How to Use MetaMask Complete setup guide from wallet creation to first swap.

How to Use MetaMask — Complete Setup Guide from Wallet Creation to First Swap

This guide takes you from zero to confident with MetaMask: installation, wallet creation, safety best practices, adding networks, funding your account, connecting to decentralized apps (dApps), and making your first swap. You’ll also learn how gas works, how to verify tokens, how to revoke approvals, and how to stay safe from common scams.

Disclaimer: This guide is educational and not financial, legal, or tax advice. Crypto is risky. Always verify URLs, contracts, and transactions before you sign. You are responsible for your own actions.

What Is MetaMask and Why It Matters

MetaMask is a non-custodial crypto wallet that lives in your browser (and mobile) and lets you interact with Ethereum and compatible networks (e.g., Arbitrum, Optimism, Base, Polygon). It’s the “login layer” for Web3: you sign messages and approve transactions directly from your wallet instead of using centralized accounts and passwords. With MetaMask you can:

  • Store and transfer tokens and NFTs on Ethereum and EVM chains.
  • Connect to dApps such as DEXs (e.g., Uniswap), NFT marketplaces, lending protocols, and games.
  • Bridge assets between chains via trusted UIs (and verify them on explorers).
  • Manage approvals and permissions for the smart contracts you interact with.

Because MetaMask is non-custodial, you control the keys. If you lose your Secret Recovery Phrase (seed phrase), no one can recover your funds. This is empowering but also unforgiving—so treat security like your funds depend on it (because they do).

Install MetaMask (Desktop & Mobile)

Always download from the official website and the verified app stores. Do not click search ads or third-party links.

Install Steps (Desktop)

  1. Open metamask.io/download and choose your browser.
  2. Verify the publisher is “ConsenSys Software Inc.” in the store listing.
  3. Click Add to Browser, then pin the fox icon for quick access.
  4. Open the extension and choose Create a new wallet (or Import if you already have a seed).

Install Steps (Mobile)

  1. Install the app from the verified store links above.
  2. Create a new wallet or import an existing one. Enable biometrics if desired (this secures local access only; it’s not a seed backup).
  3. Later, you can sync QR with the browser extension via “Sync with MetaMask Mobile,” following official instructions.

Create Your Wallet & Secure the Secret Recovery Phrase

Your Secret Recovery Phrase (SRP), often called the seed phrase or mnemonic (12 or 24 words), is the master key to your wallet. Anyone who knows the SRP can control your funds. MetaMask will generate it during setup.

  1. Set a strong local password. This password encrypts your wallet data on your device. It’s not a custody mechanism; the SRP remains the key.
  2. Write the SRP on paper (or multiple copies) and store it in separate, secure locations. Consider a fire- and water-resistant option or a metal backup (e.g., steel seed plates).
  3. Never type your SRP into websites, Google Docs, screenshots, or cloud notes. Avoid printers and cameras. If you must store digitally, use an offline encrypted medium (advanced users only).
  4. Confirm the words in MetaMask’s verification step, then finish setup.
Pro tip: Consider a two-wallet model: a hot wallet for daily dApp use and a cold wallet (hardware) for long-term holdings. You can connect a hardware device (Ledger/Trezor) to MetaMask for added security: see
official guide.

MetaMask Interface Primer

MetaMask’s main screens on desktop and mobile are similar:

  • Account name & address: Click to copy your public address (0x…); shareable for receiving funds.
  • Network selector: Dropdown at the top (e.g., Ethereum Mainnet, Arbitrum One, Base, etc.).
  • Balance & tokens: List of assets recognized by your wallet. You can add custom tokens.
  • Send/Swap/Bridge/Buy: Action buttons for common tasks. (You can also use third-party dApps.)
  • Activity: History of transactions; each item links to an explorer.
  • Settings: Advanced settings, contacts, networks, security & privacy, alerts.

Add Networks (Arbitrum, Optimism, Base, Polygon, etc.)

MetaMask ships with Ethereum Mainnet and a few defaults. To add more chains safely, use official docs or a trusted directory like Chainlist.org.

Add via Chainlist

  1. Open chainlist.org and connect MetaMask.
  2. Search for the chain (e.g., “Arbitrum One,” “Base,” “Optimism,” “Polygon”).
  3. Click Add to MetaMask. Confirm the chain ID, RPC URL, and currency symbol match official sources.

Official Network Docs & Explorers

If a dApp prompts you to add a network automatically, confirm the details match the official chain parameters before accepting.

Add & Verify Tokens

MetaMask often auto-detects popular tokens, but you can manually add any ERC-20 by contract address. The important part is verifying the token address from trusted sources:

  1. Use official project docs or reputable explorers (Etherscan/Arbiscan/BaseScan) to fetch the token contract.
  2. In MetaMask, click Import tokens → paste the contract address; the symbol and decimals usually auto-fill.
  3. Confirm it matches the explorer entry and add the token.
Never copy token addresses from random tweets, YouTube descriptions, or aggregator comments. Use official links and explorers. For Ethereum: etherscan.io. For Arbitrum: arbiscan.io. For Base: basescan.org.

Fund Your Wallet (Receive, Buy, or Bridge)

There are three common ways to fund MetaMask:

  1. Receive from another wallet or exchange: Click your address to copy it and share it with the sender. Make sure the network you expect matches (e.g., don’t send ETH on Arbitrum to your Ethereum mainnet-only address in an exchange withdrawal—pick the right network in the exchange’s withdrawal UI).
  2. Buy with fiat: MetaMask has integrated on-ramps (varies by region). Alternatively, use a reputable exchange and withdraw on the desired network.
  3. Bridge from another chain: If you already hold assets elsewhere, bridge them using official UIs. Review our bridging guide and consider Stargate, Across, or CCTP for USDC.

Gas on Destination Chain

Remember: you’ll need native gas on the destination chain to do anything after funds arrive. If you bridge stablecoins to Base, also bridge or acquire a little ETH on Base for gas. Sometimes a friend can send you a few dollars of gas to get started.

Connect MetaMask to dApps (Safely)

Most dApps have a Connect Wallet button. When you connect, MetaMask shows a popup detailing the permissions (usually just your public address). Connecting is not the same as giving spending permission; spending requires a separate approval transaction.

  1. Navigate to the dApp’s official URL (bookmark it). Examples: Uniswap, Aave, 1inch.
  2. Click Connect and choose MetaMask. Select your account and network.
  3. Review any signature requests. Some dApps ask you to sign a non-transactional message to confirm ownership. Read the message—don’t sign blind.
Security tip: Use a dedicated browser profile and extensions you trust. Consider adding a security layer like a hardware wallet. If a dApp unexpectedly asks for a Spend or Set Approval For All on first connect, pause and verify legitimacy.

Your First Swap (Two Options)

You can swap in two ways: inside MetaMask or through a DEX UI. We’ll cover both.

Option A: Swap Inside MetaMask

  1. Open MetaMask on your chosen network (e.g., Ethereum or Base).
  2. Click Swap. Choose the token you’re selling and the token you’re buying. Enter an amount.
  3. MetaMask will aggregate quotes from multiple DEXs/aggregators and present the best route (includes fees).
  4. Review slippage, fees, and minimum received. If required, approve the token first (ERC-20 only).
  5. Click Swap and confirm the transaction in your wallet. Wait for confirmation.
  6. Verify the new token balance. If it doesn’t display, import the token using the verified contract address.

Option B: Swap via a DEX (e.g., Uniswap)

  1. Go to app.uniswap.org (bookmark it). Connect MetaMask and ensure the network matches the token you hold.
  2. Select the token pair (e.g., ETH → USDC). Set slippage tolerance if needed.
  3. If selling an ERC-20 the first time, click Approve and sign the approval transaction. Use a custom allowance (exact amount).
  4. Click Swap and confirm. Wait for finality; verify your balance.
Approvals 101: An approval lets a smart contract spend your tokens. It’s separate from the swap transaction. Prefer limited approvals (exact amount) to reduce risk. Regularly audit and revoke unused approvals with
revoke.cash or Etherscan’s token approval checker.

Understanding Gas, Fees, and EIP-1559

Every on-chain transaction costs gas, paid in the chain’s native token. On Ethereum mainnet, fees can spike during congestion. L2s (Arbitrum, Optimism, Base) are cheaper and faster for many activities.

  • EIP-1559: Transactions include a base fee (burned) and a priority tip to incentivize miners/validators. Wallets usually estimate automatically.
  • Speed vs. cost: Faster confirmation often requires a higher tip. If your tx is pending, you can increase the gas (speed up) or cancel (if still replaceable) from MetaMask’s activity menu.
  • L2 fees: Much lower than L1. Still need the native token for that L2 (e.g., ETH on Base is still ETH, but balances are separate per chain).

To learn more, see: MetaMask: What is gas? and ethereum.org: Gas.

NFTs in MetaMask

MetaMask displays NFTs that it recognizes, but you may need to add them manually (especially on some networks). Use the NFT’s contract address and token ID. Only import from trusted sources (project’s official site, verified collections on marketplaces, or block explorers).

  • Viewing on desktop/mobile varies; see official guide.
  • Scams often target NFT approvals. Double-check “SetApprovalForAll” transactions; they grant sweeping permissions.

Approvals, Permissions, and Security Hygiene

These habits drastically reduce risk:

  • Verify URLs by typing them or using bookmarks. Beware search ads and look-alike domains.
  • Read prompts: Approval ≠ swap. Message signing ≠ transaction. If the wording is confusing, back out and research.
  • Use limited allowances: When approving tokens, click “Edit Permission” and set the exact amount rather than “unlimited.”
  • Periodically revoke unused approvals with revoke.cash or explorer tools:
    Etherscan, Arbiscan, BaseScan.
  • Split wallets: Keep long-term funds on a hardware-backed vault. Use a hot wallet for testing and daily dApps.
  • Never share your SRP. MetaMask support will never ask for it. If any site asks for your SRP, it’s a scam.
  • Phishing alerts: If a site wants you to “re-enter your seed to restore access,” leave immediately.

Use MetaMask with a Hardware Wallet (Recommended)

A hardware wallet (Ledger, Trezor) stores the private keys offline. MetaMask becomes the interface, while the hardware device approves transactions. If your computer is compromised, the attacker still can’t sign without the device.

  1. Initialize your hardware wallet following the official guide (write down its own SRP securely).
  2. Open MetaMask → Settings → Advanced or Wallet → Connect Hardware Wallet (menu location may vary). Follow MetaMask’s instructions.
  3. After pairing, you’ll see new accounts (derived from the hardware wallet). Use these for larger balances.
Note: Your software wallet SRP and your hardware wallet SRP are distinct. Keep them separate and secure. Don’t mix them unless you understand the implications.

Bridging & Moving Between Chains

If you need to move tokens to another chain to use a dApp there, consider official or well-audited bridges. For a deeper walkthrough, see our dedicated guide: Bridge Tokens Between Chains. Quick references:

Always check chain support, token lists, estimated fees, and the destination gas requirement.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Transactions Pending or Stuck

  • In MetaMask, open Activity → choose the pending tx → Speed Up (increase tip) or Cancel (if possible).
  • Confirm the on-chain status in an explorer. Ethereum: etherscan.io. Arbitrum: arbiscan.io. Base: basescan.org.
  • If gas estimation fails repeatedly, try a different RPC (add via Chainlist), or wait until network congestion falls.

Token Doesn’t Appear After a Swap/Bridge

  • Import the token with the correct contract address from a reputable explorer.
  • Ensure you’re on the right network in MetaMask.

Wrong Network Withdrawal From an Exchange

  • If you withdrew on a network your wallet doesn’t support, do not panic. Many networks are EVM-compatible; add the network and the token may appear.
  • If you withdrew to a non-EVM network or incompatible address, contact exchange support immediately. Recovery depends on the exchange’s policies, not guaranteed.

Suspicious Signature or Approval Request

  • Reject it. Verify the dApp URL. Read the transaction details carefully.
  • Use revoke.cash to remove risky allowances you might have granted earlier.

MetaMask Keeps Asking to Re-Connect

  • Clear site permissions: MetaMask → Settings → Connections (or Privacy & Security) → remove the dApp and reconnect.
  • Use a clean browser profile and re-install MetaMask from the official source if necessary.

Advanced Settings & Power User Tips

  • Custom Nonce: In MetaMask Settings → Advanced, enable Custom Nonce to rescue stuck transactions by overriding with a replacement tx.
  • Auto-Lock Timer: Set MetaMask to auto-lock after inactivity (Settings → Security & Privacy).
  • Contacts: Save frequently used addresses (Settings → Contacts) to avoid copy-paste mistakes.
  • State Logs (for support): MetaMask → Settings → Advanced → Download State Logs (share only with official support if requested).
  • Connected Sites Review: Periodically review which sites are connected and disconnect those you no longer use.
  • Permit (EIP-2612): Some tokens support “permit,” allowing gas-less approvals by signature. Read prompts carefully.

Security Checklist (Print & Stick Near Your Desk)

  • ✅ Download MetaMask only from metamask.io and verified app stores.
  • ✅ Backup the SRP on paper/metal; never store it in screenshots/cloud notes.
  • ✅ Bookmark official dApps and explorers; avoid search ads.
  • ✅ Use a hardware wallet for savings; hot wallet for daily use.
  • ✅ Approve exact amounts; avoid unlimited approvals.
  • ✅ Revoke old approvals periodically via revoke.cash.
  • ✅ Keep a small gas buffer on your active networks.
  • ✅ Do a small test transaction before moving larger amounts.
  • ✅ Read every signature and transaction prompt fully.

Your First Week with MetaMask: A Mini Roadmap

  1. Day 1: Install, create wallet, secure SRP, add Arbitrum/Base/Optimism via Chainlist.
  2. Day 2: Deposit a small amount of ETH to L2 for gas. Import USDC (verified address) to wallet.
  3. Day 3: Connect to Uniswap (official URL) and do a $10 test swap. Record the tx hash.
  4. Day 4: Try an NFT mint on a reputable test project or view an existing NFT. Learn to read “SetApprovalForAll.”
  5. Day 5: Revoke any time-limited approvals. Practice speed up/cancel. Note gas differences across chains.
  6. Day 6: Explore a reputable bridge for a tiny transfer. Verify balances on arrival and add the token if needed.
  7. Day 7: Document your personal do’s & don’ts (URLs, explorers, revoke cadence, trusted tools list).

FAQ

Can MetaMask recover my wallet if I lose the Secret Recovery Phrase?

No. MetaMask is non-custodial. If you lose your SRP and don’t have a backup, your funds are irretrievable. Protect your SRP above all else.

Is connecting my wallet to a site dangerous?

Connecting alone is not inherently dangerous; it shares your public address. Danger arises when you sign messages or approve token spending. Always read prompts and verify the site.

Why does my balance differ between networks?

ETH and tokens exist per chain. Your address may be the same on multiple EVM chains, but balances are independent. Ensure you’re on the right network in the wallet.

How do I know a token is the real one?

Verify the contract address via official docs or known explorers (Etherscan, Arbiscan, BaseScan). Don’t rely on unofficial token lists or social media.

What if I approved an unlimited allowance?

Use revoke.cash or the explorer token approval checker to reduce or remove it. Then use limited approvals going forward.

Glossary

  • SRP (Secret Recovery Phrase): The 12/24-word seed; ultimate key to your wallet.
  • Gas: Fee paid to include your transaction in a block.
  • Approval: Permission for a contract to spend your tokens.
  • Slippage: Difference between quoted and executed price.
  • L1 / L2: Layer 1 base chain (Ethereum) and Layer 2 scaling networks (Arbitrum, Optimism, Base).
  • Explorer: Website to view blockchain data, e.g., Etherscan.
  • RPC: Remote procedure call endpoint for wallet–chain communication.