having to worry about centralization which is often linked with liquidity staking providers such as Lido.
The best thing about this feature is the fact that now they do not need to purchase any hardware device for running a personal Ethereum node. Most importantly, it reduces the fear of paying any penalty caused because of internet outages.
Learn The Steps To Stake An Entire Validator From MetaMask
If you are someone who is interested in "Staking" an entire validator directly from your MetaMask Chrome extension, then you can certainly do so by depositing 32 ETH. Post this, you need to make sure that your validator is operated by MetaMask Staking. However, you need to pay MetaMask a fee for initiating this transaction. Once done with that, you can go ahead with collecting your rewards. Now, let's take a look at the complete process to do so:
First, you need to open the MetaMask Chrome extension
Sign into your wallet and head to the "MetaMask Portfolio"
Now, look for the "Stake" button and select it
Further, you need to switch to the validator staking tab
Choose the account address that you wish to use for the deposit
Then, you must choose how much crypto you want to deposit
Make sure that you can only deposit the multiples of 32
After choosing the amount, you'll be able to see the details of the staking transaction
If you're ready to initiate the process, you can hit the "Confirm" option
Now, you must confirm and sign the transaction in your MetaMask wallet as well
Don't Have MetaMask Chrome Extension Yet? Learn To Install It
If you have reached here, I am sure that you really want to try different services offered by MetaMask. However, to use all of these services, you must have the MetaMask extension or its mobile app on your device. In case you are a new MetaMask user, you must follow the steps below to install the extension on your device:
Visit the https://metamask.io/download/ website from your Chrome
Now, choose the "Chrome" tab or choose "Install MetaMask on Chrome"
Then, you can select the "Add To Chrome" option and choose "Add extension"
In just a few moments, you can certainly see the fox-face logo on your browser
MetaMask will now open itself or you can open it manually to get started
Steps To Create A New Wallet On MetaMask
Whether you are planning to use MetaMask on your PC or your laptop, the steps that you need to follow to set up a wallet are as below:
Open the downloaded MetaMask Chrome extension
Choose "Get started" > "Create new wallet"
Then, respond to the prompted instructions
Thereafter, you can assign a new login password to your wallet
After this, you must back the Secret Recovery Phrase and you're done
In Conclusion:
The details above shed some details on how your MetaMask wallet could turn out to be something more than you have ever imagined. In this document, we shared some details about MetaMask Snap, a third-party platform, which MetaMask has approved after comprehensive verification and analyses. Additionally, we shared some details on how you can now stake an entire validator from within your wallet.