Metamask is a digital wallet that allows you to interact with the Ethereum blockchain, all compatible EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) networks, and all dApps (decentralized applications). It is available as a browser extension and also for smartphones, although we recommend using Metamask only for PC, as there are more efficient wallets available for smartphones.
Whether you're looking to make transactions, trade or create NFTs, or explore the vast world of decentralized finance (DeFi), Metamask securely and reliably puts you in control of your cryptocurrencies.
How to install Metamask browser extension:
In this guide, we'll see how to use Metamask via PC.
Go to https://metamask.io/
Click on "Download Now."
Download the version based on your browser (Chrome - Firefox - Opera - Brave).
We recommend using Metamask with Brave Browser to earn BAT rewards for searches and to have ad-blocking capabilities (even on YouTube).
Metamask Wallet Creation:
After adding the extension, the MetaMask logo will appear in the top right corner of your browser among the extensions (where the puzzle piece icon is on Chrome and Brave; I recommend pinning it by clicking on the pin icon).
Click on the symbol that appeared in your browser to access Metamask.
Create a password and click on continue (1)
Save the Backup phrase and keep it safe, you will need it to recover your wallet if necessary (2)
Repeat the phrase to verify that you have saved the words.
You have created the wallet, you are ready to use Metamask (3)
Metamask Interface
Once MetaMask is installed, this will be the interface you'll see (the background can be dark or light).
Let's start by examining the interface:
By clicking on "Account 1," you can switch wallets, and you can also choose to add more accounts (the accounts you create will always be resettable with the backup words).
This is your ADDRESS, your public wallet address. You'll need it to receive crypto. Treat it like an "IBAN." Your address is public, meaning no one can access your wallet with your public address. However, it's possible to scan the network through an explorer and see what's contained and all the transactions of your wallet.
Wallet Network: MetaMask is initially installed with the Ethereum network, but you can change networks to an EVM-compatible one, such as Polygon (MATIC), Binance Smart Chain (BSC), etc. For example, Bitcoin cannot be used through MetaMask. Scroll down to learn how to add a network to MetaMask.
Buy and Sell: Through these functions, you can buy and sell cryptocurrencies for fiat currency (euros/dollars). Using this function will involve external centralized services that will require KYC (identity verification). I advise against buying from MetaMask as this procedure would make your wallet nominal.
Send: With this function, you can send cryptocurrencies to others. You'll need to enter the recipient's address, choose the network fees, and send.
Swap: Using the swap function, MetaMask allows you to exchange cryptocurrencies for others, as long as they're on the same network. This function uses decentralized exchanges that preserve your privacy.
Bridge: The bridge function allows you to exchange coins between multiple networks, for example, transferring USDT from the Ethereum network to the Polygon network. This is very useful to avoid going through a centralized exchange or dapp.
Portfolio: By clicking on portfolio, you'll access a screen where you can see the contents of your wallet, the different networks, and tokens.
Tokens: Through this dropdown, you can view all tokens in your wallet. On the right, you'll find NFTs, and further to the right, activities (deposits, withdrawals, interactions with smart contracts).
Crypto: In this section, you'll see the respective coins in your wallet and their quantities. In some cases, for new tokens, MetaMask may not recognize the token. In such cases, you'll need to click "+ import tokens."
+ Import Tokens: Through this function, you can manually add a token by copying the token's address and entering it into the respective field.
How to add a network to MetaMask:
You may want to add a new compatible network to MetaMask.
To add a new compatible network to MetaMask, you have two options:
Direct addition through the MetaMask platform:
Go to the "Networks" section in the MetaMask interface.
Click on "Add Network."
Select the network you want to add from the list of available options.
Click "Add" to confirm adding the new network.
Using Chainlist (more comprehensive option):
Chainlist is a tool that allows you to add custom networks to MetaMask.
To use it, go to Chainlist and find out how to add the desired networks.
Follow the instructions provided on Chainlist to add the custom network to MetaMask fully and correctly.
How to deposit a coin on MetaMask:
To deposit a coin on MetaMask, follow these steps:
Identify the appropriate network: Before depositing a coin, make sure you know the network on which it can be used. You can find this information on sites like CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko.
Copy your MetaMask wallet address: Regardless of the network you want to deposit the coin on, you'll need to use the same MetaMask wallet address. Copy the address from your MetaMask wallet.
Use a wallet or exchange to send the coin: Log in to your wallet or exchange from which you want to send the coin. Paste your MetaMask wallet address and select the correct network for the coin you're depositing. Make sure to set the right network to avoid fund losses.
Verify the arrival of the coin: Once the sending is completed, check if the coin has arrived in your MetaMask wallet. However, you may not see it immediately in the MetaMask wallet if it's a new or unrecognized coin.
Use an explorer to verify the transaction: Use a blockchain explorer to verify if the transaction has been successfully completed and if the coin has been deposited into your MetaMask wallet address. You can search for your transaction using the transaction ID or wallet address.
Add the coin to MetaMask: If the coin doesn't appear automatically in your MetaMask wallet, you can add it manually using the "Add token" or "Import token" option. You'll need the coin's smart contract, which you can find on the blockchain explorer, to complete this process.
By following these steps, you'll successfully deposit a coin into your MetaMask wallet and start using it as needed. Always make sure to use correct addresses, double-check them at least twice, and carefully verify transactions before confirming them.
How to view a token on MetaMask
It often happens that after depositing a coin on MetaMask, it is not displayed. To view it via MetaMask, you can do it in two ways:
If the token is listed on CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko:
Go to CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko in the section related to the token you want to add.
Find where the token contract is located.
Choose the network on which you are using the token.
Click on the MetaMask symbol to add it directly.
Confirm the addition of the token from your wallet.
If the token is NOT listed on CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko:
Use a blockchain explorer, based on the network, and obtain the token contract.
Click on "+ import tokens" on MetaMask.
Enter the token contract.
Add the token to MetaMask.
Connecting to Dapps
Through MetaMask, you can connect to numerous decentralized applications (Dapps), which may include exchanges, marketplaces, blockchain games, and much more...
You can discover all existing Dapps through DappRadar.
To connect with a Dapp, you need to:
Go to the website of the Dapp you want to use.
Click on the connect button, usually located in the top right corner, to connect your MetaMask wallet with the site.
Sign the connection to the Dapp through your wallet.
Once connected to the site, you are ready to use the Dapp.
Always verify the reliability of a Dapp before using it.
Advanced
Through MetaMask, you can also use hardware wallets.
In the settings, you can save private keys for individual accounts, while the 12-word seed phrase is linked to all accounts.
In the settings, you can find "Snaps," which are third-party integrations for MetaMask. I recommend Blockfence for securing MetaMask.