A step-by-step guide to download the top software cryptocurrency wallet: MetaMask

Founded in 2016, MetaMask is one of the leading software cryptocurrency wallets out there, acting as a security layer and a middleman between its users and Ethereum/EVMs blockchains as well as Dapps (or decentralised exchanges platforms like Pancakeswap, Uniswap, etc).

Like all cryptocurrency wallet services, MetaMask does not store your cryptocurrencies (tokens or coins). It enables easy interaction and fast and cheap transactions helping users to sell, buy, trade, and swap cryptocurrencies with only a few clicks, for a small fee -if you use the MetaMask trade functionality and all other fees are gas/dex fees-.

Keys (public and private) are not stored in the MetaMask server but stored locally on your computer. So technically, MetaMask is an offline software wallet that can be turned on and off.

Not only can users create new wallets, but they can also connect their other existing wallets to their MetaMask one, for example, from a hardware wallet like Ledger.

MetaMask is free, with no one-time purchase or subscription.

It’s easy to install through a browser extension or a mobile app. It’s adaptable to the most widely adopted browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Brave, and Microsoft Edge. MetaMask supports Ethereum’s native currency, ETH, and tokens built on the protocol’s ERC-20 and ERC-721 standards (aka EVM blockchains).

How to Install the MetaMask browser extension:

Go to https://metamask.io/ and click on “Download”.

Choose your browser and click on “Install Metamask for browser name”.

Click on “Add to browser name”.

Click on “Add extension” and wait until the download is finished.

Click on “Get Started”.

Click on “I Agree” or “No Thanks”.

Choose between connecting an existing wallet or creating a new one; if new wallet, then click on “Create a Wallet”.

Enter the password of your choosing, reconfirm, then click on “I have read and agree to the Terms of Use” and “Create”.

Watch the video (seriously watch it, it’s worth the time) and click on “Next”.

!!! NOW BE CAREFUL !!! Be especially careful if you are doing this in public (not recommended).

Click on “CLICK HERE TO REVEAL SECRET WORDS” and write them (do not screenshot them) in the exact order and store it somewhere safe to be shared with no one. Do not keep/store the Secret Recovery Phrase in any electronic device (laptop, mobile) or any Cloud. Then click “Next”.

Click the 12 words one by one, in the same order they were given, and click on “Confirm”.

Click on “All Done”.

And you will land on your wallet home page.

The next step would be configuring your wallet account. You can click on the ellipsis button (the three vertical dots) and click on “Account details”.

You can click on the pencil icon to rename your wallet and copy or screenshot your public key and QR code to share with other users when expecting a transaction.

As Ethereum mainnet is connected automatically upon creation, you can add other blockchains to your wallet.

But instead of clicking “Add Network” and entering the network name, URL, chain ID, etc manually, you should go to Chainlist.

Scroll down until you see this below and type the blockchain’s name in the Search Networks.

Then click on “Connect Wallet”.

Then click “Next”.

And click “Connect”.

Wait until the pop-up disappears and click on “Add to Metamask”.

Click “Approve”.

And click “Switch network”.

And it’s done!

When you open your wallet browser page, your wallet now connects to 2 mainnets: Ethereum and Fantom. You can repeat the same steps for connecting more mainnets to your MetaMask wallet.

Now your wallet is set. Take some time to familiarise yourself with MetaMask. You also want to look at different DeFi platforms like Uniswap to connect your wallet and start buying, sending, and swapping cryptocurrencies.

Welcome to the cryptocurrency space. Follow for more cryptocurrency tips and tricks!