Clear, official-style guidance for safely accessing your MetaMask wallet — whether you use the browser extension or mobile app. Covers signing in, account protection, seed phrase handling, hardware wallet integration, dApp safety, and recovery procedures.
MetaMask provides access via a browser extension and a mobile application. To sign in on a new device, install MetaMask only from official distribution channels (browser extension stores or the verified MetaMask website). When creating a new wallet you will set a strong account password; this password unlocks the MetaMask interface on that device. If you already have an existing wallet, use the Import using seed phrase option and enter the recovery phrase to restore accounts.
Choose a unique, high‑entropy password for MetaMask. The password protects the wallet locally — it does not replace the need to secure your recovery phrase. Use a reputable password manager to store this password if remembering complex strings is difficult. Always enable device-level security: OS passcodes, full‑disk encryption, and biometric locks where available add critical layers of protection for the MetaMask app and extension.
Upon wallet creation, MetaMask generates a 12‑word recovery phrase (seed). This phrase is the ultimate key to your funds: anyone with the phrase can restore and control your wallet. Store it offline on paper, metal backup plates, or other tamper‑resistant media. Do not photograph, screenshot, or copy the seed phrase to cloud storage, email, or messenger apps. Consider creating multiple physical backups stored in separate secure locations.
For strong security, connect a hardware wallet (such as Ledger or Trezor) to MetaMask. Hardware wallets keep private keys offline while MetaMask acts as an interface for transactions and dApp interactions. When using this setup, transactions must be approved on the hardware device, adding a robust defense against malware and phishing on the host machine.
MetaMask is frequently used to interact with decentralized applications (dApps). Only connect to dApps you trust and verify the URL and contract addresses. When a dApp requests permissions, review the requested scopes carefully. Minimize permanent approvals and regularly review and revoke allowances for tokens you no longer use. Be aware that signing messages can authorize sensitive actions—read prompts and confirm intent before approving.
Phishing attempts target MetaMask users with fake websites, fake extension updates, or support impersonation. Always verify the domain before entering your password or seed phrase. Do not install MetaMask or browser extensions from unverified sources. If you receive unsolicited messages offering help, rewards, or urgent account recovery, treat them as suspicious and verify via official MetaMask channels.
If you forget your MetaMask password but still have your seed phrase, restore your wallet on a new device using Import using seed phrase. If you lose both the password and seed phrase, account recovery is not possible—there is no centralized reset. This underscores why secure, offline backups of the seed phrase are essential. For specific issues with installs or transactions, consult MetaMask’s official support resources and community documentation.
Keep your browser, operating system, and MetaMask extension/app up to date to receive security patches. Limit the number of extensions installed and audit them regularly. Use separate wallets for different purposes—one for daily interactions and a hardware‑protected wallet for long‑term holdings. Consider using a burner wallet for high‑risk dApp interactions and validate transactions by checking recipient addresses and gas limits.