In this tutorial, we will walk you through the steps needed to create a wallet Metamask. This is an important process for anyone looking to enter the world of cryptocurrencies, as Metamask is one of the most widely used wallets. With it, you will be able to browse different blockchains and explore all that cryptocurrencies have to offer.
What is Metamask?
Metamask is a cryptocurrency wallet which allows you to store, send and receive digital assets. It also allows you to interact with dapps (decentralized applications) on the Ethereum network. In other words, it’s a convenient way to manage your ETH and other ERC20 tokens.
Usable directly on the browser or via the dedicated application, Metamask is the most famous wallet in the cryptosphere.
Metamask is a non-custodial wallet, this simply means that you are the one and only owner of the wallet thanks to the private key you hold.
MetaMask can be installed as an extension on different browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Brave.
Once you have chosen your browser, go to the official website: https://metamask.io/
The site will automatically detect the type of browser you are using and offer you the correct installation file. Once downloaded, add theMetaMask extension to your browser by following the instructions given.
Once the installation is complete, a fox-shaped icon will appear in the upper right corner of your browser, next to the address bar.
Configuring the Metamask Wallet
To configure your Metamask Wallet, you must therefore first download the extension and then:
- Click on “Create new wallet”
- Then on “I agree”
- Create a password for your account
- Take note of the private key which consists of 12 or 24 words.
To know: Your private key is your only way out in case of loss of password, note it in several copies and do not store them in the same room.
Metamask is not only a wallet, but also an extension allowing you to access different blockchains like Ethereum or Avalanche.
To do this, just click on the fox icon in the upper right corner of your browser and select the network you want to use from the list that appears.
You can also add custom RPC networks by clicking the “Custom RPC” button and entering the network URL.
MetaMask is mainly used to interact with Dapps (decentralized applications). When you visit a Dapp, MetaMask automatically pops up and asks you to sign in.
Once logged in, you will be able to interact with the Dapp as a user. For example, you can buy or sell an NFT, or deposit funds into a smart contract.
MetaMask also allows you to easily switch between accounts. This comes in handy if you want to use different Ethereum addresses for different purposes.
To do this, simply click on the account name in the upper right corner of MetaMask
Warning: Some Web3 hackers will not hesitate to siphon off your Metamask (MM) account when signing a Smart contract, so it is recommended to have several MM accounts to secure your cryptoassets
Tips for Beginners in Web3
Our advice for beginners will mainly touch on the security aspect of Metamask.
Metamask is a non-custodial wallet, so you will only have your private key to recover your account in case of password loss. So, nBe sure to remove your password and private key attached to it directly on a paper or engrave it on an iron plate to protect it from fire. Avoid noting it on your computer in case of a hack.
The web3 is not really a world of care bears and scammers are everywhere, never share your private key.
Having two Metamask accounts will allow you to use one to sign dodgy deals on airdrops that might pay off.