MetaMask is an Ethereum-based wallet for that can be installed for free to many desktop browsers or in beta for iOS and Android, and due to its importance for interacting with dApps, we have created a complete guide.
Ethereum is designed to allow the execution of the code needed to run dApps, which are decentralized applications on the blockchain that will make up web3. These applications are similar to those available on smartphones and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as decentralized exchanges, financial instrument management, transaction anonymization, betting and gambling, and more.
Dappradar or State of the Dapps are websites that allows you to see the dApps available on Ethereo. However, to use and communicate with these dApps, you must use a dApp in a browser, such as MetaMask.
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MetaMask – complete guide
The purpose of MetaMask is to simplify the interaction with the blockchain Ethereum. To summarize, MetaMask can be used:
- As a regular wallet for sending and receiving ether, the native currency Ethereum;
- For ERC20 token management;
- For direct connection to decentralized exchanges (DEX) without the need to create new addresses;
- To use Ethereum dApps (eg Ethlend, MakerDAO, KyberSwap, etc.).
The problem facing new Ethereum users is meta transactions: To prevent network spam, Ethereum requires that each account have a minimum balance in order to pay the transaction fees necessary for any interaction with the network.
Step 1. Install MetaMask in your browser
To create a new wallet using MetaMask, you must first install an extension. You can install Metamask for Chrome, Firefox, Brave and Opera.
- Open https://metamask.io or search for “Metamask extensions” using your favorite search engine.
In this guide, we’ll use Google Chrome as an example, but the workflow is the same for all browsers.
- Click Chrome to install MetaMask as a Google Chrome extension.
- Click Add to Chrome.
- Click Add Extension.
And it is done! You have successfully installed the MetaMask extension!
Step 2. Create an account
The next step is to create an account.
- Click the MetaMask icon in the upper right corner to open the extension.
- To install the latest version of MetaMask, click Try it now.
- Click Continue.
You will be asked to create a new password. Create a strong password and click Create. (Don’t forget to save your password)
Click Next to continue and then accept the terms of use.
Click on Reveal secret words.
You will see a 12-word seed phrase. Save the seed as a file or copy it to a safe location and click Next.
Verify your secret phrase by selecting a previously generated phrase. When done, click Confirm.
Congratulations! You have successfully created your MetaMask account. A new address for your Ethereum wallet has been automatically generated for you!
Click View Account to continue.
Your public wallet address will be displayed. You can use it now and share this address with other people if needed.
Your MetaMask extension will always be available on your browser’s toolbar. Click on the MetaMask icon to open it.
