Public blockchains like Ethereum and Solana are the next evolution of Internet databases, and MetaMask is the next evolution of the browser.
MetaMask is a web browser extension and mobile app that allows you to manage your Ethereum and Solana private keys. By doing so, it serves as a wallet for Ether and other tokens, and allows you to interact with decentralized applications, or dapps. Unlike some wallets, MetaMask keeps no information on you: not your email address, not your password, and not your Secret Recovery Phrase or other private keys. You retain all power over your crypto-identity.
New to crypto and web3?
Head to MetaMask Learn for a straightforward learning experience designed specifically for newcomers to web3. It's completely free, available in multiple languages, and includes useful tools such as simulations to help you find your feet with MetaMask.
For detailed information on specific topics such as blockchain technology, tokens, swaps, Layer 2 networks and the rest, scroll down to "Next Steps".
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Alternatively, you could also access each browser's extension store and search for MetaMask. Whatever you prefer!
When installing the MetaMask extension, you'll be able to adjust privacy settings one-by-one to ensure the app is set up according to your privacy preferences.
To do this, simply hit the 'Advanced configuration' button in the wallet set-up process. Here you can toggle/configure settings including:
Don't worry if you're unsure during setup: once your wallet is up and running, you can access the same settings at any time in Settings > Security & Privacy.
When adding MetaMask to your browser, you may ask why you'd have to approve an extension to “read and change all your data on the websites you visit”. Get ready, the answer is technical:
In order to enable dapps (decentralized applications) to access the blockchain, MetaMask needs to inject a Web3 JavaScript object into each page. By doing so, it will not change the website, but merely allows it to access the network. For a fuller explanation of this, see here.
That said, MetaMask is safe for browsing. Welcome — you're joining over 30 million MetaMask users all over the world!
Adding some tokens to your wallet allows you to fully engage in web3. After creating your wallet, you'll see a prompt in the MetaMask extension to fund your wallet.
From there, you can buy crypto with a debit or credit card, receive crypto from another account, or transfer crypto from a CEX. Select the option you'd like to start with; you can always use a different method later.
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