MetaMask® | The Leading Crypto Wallet® Platform™

MetaMask is the world’s most trusted self-custodial wallet, serving as the primary gateway to the decentralized web (Web3). In 2026, it has expanded beyond its Ethereum roots to offer a seamless, multi-chain experience across Solana, Linea, Base, Polygon, and thousands of other networks.

Whether you are swapping tokens, collecting NFTs, or using the new MetaMask Card to spend crypto in the real world, this guide will get you started securely.

1. Secure Installation

To protect your assets from phishing and "drainer" apps, always download MetaMask from the official source.

  • Official Website: MetaMask.io
  • Browser Extension: Supported on Chrome, Brave, Firefox, and Edge.
  • Mobile App: Available for iOS and Android.
  • Verification Tip: In app stores, look for the developer "Consensys Software Inc." and ensure the app has millions of downloads.

2. Setting Up Your Wallet

When you first open MetaMask, you will have two primary ways to create your identity:

Option A: Secret Recovery Phrase (SRP) - Standard

  1. Select "Create a new wallet."
  2. Set a strong password for the local device.
  3. Reveal your 12-word SRP. This is the "Master Key" to your funds.

The Golden Rule: Write these 12 words on paper and store them in a secure, offline location. Never save them in your email, cloud, or as a screenshot. If you lose this phrase, MetaMask cannot help you recover your money.

Option B: Social Login - New for 2026

MetaMask now allows you to create a wallet using your Google or Apple ID. This shards your key across multiple secure nodes, removing the immediate need to manage a physical seed phrase. However, you must still set a unique password that is different from your social account.

3. Core Features of 2026

MetaMask has evolved into an all-in-one financial dashboard:

  • MetaMask Card: A crypto debit card (Mastercard) that lets you spend your USDC, USDT, and WETH at over 150 million merchants globally. You maintain custody of your funds until the exact second you pay.
  • MetaMask Rewards: Opt-in via the "Rewards" tab to earn points for your swaps and bridging activity. Points can be redeemed for fee discounts, token allocations (like $LINEA), and exclusive NFT drops.
  • Built-in Swaps & Bridge: Trade tokens or move them between chains (e.g., Ethereum to Solana) directly in the app. MetaMask aggregates prices from multiple providers to find the lowest fees.
  • Staking: Earn passive income by staking your ETH directly through MetaMask Pool or partners like Lido and Rocket Pool, with annual rewards currently ranging from 2.4% to 2.7%.

4. Advanced Security: Wallet Guard

MetaMask now features integrated Wallet Guard technology to protect you from the latest 2026 threats:

  • Human-Readable Signatures: No more "blind signing." MetaMask translates complex smart contract code into plain English so you know exactly what you are approving.
  • Phishing Alerts: Real-time threat surveillance flags suspicious websites and malicious decentralized apps (dApps) before you connect.
  • Hardware Wallet Support: For maximum security, link your Ledger, Trezor, or Keystone hardware wallet to MetaMask. This ensures your private keys never leave your physical device, even when interacting with dApps.

5. Connecting to dApps

To use a decentralized application (like Uniswap, OpenSea, or a Web3 game):

  1. Visit the website.
  2. Click "Connect Wallet" and select MetaMask.
  3. A pop-up will appear in MetaMask. Review the permissions carefully.
  4. Once connected, you can sign transactions or messages to interact with the site.