Getting Started: Wallet Extension - MetaMask® Chrome Extension®

Transform Your Browser into a Blockchain Hub The MetaMask® Chrome Extension is a secure, non-custodial crypto wallet that turns Google Chrome into a Web3 portal. As the most trusted Ethereum wallet extension with 30M+ users, it enables seamless access to decentralized applications (dApps), token swaps, and NFT marketplaces while keeping your private keys encrypted on your device.

Key Features

FunctionDescriptiondApp IntegrationOne-click login to Uniswap, OpenSea, and 10,000+ Web3 platformsMulti-Chain SupportEthereum, Polygon, BNB Chain, Arbitrum – add custom networks in secondsToken ManagementHold/swap 500k+ ERC-20 tokens; auto-detect popular assetsBuilt-in SwapsTrade 18k+ coins at competitive rates (MetaMask® Swap)Hardware CompatibilityConnect Ledger®/Trezor® for air-gapped security

Installation & Setup

1.  Download:

• Visit MetaMask.com → Click "Download" → Select Chrome
• Install via Chrome Web Store ⚠️ Only use official sources

1.  Create Wallet:

• Click the fox icon → "Get Started" → "Create a Wallet"
• Set a strong password (encrypts local data)
•  Backup Secret Recovery Phrase:
• Write 12 words manually on paper
• Store offline – never digitally
• Confirm word order

1.  Add Networks:

• Click network dropdown → "Add network" → Enter:
•  Polygon: RPC URL https://polygon-rpc.com, Chain ID 137
•  BNB Chain: RPC URL https://bsc-dataseed.binance.org, Chain ID 56

Secure MetaMask® Login Protocol

1.  Access Wallet:

• Click Chrome extension icon → Enter password

1.  dApp Interaction:

• Visit dApp (e.g., Uniswap) → Click "Connect Wallet" → Select MetaMask®

1.  Transaction Approval:

• Verify details → Confirm with password → Check gas fees

🔒 Critical: Your password decrypts local data only. Recovery phrase = absolute control.

Troubleshooting Guide

IssueSolutionExtension not loadingDisable conflicting extensions; Clear cache"Invalid password"Restore via recovery phraseMissing tokensAdd custom token via contract addressPending transactionsAdjust gas fee (Advanced settings)Network errorsVerify RPC URLs at Chainlist

MetaMask® Chrome Extension FAQ

Q1: Is the MetaMask Chrome Extension safe?

A: Yes when downloaded from Chrome Web Store. Enable auto-lock (Settings → Security) and phishing detection. Never share your recovery phrase.

Q2: Can I use the same wallet on mobile?

A: Yes! Sync via:

1. Mobile app → Settings → Advanced → "Sync with Extension"
2. Scan QR from Chrome extension

Q3: How do I add Bitcoin to MetaMask®?

A: MetaMask® doesn’t support Bitcoin. Use wrapped BTC (WBTC) on Ethereum/Polygon.

Q4: Why are gas fees high?

A: Ethereum network congestion. Adjust fees in "Advanced options" or use Layer 2s like Polygon.

Q5: Can I recover a wallet without the phrase?

A: No. The recovery phrase is your only backup. Store it offline.

Q6: How to revoke dApp permissions?

A: 1) Extension → Settings → Security & Privacy → "Permissions" 2) Click "Revoke" next to suspicious sites