How To Set Up a MetaMask Crypto Wallet (In 2 Mins or Less)
In this article:
How To Set Up a MetaMask Crypto Wallet in 2 Minutes or Less
First on Mobile (jump to section)
Then on Desktop (jump to section)
How To Set Up MetaMask (For Free) In 2 Minutes or Less.
Before we jump in, let’s cover the basics…
What’s the difference between MetaMask and say, Trust Wallet?
Trust Wallet acts like a bank account for all of your crypto. It accepts a wide range of tokens and coins, whereas MetaMask is only compatible with Ethereum based tokens.
If Trust Wallet is like your bank account, MetaMask is like your credit/debit card.
For example: you would never pay for a coffee using a bank transfer (you’d use your credit card instead). You can think of the MetaMask wallet in the same way.
Point is: MetaMask is used for everyday interactions on the Ethereum network.
We’re going to be setting up a MetaMask on both mobile and desktop, so you can use it whenever/wherever (we’re meant to be together).
Ok, enough fun. Let’s get into it.
Step 1 ☝️
Get your phone out, go to the app store and download MetaMask (or click here).
Step 2 ☝️
Open the app and click ‘Get started’ followed by ‘Create a new wallet’.
Step 3 ☝️
Create a strong password and hit ‘Create password’.
Next, you have two options…
Option 1 = the fast option.
Click ‘Remind me later’ and your wallet will be created - BUT! - you will need to write remember to write down the MetaMask created recovery phrase (different from your password) at a later date.
Both for security AND if you want to load this wallet account onto your laptop.
(Jump to Step 5 to learn how to obtain your MetaMask’s public wallet address [think: Venmo username, but for your crypto wallet]).
Option 2 = the slow (and more secure) option.
Click ‘Start’ and proceed to the recovery phrase section below.
Step 4 ☝️
This is the important one!
Click ‘View’ and write down the 12 words shown on the screen in order, on a piece of paper.
Not on your phone, or computer - a piece of paper (computers can be hacked remotely, pieces of paper can’t).
Store that piece of paper in a safe place. Those 12 words will act as a backup, in case you break/lose your phone, delete the MetaMask app, or want to port your wallet to another device.
Do not tell anyone this 12 word passcode, unless you want them to have direct access to your crypto.
Click ‘Continue’ and proceed to tap each word, in ascending order to verify your phrase.
Step 5 ☝️
Congratulations! You now have a MetaMask wallet!
Want to copy/share your public wallet address? Click the ‘Address’ code highlighted above and it will copy to your clipboard.
You can store your Ethereum based crypto tokens & NFTs, use DeFi applications, stake your crypto to earn interest, use decentralized apps (dApps) and buy/sell crypto.
[BONUS] Here’s how to add your newly created crypto wallet, to your computer:
Step 1 ☝️
Go to MetaMask.io and click the ‘Download for chrome’ button.
Step 2 ☝️
Click ‘Add to Chrome,’ add the extension, click the puzzle symbol in the top right hand corner of your browser window, and select the MetaMask icon.
Step 3 ☝️
Click ‘Import an existing wallet.’
Step 4 ☝️
Input the 12 word recovery phrase that you wrote down earlier, and set your password.
Step 5 ☝️
Eeeey, look at that! Your MetaMask is now set up on your computer.