MetaMask- An Ultimate Resource

Diana Chen
Unstoppable Domains
8 min readMar 22, 2021

What is MetaMask?

MetaMask is a browser wallet designed for Ethereum-based tokens and cryptocurrencies. This wallet allows users to send and receive cryptocurrencies and tokens based on the Ethereum blockchain. Users can buy Ethereum directly through MetaMask or have somebody send them funds by sharing their public address or QR code.

If users prefer cold storage, this browser wallet is compatible with hardware wallets as well. This option allows for increased privacy and security.

Users can also connect to decentralized applications such as gaming and finance apps. It is available as a browser extension and a mobile app, so installation is effortless.

What is MetaMask Used For?

MetaMask is used to store, send, purchase, or receive Ethereum-based cryptocurrencies or tokens. This wallet is used the same way a bank account is used today. However, MetaMask has multiple uses that go beyond currency storage.

MetaMask connects to decentralized applications, so there are growing uses for this browser-based wallet. For example, users can buy virtual lands, breed CryptoKitties, and play games using their cryptocurrency through decentralized applications. Everything is recorded on the blockchain, so there is no centralized entity in control. This decentralization allows the information to be transparent, making transactions of all types more trustworthy.

Can MetaMask Store Bitcoin?

No, this wallet can only store Ethereum-based cryptocurrencies and tokens. To store Bitcoin, you must find a wallet that supports Bitcoin.

What is MetaMask Wallet?

The wallet is a browser-based wallet that stores Ethereum-based cryptocurrencies and tokens. With this wallet, you can send Ether or ERC20 to any Ethereum address, as well as receive funds from any address. All you need is your QR code or public address to send or receive funds.

You can access this wallet through your browser extension or the MetaMask mobile application. The wallet is designed to be user-friendly so that even complete beginners can get set up quickly. Also, it’s completely free, and sending and receiving funds can be done from anywhere.

Users won’t have to buy Ether or ERC20 tokens on a separate application because this wallet allows users to buy funds directly from MetaMask. Using their debit card, users can quickly transfer their fiat into any Ethereum-based cryptocurrency or token.

What Coins Does MetaMask Support?

MetaMask supports Ethereum and Ethereum-based tokens. To add popular ERC20 tokens, you can use the search bar under “Add Tokens.” This function will only show the most popular Ethereum based tokens, so your desired token may not appear. In that case, you may need to add the token manually. Under “Add Tokens” go to “Custom Token,” then enter the token’s address.

Is MetaMask Private?

You only control your private keys, so nobody else has access. Since your keys and passwords are generated on your device, only you have access.

To avoid phishing attempts from malicious hackers, MetaMask introduced “Privacy Mode.” Privacy Mode requires dapps to ask for users’ permission to access their data. Our browser-based wallet data is vital to us, so this setting puts us at ease when visiting dapps.

Can MetaMask be Hacked?

Although there have not been any successful hacks on the MetaMask database, phishing attacks can happen. Phishing attacks are false windows or websites that pose as MetaMask that are meant to steal your data.

The best way to avoid these scams is to be aware and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself. For example, we always make sure to double-check the authenticity of pop-up windows and websites before entering any personal information.

How to Set up MetaMask?

To get started with MetaMask:

  1. Go to the download page.
  2. Choose the browser of your choice, and select “Install MetaMask.”
  3. Select the fox icon to open the wallet, and select “Create a New Wallet.”

Create a strong password. Write all your passwords and information in a notebook, which is the safest way to store your information. Have two notebooks with all your information in them in two separate places. This method will protect you in case of a disaster such as a flood or fire.

You will then see your backup phrase, which you can use to restore your account. You can then buy, send, or receive Ethereum-based cryptocurrencies and tokens.

Common Issues

Here are solutions to some of the common issues users have experienced. If these solutions don’t fix your problem, we suggest submitting a ticket to MetaMask’s support system.

MetaMask Can’t See Tokens

If you can’t see the tokens you’re trying to add, you may need to add them manually. Under “Add Tokens,” select “Custom Tokens.” Fill in the information, and your token will appear.

If your token doesn’t show up or your balances aren’t showing up, uninstall and reinstall your browser extension — first, backup your seed phrase and private key. Then, uninstall your browser extension and install it in your browser’s store.

MetaMask Can’t Cancel Transaction

Users can only cancel transactions if they are currently pending. If the network has accepted your transaction, you won’t be able to cancel.

If you can’t cancel a pending transaction, go to “Advanced Settings” and enable “Custom Nonce.” Send a new transaction to yourself, set the nonce to the nonce of the previous pending transaction, then set the gas price higher.

MetaMask Can’t Find Ledger

Close applications and turn off your VPN and antivirus, and whitelist Ledger Live. Check your USB cables and ports, swap them out with different ones. Restart your computer.

Clearing your browser cache may fix the problem. Go to your browser setting and clear all browsing data. Clear all cached data, and go back to MetaMask.

MetaMask Can’t Select Account

To connect an account you previously used, try switching your HD path to “Legacy (MEW/MyCrypto).

How Do I Connect MetaMask to My Wallet?

MetaMask to Coinbase

To connect your Coinbase wallet to your wallet:

  1. Go to “Import Wallet” on your browser wallet’s homepage.
  2. Enter your Coinbase wallet recovery phrase into the seed phrase in MetaMask.
  3. Confirm your decision, and both wallets now have the same address.

MetaMask to Ledger

Before you connect your wallet to Ledger, there are prerequisites. Update your Ledger, browser, and Ethereum app. Close the Ledger live app and enable “contract data” on your device. Make sure the device is connected via USB and not Bluetooth. You then unlock the device and open the Ethereum app.

Once you have done all that, you can get started connecting your hardware wallet. In the top right, select “Connect Hardware Wallet.” Choose “Ledger” and connect. Select your account, and you have successfully connected your wallet to Ledger.

MetaMask to Binance

In the top right of your MetaMask wallet, select “Settings.” Select “New Network,” and it will bring you to a form. Fill in the form as follows:

Network Name: BSC Mainnet

New RPC URL: https://bsc-dataseed1.binance.org/

ChainID: 56 Symbol: BNB

Block Explorer URL: https://bscscan.com

MetaMask to Uniswap

To connect to Uniswap:

  1. Go to the Uniswap homepage.
  2. In the upper right-hand corner, select “Launch App” and “Connect Wallet.” The website will then bring you to a page of available wallets.
  3. Select MetaMask, and select “Next.”

MetaMask to Bank Account

To connect your bank account with your wallet, select “Buy” on the MetaMask homepage. Select “Continue to Wyre.” Wyre is a medium that allows you to purchase Ether with your debit card.

Enter in the dollar amount of the cryptocurrency or token you wish to buy, and select next. Fill out the required information, and your transaction will start pending.

Can I Use MetaMask on My Phone?

Yes, this wallet is available for mobile users. Whether you use iOS or Android, you can enjoy the efficiency of an Ethereum-based wallet for free.

MetaMask for Android

To download MetaMask for Android, go to the Playstore and type in “MetaMask.” You will then be able to access your wallet and browse the decentralized web.

MetaMask for iOS

This wallet is also available for iOS users. Go to the App Store, and type in “MetaMask.” Download the app, and enjoy all features we have on our browser-based wallet and browser.

Where do MetaMask and Unstoppable Domains Overlap?

Unstoppable Domains is a website that allows users to purchase blockchain domains and integrate them with supported applications.

You can build decentralized websites using your blockchain domain name. No central authority has control over your domain, which means only you can modify or delete your content. It also replaces your cryptocurrency addresses with a domain name, making sending and receiving payments much more manageable.

How Do I Connect MetaMask to My Domains?

To get started connecting your wallet to your domains, watch this video. In under a minute, you’ll be able to connect your browser-based wallet to your account.

Under “Account Settings” go to “Add Wallet.” Select “.crypto” and “Web3”. Web3 is the method that allows you to connect to browser wallets such as MetaMask. To add the wallet, you will need to verify the transaction through your browser extension.

How Do I Transfer Funds?

To start sending and receiving funds with your domain, you must claim your domain. We will walk you through the process, but you can also watch this video.

Under “Menu” go to “My Domains.”

The website will then show you a list of domains. Select the ones you would like to claim — select “Claim.Crypto” to claim your domains. Confirm the transaction through your email to complete the transaction.

How Do I Add My Addresses?

Under “My Domains” you will see a “Manage” button next to your domain name.

This an Ethereum-based wallet, so type in your ETH address.

To send and receive funds, open MetaMask and type in your domain in place of the address. Watch this video for a complete walkthrough.

FAQs

Can I Connect My Domain to Mobile Wallets?

Yes, after selecting “Add Wallet,” select “WalletConnect” to connect to mobile wallets.

Can I Use MetaMask For Mac?

Yes, MetaMask supports the Safari browser on Macs. This wallet has all features available on Safari, including Unstoppable Domains support.

Can MetaMask Hold USDT?

Yes, under “Add Tokens” go to “Custom Token”. Paste the contact address 0xdac17f958d2ee523a2206206994597c13d831ec7 to add USDT as a token.

How Do I Connect My Domain to MetaMask Using Brave?

First, make sure your browser extension wallet is unlocked before connecting your domain. Then, disable any ad blockers and web3 extension wallets.

Under your browser options, go to “Extension options” and change the Web3 provider for using Dapps from Ask to MetaMask. Refresh the page to apply the changes.

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Diana Chen
Unstoppable Domains

Content marketing at Unstoppable Domains | Podcast host at Startup Happy Hour and The Unstoppable Podcast | Advisor at Content Allies