Metamask: Guide to the digital wallet 2025

Cryptocurrency guide » Metamask

1. What is MetaMask
2. What is MetaMask used for
3. MetaMask Security
4. KYC in MetaMask
5. How to install MetaMask
6. How to create a wallet with MetaMask
7. How to import an account to MetaMask
8. How to use MetaMask
9. Which networks are available in MetaMask
10. How to add a new network to MetaMask
11. Which coins can I have in MetaMask
12. How to add a new token to MetaMask
13. How to deposit money in MetaMask
14. How to withdraw money from MetaMask
15. How to delete an account from MetaMask
16. Advantages and disadvantages of MetaMask

What is MetaMask?

MetaMask is a browser extension that allows you to interact with decentralized applications (dApps) on the Ethereum network and other EVM-compatible blockchains (Ethereum Virtual Machine). It was created by Consensys, a leading company in blockchain solutions development, and launched in 2016.

The tool works as a digital wallet that stores your cryptocurrencies and allows you to send and receive payments securely. In addition, MetaMask gives you access to a wide range of dApps that offer various services, from games to investment platforms and decentralized finance.

MetaMask is an essential tool for any user who wants to dive into the world of blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Its user-friendliness and wide range of features make it one of the most popular tools in the Ethereum ecosystem.

Currently, it is the most widely used decentralized wallet in the market.

What is MetaMask used for

MetaMask is a multifunctional tool that allows you to:

• Store your cryptocurrencies securely.
• Send and receive payments.
• Interact with dApps on the Ethereum network and other EVM-compatible blockchains.
• Access decentralized financial services (DeFi).

With MetaMask, you can do everything you would do with a conventional digital wallet, but with the additional advantage of having access to a wide range of dApps and decentralized services. Additionally, MetaMask integrates with your browser, making it very easy to use.

Being the most widely used wallet, virtually all dApps and DeFi services are compatible with MetaMask.

In addition, over the years MetaMask has developed several utilities that you can perform natively in the wallet itself, without the need to connect to any DeFi website. Specifically, you can perform swaps directly in MetaMask and exchange tokens from one network to another through its bridge, although this last function is still in beta phase and can only be done through its web extension. In reality, MetaMask performs these functions by connecting to DeFis without the user directly interacting with their web pages.

MetaMask Security

MetaMask is a very secure tool, especially compared to wallets offered by centralized exchanges (such as Binance or Coinbase).

This is due to the concept of "not your keys, not your money." This means that if you don't have control of your private keys, you don't have control of your cryptocurrencies.

In centralized exchanges, you don't have the keys to your wallets. Instead, you access them through an email and password. Therefore, you are exposed to all the security breaches that these platforms may have, and there have been many cases where users have lost their cryptocurrencies due to hacks on different platforms or even scams, where the owners disappeared with all the money.

However, not everything is perfect with MetaMask either. In this case, you may be exposed to trojans or viruses installed on your PC or phishing attacks, among others. But yes, the security of your cryptocurrencies will depend solely on you and will not be in the hands of third parties.

Nevertheless, it is very important that when creating a new wallet with MetaMask, you follow the measures mentioned in the section of creating a wallet with MetaMask.

In terms of MetaMask software security, your private keys are encrypted and stored on your device, so only you have access to them. In addition, MetaMask uses SSL/TLS encryption to protect your information while using it.

Another related topic is privacy, as MetaMask has started recording users' IP addresses. That is why many people have started using VPN services. We usually use NordVPN as we consider it the best in terms of quality-price ratio. If you register through the following link, you will be able to access discounts of up to 40% if you purchase an annual plan.

However, if you prefer a freemium option (a free option with advanced options available for a small fee), the most recommended one is AtlasVPN, the little brother of NordVPN. With it, you can use MetaMask in a 100% anonymous and secure way.

If you want to increase the security of your MetaMask, it is highly recommended that you follow the tips we provide in the article about MetaMask security.

KYC in MetaMask

Currently, MetaMask does not require users to complete a KYC (Know Your Customer) process to use the tool. However, some of the dApps that you can use with MetaMask may require you to complete a KYC process before using their services.

However, MetaMask does offer an optional identity verification feature for those who wish to use advanced features of the tool, such as buying cryptocurrencies with a credit card. This feature is available through MetaMask partners such as Wyre, Coinbase, or Paypal, and it requires identity verification. MetaMask also complies with industry compliance standards such as the Bank Secrecy Act and Know Your Customer Act.

It is important to note that, although MetaMask does not require KYC, it is always important to research the dApps you are going to use and verify their reputation before depositing your cryptocurrencies.

How to install MetaMask

To install MetaMask, simply visit the official MetaMask website (https://metamask.io/) and follow the installation instructions for your browser. Once you have installed it, you can create a new account or import an existing one.

Always make sure that the page from which you download the extension (or application, if you are on mobile) is the official website to avoid any kind of scams. Also, make sure that your device is free of viruses and malware.

It is important to note that MetaMask is only compatible with certain browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Brave.

How to create a wallet with MetaMask

To create a wallet with MetaMask, follow these steps:

1. Download and install MetaMask in your browser. The extension can be found on the official MetaMask website.
2. Once you have installed MetaMask, click on the icon in the upper right corner of your browser to open the tool. We recommend disconnecting from the internet from this moment until the wallet is created, to avoid security issues.
3. Select "Create Account" from the dropdown menu.
4. Create a strong and unique password for your account. Make sure to save it in a secure place.
5. Click on "Create" to create your MetaMask wallet. At this step, you will be given your keys, also known as seed phrase: a series of 12 words that will allow you to access your wallet. It is very important to write them down on paper. Do not take a photo of them, or save them on your computer or phone, as these devices are connected to the internet and are exposed to hacking. There have been many cases where someone's funds were stolen because they had a photo of their keys in the camera roll of their mobile phone.
6. Your MetaMask account is now created. You can see your account address and the current balance of your cryptocurrencies.
7. To add funds to your wallet, simply select the currency you want to receive and share your wallet address with the person or platform that will send the funds. You can copy your MetaMask address by clicking on the account name ("Account 1" by default) or in the "Account Details" section that appears when you click on the three dots in the upper right corner.

Remember that it is important to keep your MetaMask password secure and never share it with anyone. Additionally, always verify the wallet address before sending funds to ensure that you are sending to the correct address.

How to import an account into MetaMask

If you already have a cryptocurrency account on another platform and you want to import it into MetaMask, follow these steps:

1. Click on the MetaMask icon in your browser
2. Select "Import Account" from the drop-down menu
3. Enter your account information (private key, recovery phrase, or keystore file)
4. Click on "Import"

Your account will be imported into MetaMask and you can start using it to send and receive cryptocurrencies, interact with dApps, and explore decentralized services.

How to use MetaMask

Once you have installed MetaMask, you can start using it to send and receive cryptocurrencies, interact with dApps, and explore decentralized services. To use MetaMask, simply follow these steps:

1. Create a new account or import an existing one
2. Connect MetaMask to the dApp you want to use
3. Confirm any transactions you make with MetaMask

To send or receive cryptocurrencies, simply select the currency you want to send or receive and follow the instructions on the screen.

MetaMask was originally designed for Ethereum, so when you first install it, it only has the main Ethereum network and some test networks (like Goerli) added. If you want to interact with a different network than Ethereum, you will need to add it to MetaMask first.

Available networks on MetaMask

MetaMask supports several networks compatible with the EVM, including Ethereum, Ethereum Classic, Binance Smart Chain, Polygon (MATIC), Fantom, Oasis (ROSE), Optimism, Arbitrum, Gnosis (xDai), and many others. You can switch between networks at the top of the MetaMask panel.

On the other hand, networks that are not compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine cannot be used with MetaMask, and you will need to use a specific wallet for those networks. Some blockchains that are not compatible with the EVM (and therefore cannot be used with MetaMask) are Solana, Cardano, Cosmos, Polkadot, or Kadena.

How to add a new network to MetaMask

If you want to add a new network to MetaMask, follow these steps:

1. Click on the MetaMask icon in your browser
2. Select "Settings" from the dropdown menu
3. Select "Networks" from the left menu
4. Select "Add Network" at the bottom of the screen
5. Enter the information of the network you want to add and click on "Save"

Once you have added the new network, you can switch to it from the MetaMask panel. There is also a way to automatically add blockchains to MetaMask, which you can discover in the article on how to add new networks to MetaMask.

What coins can I have in MetaMask

As we have mentioned, MetaMask accepts the Ethereum network and those compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). Therefore, you can have tokens developed using the ERC-20 standard, which is the standard used for token development on Ethereum.

Each blockchain has a corresponding standard to ERC-20 for its tokens. For example, on the Binance Smart Chain (BSC), the standard is called BEP-20. Therefore, BEP-20 tokens will also be compatible with MetaMask.

Really, the question you have to ask yourself is whether the token's blockchain is compatible with MetaMask, as all tokens from these networks will be compatible with MetaMask.

How to add a new token to MetaMask

To add a new token to MetaMask, follow these steps:

1. Open MetaMask in your browser and make sure you are on the correct network.
2. Click on the "Add token" button at the bottom of the MetaMask panel.
3. Select the "Custom token" option at the bottom of the screen.
4. Enter the contract address of the token in the "Contract address" field. If you don't have the address, you can find it on a block explorer like Etherscan.
5. Enter the token symbol in the "Symbol" field and the number of decimals in the "Decimals" field.
6. Click "Add token" to add the token to your MetaMask wallet.
7. Once the token has been added, you will be able to see it in the MetaMask panel and use it to send and receive transactions.

It is important to note that not all tokens are compatible with MetaMask and some tokens may require you to adjust the MetaMask network settings in order to view them. If you are having trouble adding a token, read the article on how to add tokens to MetaMask. You can also seek help from the MetaMask documentation or cryptocurrency community forums.

How to deposit money in MetaMask

First of all, remember that MetaMask is not a tool for depositing fiat money (i.e. national currency like euros or dollars). It is a tool for managing cryptocurrencies. To deposit cryptocurrencies into MetaMask, you will need to send the cryptocurrencies from another wallet or platform to your MetaMask address.

To deposit cryptocurrencies into MetaMask, follow these steps:

1. Open MetaMask in your browser and make sure you are on the correct network (for example, Ethereum Mainnet or Binance Smart Chain).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner.
3. Select the account details option.
4. Copy the address of your wallet and paste it into the wallet or platform from which you want to send the cryptocurrencies. Another option is to scan the QR code with your mobile phone. In this case, MetaMask has a bug: It always adds the words "ethereum:" in front of the address, regardless of the blockchain you are on. If this happens, feel free to delete them in all cases, both the word "ethereum" and the colon ":". The address should start with "0x".
5. Enter the amount of cryptocurrencies you want to send. Double-check that the destination wallet address is correct, the one in MetaMask. Remember it should start with "0x".
6. Click on "Send" and follow the instructions of the wallet or platform to complete the transaction.

Another faster way to copy the MetaMask address is on the main panel, click on the top where you have named your MetaMask account (by default it is "Account 1"). By simply clicking, you will have copied the address of your wallet.

Once you have sent the cryptocurrencies to your MetaMask address, they should appear in your MetaMask balance. Please note that cryptocurrency transactions can take a few minutes or even hours to confirm, depending on network congestion and the fee you have chosen for the transaction.

To withdraw your cryptocurrencies from MetaMask or send them to another person, follow these steps:

1. Open MetaMask in your browser and make sure you are on the correct network (for example, Ethereum Mainnet or Binance Smart Chain).
2. Click on "Send" to send your cryptocurrencies to another wallet or platform.
3. Enter the destination wallet or platform address and the amount of cryptocurrencies you want to send.
4. Verify that the address is correct and the amount of cryptocurrencies is correct.
5. Click on "Send" and follow the instructions to complete the transaction.

Remember that cryptocurrency transactions can take a few minutes or even hours to confirm, depending on network congestion and the fee you have chosen for the transaction. It is important to consider the fees associated with cryptocurrency transactions and evaluate the risks and benefits before making any transaction.

How to delete a MetaMask account

If you want to delete a MetaMask account, follow these steps:

1. Click on the MetaMask icon in your browser
2. Select the account you want to delete from the dropdown menu
3. Select "Settings" from the dropdown menu
4. Select "Advanced" from the left menu
5. Select "Delete Account" at the bottom of the screen
6. Confirm that you want to delete the account

Your account will be deleted from MetaMask and you will not be able to recover it.

Advantages and disadvantages of using MetaMask

Just like any tool, MetaMask has advantages and disadvantages in its use. Once you have understood what MetaMask is, to conclude the article, we will show you the main ones:

Advantages:

1. App Security: MetaMask has advanced security measures, such as end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication, which protect your cryptocurrencies and tokens. Additionally, being the most widely used wallet in the world enhances its security, as it is continuously tested by millions of people.
2. Compatibility: MetaMask is compatible with a wide variety of cryptocurrencies and tokens, allowing you to manage all your cryptocurrencies in one place.
3. Integration with dApps: MetaMask integrates with virtually all dApps and DeFi applications (on blockchains that are compatible with the EVM), allowing users to access a wide variety of decentralized applications.

Disadvantages:

1. Security risks: Although MetaMask has advanced security measures, there is always a risk of hacks or security errors, which can endanger your cryptocurrencies and tokens.
2. Dependency on internet connection: To use MetaMask, it is necessary to have an internet connection, which means that if you lose the connection, you won't be able to access your cryptocurrencies and tokens.
3. Limited user interface: The MetaMask user interface can be limited for advanced users who want more features and advanced characteristics.
4. Learning curve: While using MetaMask is simple and the user experience is well-developed, it can be somewhat complicated for new users and requires some usage to fully understand it.

In general, MetaMask is a very useful tool for managing cryptocurrencies and tokens in the web browser, but it is important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages before using it. By doing so, you will be able to determine if it is the right tool for your cryptocurrency and token management needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, MetaMask is a very useful tool for managing cryptocurrency wallets in the web browser. It allows users to store, send, and receive cryptocurrencies and tokens, and has a wide variety of functions and features to make cryptocurrency management easier and more secure.

In this guide, we have covered the basics of MetaMask, including its description, its security, and the concept of "Not your keys, not your money," the importance of KYC in MetaMask, how to install and use MetaMask, the networks available in MetaMask and how to add a new network, how to add a custom token, and how to delete a MetaMask account.

With this guide, users should have a complete understanding of how to use MetaMask to effectively and securely manage their cryptocurrency wallet.

It is important to note that cryptocurrencies and tokens are high-risk assets, and thorough research should always be done before investing. But with MetaMask, cryptocurrency management is made easier, and users can have more confidence in the security and accessibility of their digital assets.