Metamask #

MetaMask is the leading self-custodial wallet. The safe and simple way to access blockchain applications and web3. Trusted by millions of users worldwide

What is MetaMask and How to Use It?

MetaMask is a wallet exclusive to the Ethereum blockchain. Dive deep to know MetaMask inside-out.You don’t go shopping without your wallet, do you?Similarly, you’ll need a crypto wallet to transact with a blockchain.

A wallet is your personal key to interact with the cryptographic world. It powers you to buy, sell or transfer assets on the blockchain.

And MetaMask is a wallet for the most diverse blockchain in existence–Ethereum. It’s your gateway to its DeFi ecosystem, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), ERC-20 tokens, and practically–everything Ethereum.

It’s available as an app for iOS and Android. In addition, you can use this as an extension with a few web browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Brave, and Edge.

But before going through the actual registration process and everything else, let’s say hello to this fantastic hot crypto wallet:

I know. It’s a lot to take in at once. So, we’ll go easy, step-by-step.

What is MetaMask?

Blockchain offers privacy, transparency, and immutability. You will be powered to use applications, transact anywhere, and do a lot more without anyone watching (read Google, Governments).

But there are various blockchains, each one coded for a different purpose.

However, Ethereum, a gigantic decentralized ecosystem, is for the masses. And MetaMask is a free, open-source, hot wallet to get you rolling with Ethereum.

Hot wallets are free and can be used from any internet-connected device. This also brings in the single most vulnerability of such wallets–security. While a single low-key user can be quite safe with a hot wallet, you should beware of crypto exchanges using them–and better look for cold wallets supported exchanges.

Let’s take a look at some of the prominent features of this wallet:

Ease of use

Starting with MetaMask is easy, quick, and anonymous. You don’t even need an email address. Just set up a password and remember (and store) the secret recovery phrase, and you’re done.

Security

Your information is encrypted in your browser that nobody has access to. In the event of a lost password, you have the 12-word secret recovery phase (also called a seed phrase) for recovery. Notably, it’s essential to keep the seed phrase safe, as even MetaMask has no information about it. Once lost, it can’t be retrieved.

Built-In Crypto Store

If you’re wondering, no, you can’t buy Bitcoin with MetaMask. It only supports Ether and other Ether-related tokens, including the famous ERC-20 tokens. Cryptocurrencies (excluding Ether) on Ethereum are built as ERC-20 tokens.

Backup and Restore

MetaMask stores your information locally. So, in case you switch browsers or machines, you can restore your MetaMask wallet with your secret recovery phrase.

Community Support

As of August 2021, MetaMask was home to 10 million monthly active users around the world. Its simple and intuitive user interface keeps pushing these numbers with a recorded 1800% increase from July 2020.

Conclusively, try MetaMask if hot wallets are your pick. Let’s begin with the installation before moving to its use cases. Further sections entail the illustration for Chrome web browser and Android mobile platform.

Installing MetaMask on Chrome

Go to the download page, choose your platform, and hit the download button at the button. It will auto-detect the browser. But for iOS and Android, select your platform to get the links or search in the respective app stores.

MetaMask Browser Extension

I’ll demonstrate this with the chrome browser. Visit the download page and Click Install MetaMask for Chrome to visit the MetaMask extension page on the chrome web store.

metamask download page

Install and pin that to make it available in your browser toolbar. This process is similar to installing any browser extension on chrome.

MetaMask Wallet Registration

Finally, you will be greeted with this. Now click Get Started to begin the registration process.

metamask welcome page

The subsequent screen will give you the option to Import Wallet, or you can Create a Wallet. Click the latter option to register a new one.

wallet registration page

Next, you can choose to share some anonymous data with MetaMask to jump on to the following screen. You can click No Thanks for complete peace of mind–it won’t hamper your user experience with MetaMask. Select accordingly and proceed.