01
Your keys stay yours
MetaMask is a self-custody wallet. You control your Secret Recovery Phrase and approve every connection and transaction yourself.
A clear-eyed guide to self-custody
Your wallet.
Your keys.
Your next move.
Meet the MetaMask Wallet Extension — a simple starting point for exploring web3, connecting to decentralized apps, and keeping control in your hands.
Always download from the official MetaMask website.
WALLET OVERVIEW
W
ACCOUNT 01Everyday wallet
TOTAL BALANCE
$2,840.65
↗ +4.28% this month
↗ Send↓ Receive⇄ Swap
You're in controlReview every connection
ONCHAIN
BY CHOICE
A little more agency, one connection at a time. BY CHOICE
FIELDNOTE 001AN INTRODUCTION TO WEB3 WALLETSEST. FOR THE CURIOUS
01 / The essentials
A wallet is more than
a place to hold assets.
Think of a browser wallet as your personal keyring for web3. It helps you manage access and decide when an app can interact with your address.
02
A doorway to web3
Connect to decentralized apps, explore onchain experiences, and manage supported tokens from a familiar browser extension.
03
Choose before you approve
Review the site, network, and transaction details before confirming. A moment of attention can make a meaningful difference.
02 / Your first steps
Start simple.
Stay intentional.
You don’t need to know everything about web3 to begin. Make your first steps deliberately, and keep your recovery details private.
Go to official downloadGet it from the source
Use MetaMask’s official download page and select the extension for your browser. Avoid sponsored lookalikes and third-party download sites.
Create or restore safely
Follow the wallet’s setup flow. If you create a wallet, write down your Secret Recovery Phrase offline and keep it private.
Connect with care
Visit the decentralized app you trust, connect your wallet, then read each permission and transaction prompt before you approve.
MetaMask will never ask you to share your Secret Recovery Phrase with support.
03 / A few good habits
Keep your keys
out of the conversation.
Your Secret Recovery Phrase is the master key to your wallet. Treat it like a secret, not a password you can reset.
✳
Never share your phrase.
No legitimate support agent, website, or giveaway needs it. Anyone who gets it can take control of your wallet.
◎
Check the address.
Confirm you’re on the correct site before connecting. Look closely for misspellings and unexpected redirects.
↗
Read before you sign.
Slow down on transaction prompts. If you don’t understand a request, cancel and learn more before proceeding.
04 / Good to know
Questions, meet
clear answers.
A few quick notes before you open your wallet.
What is the MetaMask Wallet Extension?+
It’s a browser extension wallet that lets you manage a self-custody wallet and connect to decentralized applications. You remain responsible for protecting your recovery phrase and reviewing requests.
Is MetaMask free to install?+
The MetaMask extension is free to download from its official website. Some onchain actions may involve network fees, which vary by network and activity.
Where should I download the extension?+
Start at metamask.io/download and follow the links for your browser. Avoid unknown links sent in messages or social posts.
Can someone recover my Secret Recovery Phrase?+
No. MetaMask cannot reset or retrieve it for you. Keep your phrase offline in a secure place, and never enter it into a site claiming to provide support.
Your next step, your call
Curiosity is a
good place to start.
Take your time, use official sources, and make every connection on your terms.
Explore MetaMask