MetaMask is the world’s most popular browser extension wallet, serving as the primary gateway to the decentralized web. If you are looking for a complete MetaMask setup guide, you are in the right place. In this step-by-step tutorial for beginners, you will find everything you need to know about how to install MetaMask, configure your new account, and securely back up your seed phrase. Follow our MetaMask wallet setup process below to get started in minutes — no prior crypto experience required.
Part 1: Installing the MetaMask Browser Extension
First, you need to install the MetaMask extension for your browser. It is crucial to only download MetaMask from the official website to avoid phishing scams.
- Go to the Official Website: Open your web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Brave, or Edge) and navigate to the official MetaMask website: metamask.io. Always double-check the URL in your browser’s address bar — never click links from ads, emails, or social media claiming to be MetaMask.
- Click “Download”: On the homepage, click the “Download for Chrome” (or your browser’s name) button. This will take you to your browser’s official web store.
- Add to Browser: Click “Add to Chrome” (or your respective browser) and confirm by clicking “Add extension” in the pop-up window.
- Pin the Extension: Once installed, click the puzzle piece icon in the top-right corner of your browser, find MetaMask in the list, and click the pin icon so the orange fox logo is always visible in your toolbar.
Part 2: Creating Your New Wallet
Now that the extension is installed, click the MetaMask fox icon in your toolbar to open the welcome screen. It’s time to create your wallet.
- Get Started & Terms of Use: On the welcome screen, check the box to agree to MetaMask’s Terms of Use, then click the “Create a new wallet” button.
- Help Us Improve MetaMask: You’ll be asked if you want to share anonymous usage data with MetaMask. You can choose either “I Agree” or “No Thanks” — this choice has no effect on your wallet’s functionality or security.
- Create a Strong Password: You will now need to create a password for your wallet. This password is used to unlock your MetaMask wallet on this specific device. It is not your private key. Choose a strong, unique password that you don’t use for any other service. A password manager is highly recommended.
Important: This password only protects your wallet on this specific browser. If you forget it, you can restore your wallet using your Secret Recovery Phrase, but MetaMask cannot recover the password for you.
Part 3: Securing Your Wallet with the Secret Recovery Phrase
This is the most critical step in the entire process. Your Secret Recovery Phrase (also known as a seed phrase) is the master key to all your accounts within MetaMask. If you lose it, you lose access to your funds forever. If someone else gets it, they can steal all your assets.
- Choose to Secure Your Wallet: MetaMask will ask how you want to secure your wallet. Always click “Secure my wallet (Recommended)” — never choose “Remind me later,” as skipping this step puts your funds at risk.
- Watch the Security Video: MetaMask will show you a short video explaining the importance of your Secret Recovery Phrase. It is highly recommended that you watch it.
- Reveal Your Secret Recovery Phrase: Click “Reveal Secret Recovery Phrase” to see your 12 words. Make sure no one is looking over your shoulder.
- Write It Down and Store It Securely: Write down your 12-word phrase on a piece of paper. Do not store it on your computer, in a text file, in an email, or in any digital format. Digital storage is vulnerable to hacking.
For best practices on how to store your phrase, read our guide on How to Backup Your Seed Phrase Safely.
- Confirm Your Phrase: On the next screen, MetaMask will test you by asking you to fill in specific missing words from your phrase (for example, word #3, #7, and #11). Fill them in correctly to prove you have written your phrase down accurately.
Once you have confirmed your phrase, your MetaMask wallet is set up and ready to use! You can now access your wallet at any time by clicking the MetaMask fox icon in your browser’s toolbar.
How to Set Up MetaMask on Mobile (iOS & Android)
Prefer to manage your crypto on the go? The MetaMask mobile app is available for free on both iOS and Android and offers the same core functionality as the browser extension. Here is how to use the MetaMask mobile app to set up your wallet directly from your phone.
- Download the Official App: Open the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and search for “MetaMask”. Download the official app published by MetaMask / ConsenSys. Always verify the developer name before installing to avoid fake apps.
- Create or Import a Wallet: Open the app and tap “Get started”. You will be given the same two options as the browser extension: “Create a new wallet” (for first-time users) or “Import using Secret Recovery Phrase” (if you already have a wallet). Tap “Create a new wallet” to proceed.
- Set a Password and Back Up Your Phrase: Create a strong password for the app, then follow the prompts to back up your Secret Recovery Phrase. The process mirrors the desktop setup — write down your 12 words on paper and store them somewhere safe offline. Never take a screenshot of your seed phrase.
- Enable Biometric Login (Optional): Once your wallet is created, MetaMask will offer you the option to enable Face ID or fingerprint authentication for faster access. This is a convenient and secure option for daily use.
Once set up, your MetaMask mobile wallet shares the same Ethereum address as your browser extension if you import the same Secret Recovery Phrase — giving you seamless access to your funds across all your devices.
Next Steps: How to Use MetaMask After Setup
Congratulations — your MetaMask wallet is live. Here is what to do next to start using it effectively.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions About MetaMask Setup
Is MetaMask safe to use for beginners?
Yes, MetaMask is a well-established and widely trusted wallet that uses industry-standard encryption. However, because it is a non-custodial wallet, the security of your funds depends entirely on how well you protect your Secret Recovery Phrase. As long as you store your phrase offline, never share it with anyone, and only connect to verified dApps, your wallet remains highly secure.
Can I use MetaMask on my mobile phone?
Absolutely. The MetaMask mobile app is available for both iOS and Android and offers the same core functionality as the browser extension. You can either create a new wallet directly on your phone or sync your existing browser wallet by importing it using your Secret Recovery Phrase. The mobile app also includes a built-in browser for accessing dApps on the go.
What happens if I forget my MetaMask password?
If you forget the device password you set during setup, you can restore your wallet by clicking “Forgot password” on the MetaMask login screen and entering your 12-word Secret Recovery Phrase. MetaMask will then allow you to set a new password. However, if you have also lost your Secret Recovery Phrase, your funds cannot be recovered by anyone — not even the MetaMask support team.
Does MetaMask support Bitcoin (BTC)?
MetaMask natively supports Ethereum and all EVM-compatible tokens. It does not natively support Bitcoin on its native blockchain. However, you can hold Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC), which is an ERC-20 token that represents Bitcoin on the Ethereum network, within your MetaMask wallet. For native BTC storage, a dedicated Bitcoin wallet is recommended.
How do I avoid MetaMask phishing scams?
Phishing is the most common threat MetaMask users face. To stay safe: always navigate directly to metamask.io rather than clicking links; never enter your Secret Recovery Phrase on any website — MetaMask will never ask for it online; ignore unsolicited messages on Discord, Telegram, or Twitter from accounts claiming to be MetaMask support; and always verify the URL of any dApp before connecting your wallet.
Can I have multiple accounts in one MetaMask wallet?
Yes. MetaMask allows you to create multiple accounts (wallet addresses) within a single installation, all managed by the same Secret Recovery Phrase. This is useful for separating your DeFi activity from your NFT collecting, for example. To add a new account, click on your account icon at the top of the MetaMask interface and select “Add account or hardware wallet”.
How do I add ETH to my MetaMask wallet for the first time?
To fund your MetaMask wallet for the first time, copy your public wallet address by clicking on it at the top of the MetaMask interface (it starts with “0x”). You can then send ETH to this address from a centralized exchange such as Coinbase, Binance, or Kraken. Alternatively, MetaMask has a built-in “Buy” feature that lets you purchase ETH directly using a credit or debit card via third-party providers like MoonPay or Transak. Note that small transaction fees (gas fees) apply whenever you send or receive funds on the Ethereum network.
How do I add a custom network to MetaMask?
To add a custom network such as Polygon, Arbitrum, or BNB Chain to MetaMask, click the network dropdown at the top of your wallet and select “Add a custom network”. You will need to enter the network’s RPC URL, Chain ID, currency symbol, and block explorer URL. The easiest way to do this is by visiting chainlist.org, finding the network you want, and clicking “Add to MetaMask” — this fills in all the details automatically with a single click.
Can I use the same MetaMask wallet on multiple devices?
Yes. Your MetaMask wallet is not tied to a specific device — it is defined by your Secret Recovery Phrase. To access the same wallet on a different browser or device, simply install MetaMask and choose “Import an existing wallet” during setup, then enter your 12-word Secret Recovery Phrase. Your accounts, balances, and transaction history will all be restored. Keep in mind that each device will require its own local password, but the underlying wallet remains the same.
What are the most common MetaMask setup mistakes beginners make?
The most common mistakes beginners make when setting up MetaMask are: (1) Storing the seed phrase digitally — taking a screenshot or saving it in a notes app makes it vulnerable to hackers; always write it on paper. (2) Skipping the seed phrase backup by clicking “Remind me later” — if you lose access to your device without a backup, your funds are gone permanently. (3) Downloading MetaMask from unofficial sources — always use metamask.io or your browser’s official web store. (4) Sharing the seed phrase with anyone — MetaMask support will never ask for it. (5) Connecting to unverified dApps — always double-check URLs before connecting your wallet.
Is MetaMask free to download and use?
Yes, MetaMask is completely free to download and install, both as a browser extension and as a mobile app. MetaMask does not charge any fees for creating a wallet, storing tokens, or connecting to dApps. However, any transaction you make on the Ethereum network (or other blockchains) will incur standard network gas fees, which go to the network’s validators — not to MetaMask. When you use MetaMask’s built-in swap feature, a small service fee is included in the exchange rate.
